SIWILA PREACHES DIALOGUE AND RECONCILIATION, SAYS ZAMBIA MUST MOVE ON

SIWILA PREACHES DIALOGUE AND RECONCILIATION, SAYS ZAMBIA MUST MOVE ON

FORMER PF National Youth Chairman Benja Siwila has urged political leaders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, saying Zambia must now move forward following the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Siwila was commenting on a statement by former PF Secretary General and BM8 ECL Movement National Chairperson Davies Mwila, who appealed to President Hichilema to pursue reconciliation.

Mr Siwila said the inauguration and formation of a new government were evidence that the country had entered a new phase and should focus on national development.

“The fact that the inauguration has taken place and a government is now in place is, in itself, sufficient evidence that the country must move forward,” he said.

He said, regardless of lingering grievances, Zambians shared one country and should work together to develop it.

“We have one country to live in, one country to build and one country to develop together,” Mr Siwila said.

He said he was encouraged by President Hichilema’s inauguration speech, particularly the President’s call for national growth, healing and inclusion of people willing to contribute to development.

Mr Siwila said political leaders should place national interests above personal and political considerations, arguing that ordinary citizens were already focused on their families, livelihoods and economic challenges.

He said political leaders had a responsibility to create conditions that would allow citizens to move forward peacefully and confidently.

“I believe some of the obstacles to reconciliation are largely at the level of political leadership,” he said.

Mr Siwila said there was still an opportunity for meaningful dialogue involving Church Mother Bodies and other stakeholders.

“There is hope for Zambia,” he said.

He urged all political players to put Zambia first and embrace dialogue, reconciliation and national healing.