Reject tribalism, embrace unity-UNIP

Reject tribalism, embrace unity-UNIP

By Adrian Mwanza

UNITED National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has called on Zambians to embrace national unity, saying no one person or tribe is superior to another.

Speaking during a luncheon to celebrate Zambia’s freedom fighters on Saturday, Bishop Mwamba said all citizens

were God’s children, regardless of religion, colour, creed, gender tribe, and nationality.

Bishop Mwamba said his party’s enduring vision was rooted in prayer and commitment to national cohesion and non-tribalism.

“It was the ultimate declaration for independence, a refusal to let ethnic division replace colonial rule. This principle of national cohesion, rooted in love, peace, justice, unity, and the appreciation of our rich diversity, must be fiercely defended against the currents of division we see rising today,” he said.

Bishop Mwamba said the country needed to be reminded, especially now in the dark moment of Zambia’s history, which was overshadowed by tribalism.

He said the current political leadership needed to be inspired to walk in the path of ethical leadership that motivated freedom fighters to achieve the country’s independence.

Bishop Mwamba said Zambia needed honest men and women of integrity in the executive, judiciary, legislature, and the media as the fourth estate.

He said freedom fighters like Dr Vernon Mwaanga, among others, were driven by a spirit of selflessness, integrity and vision.

“Our freedom fighters are inspirational. On attaining our independence, you focused on our economic, educational, industrial, technical, and scientific development,” he said.

In global politics, Bishop Mwamba said Zambia’s leadership commanded respect through its diplomatic wisdom and its counsel was frequently sought and highly valued.

“For those of you who may not be aware of the significance of Dr Mwaanga’s contribution to the development of our foreign policy, I have this example to share. In 1971, a motion [Resolution 2758] concerning the People’s Republic of China’s entry into the United Nations was adopted; it was co-sponsored by Zambia by Dr Mwaanga, who was then our Permanent Representative at the UN,” he said.

Bishop Mwamba said Dr Mwaanga was a key figure in the campaign to restore China’s seat, after working closely with other African and Asian diplomats such as Dr Salim Ahmed Salim of Tanzania.

He said the country could not let the values for which the freedom fighters fought be forgotten and destroyed.

“We cannot betray you. Seeing you here, we rededicate ourselves to the values you have bequeathed us, by committing ourselves to building a better Zambia united in peace, justice, and equitable economic prosperity,” he said.