By JAMES KUNDA –
FIRST Republican president Kenneth Kaunda has welcomed the call by President Edgar Lungu and other leaders for a national stakeholders’ meeting to bring an end to political violence.
Dr Kaunda said the country needed such interventions in the run-up to the August general elections for the purpose of maintaining peace and tranquillity before, during and after the polls. He said the country needed practical programmes that allow people to come together and collectively find a solution to ending political violence.
“There is no substitute for practical action in fostering peace and we need to come together and resolve any tension for the common good of holding elections in an atmosphere of peace,” Dr Kaunda said.
He was speaking in Lusaka on Thursday during the launch of Pillars of Peace Zambia, a non-governmental organisation seeking to rally the nation to continually uphold peace.
He said Zambia was known the world over as a beacon of peace, hence it was incumbent on members of the public to ensure that the status quo was maintained.
Dr Kaunda, who is Pillars of Peace Zambia patron, said the newly-formed institution promised to be useful in intensifying practical efforts towards promoting peace in the country.
At the same event, Pillars of Peace chairperson Lombe Chibesakunda called on Zambians to constantly reflect on the past 51 years through which the country had enjoyed peace.
Justice Chibesakunda, who is former acting Chief Justice, said membership to the organisation, was open to people from all walks of life.
Pillars of Peace interim executive director Evelyn Manda used the event to introduce the organisation’s board of directors that comprises people from a cross section of society.
The board members are Bishop Joshua Banda, Sam Sisulo, Sherry Thole, Mercy Siame, Chilekwa Mwape and former Army Commander Wisdom Lopa.