Chiefs Raise Concern Over Political Violence

The House of Chiefs has expressed concern over the country’s volatile political situation ahead of the January 20, 2015 presidential election.
During the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Chiefs in Lusaka yesterday, House chairperson senior chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II said they were alive to the fact that Zambia had had many peaceful power transitions, which had made the country recognised regionally and internationally as an oasis of peace. She said the chiefs regretted that the peace and unity that Zambia had enjoyed since independence was under threat. “The House of Chiefs, on behalf of all Their Royal Highnesses in Zambia, wishes to strongly condemn the violence that is being perpetuated by some political parties,” chieftainess Nkomeshya said.
“The House is saddened by media reports about violence in the former (MMD) and current (PF) ruling parties. It is the House’s view that this does not only affect those who are aspiring to ascend to power and their parties but has a negative effect on the peace and unity of the country, especially women and children, now and in the future.” She appealed to Zambians, especially the women and the youth, to desist from being used as tools of violence by selfish and power-hungry politicians. Chieftainess Nkomeshya said there was need for those aspiring to be leaders to remember that in a democratic set-up, it was not the leaders that imposed themselves on people but that it was the people that elected who should lead them. “The chiefs remain vigilant and watchful.
As custodians of our people and the peaceful culture that Zambia has enjoyed for a long time, the chiefs strongly condemn the violence and urge the leaders of the parties concerned to exhibit maturity, restraint, patience, tolerance and love for one another,” said chieftainess Nkomeshya.