DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in the following article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Daily Revelation
Zambia has been a relatively stable country comparatively with other nations both in the region and abroad.
Perhaps of greater interests is that this has earned the nation as a bedrock of peace admired by many nations despite the high tribal demographic strata.
Peace does not come by itself but by carefully, deliberately, and calculated decisions by responsible leadership.
Zambia is credited with the relative stable political environment being experienced today to Kaunda and his selfless friends who by and large ‘fought’ for it when the nation almost disintegrated into regional camps unifying themselves around ethnic backgrounds but promoted and through carefully and deliberately political creche of One Zambia one Nation.
Enhancing and sustaining the peace, can only be accomplished through profound understanding of Zambia’s political history constructed on several considerations among others culture and religion.
Historically, Zambia directly and indirectly was impacted by regional conflicts and until today she is still accommodating several refugees because of political instability from the neighbouring nations. This is our red flag.
The social media today is fraught with discussions around inciting Zambians to attack one another because of different political beliefs, this is highly regrettable.
Discussions around culture and homosexuality has heightened with both government and opposition leadership trading cautiously on this highly divisive but important debate.
However, to continue burying our heads in the sands and brush off conversations around homosexuality and generally, political extremism in Zambia will not stop it but only, perhaps encourage unhealth dialogue which may result into deep divisions among the conservative Christians and cultural activists and the rest.
Government and opposition political leadership must make clear decisions around this issue that keeps flashing in our midst without tangible positions rather than skating around it by everyone. It should be as clear as possible and be in black and white rather than hiding in carefully selected words.
Article 15 of the International Convection on Economic, Soccial Cultural rights (ICESCR) provide for rights in one’s culture. It is a right for Zambians to be absorbed in culture of their own that promote traditions practiced by forefathers without being ashamed.
Nonetheless, Zambians must be worried of political leaders with extremist political agendas that may divide this nation on either tribal/regional blocs or ideologies.
Extremism or sometimes interchangeably referred to as radicalism are political ideas or views which are far from the mainstream political norms. History, suggest that such views often violate common moral values.
The PF Lungu leadership period saw a high volume of political extremisms characterized by intolerance and kleptocracy. Politically, this leadership, divided the nation not on sound political ideals but hate and personal egos.
This was extremely hurting to most Zambians who had no means to voice out themselves over it than through elections. Freedoms were curtailed through brutalism ideology by the cadres who often beat up people with divergent views.
The nation should not wait until as a country crosses a red line but begin to cultivate discussions around promoting oneness and peace building literally.
Opposition political leadership are a shadow government and not different from the ruling class except that they possess no power. Both government and opposition political leadership should encourage their membership to trade on ideas and not insults.
Online media is here also advised too that freedom of expression means just that, It is earned by both being responsible leadership and citizens alike.
Political and freedom of speech should be used to develop others and not to hurt others. Media is therefore, as a fourth estate, should be used responsibly.
Clarity, humility, and respect should be the hall mark of good leaders.
Let us cultivate oneness and not hate.
Francisco Mumba
Peace and Conflict Expert
