ZAMBIA IS DIVIDED – SAKI – Scoop Newspaper

By Kalobwe Bwalya

THERE is a deep division in our country that has been caused by political misunderstandings and has also caused confusion on the side of political leadership, United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota has observed.

In an interview, Mr. Sikota said it was sad that Zambia had been split into regional and tribal lines that never existed before and that should not be entertained.

He explained that following the forefathers of the doctrine of One Zambia, One Nation motto, there were no tribal divisions because Zambians treasured peace and harmony in the country.

He said Zambia had dedicated leaders who treasured peace and love for the nation which was currently an opposite vision, adding that there was a need for quick interventions.

He said there was a need for all political parties to continue embracing one another’s political views and stop intimidating the opponents especially when one spoke the truth.

He explained that when talking of a united Zambia, one cannot downplay the pivotal role the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 played which put Zambia together for peace and harmony in the country.

“On behalf of United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), I seek that we reflect on where Zambia is coming from and navigate where the country is going and unite in our diversity as well to foster the development of the nation,” Mr. Sikota said.

He said Zambia broke the chains of colonialism hence the need to break the chains of regionalism and tribalism lines across the country and get back to the dream of One Zambia, One Nation.

He stated that without unity and sacrifices, Zambia would have not earned the independence from colonists that the country was enjoying now.

He noted that the Government had a duty to break the growing regionalism which was a threat that could tear the country apart as Zambia was a democratic country.

He advised the Government to take a leading role in preaching peace among the citizens and desist from issuing statements that would put fear in the people of Zambia.

The opposition leader advised that the Head of State should ensure that the country remained united and that peace must continue prevailing in the country.

“There is a need for everyone to take a leading role when it comes to talking about peace and unity in the country and also the Head of State should be the role model and the beacon of peace to preach about the importance of peace,” he said.