‘National prayer, fasting day move questionable’
By Thandizo Banda
THE opposition Tonse Alliance says action to move the National Day of Prayer to December 29 raises serious questions about moral credibility on the part of the government.
Spokesperson Dr Lawrence Mwelwa said in an interview the government could not confidently stand before God and the nation in prayer when many questions about its recent conduct remained unanswered.
Dr Mwelwa cited the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya during a state security operation, the imprisonment of opposition figures facing trumped-up treason charges, and the unprecedented closure of courts during the period for challenging election results.
“What exactly would the government be celebrating? On its head there is Kafwaya’s blood. On its shoulders there is the incarceration of opposition leaders on trumped-up treason charges,” he said.
He said although plans to commemorate December 29 were announced earlier, merging the observances now creates an uncomfortable impression about government.
Dr Mwelwa said the government wanted to manage public outrage over what happened during the election so that by December the world would have forgotten.
“Zambia’s international reputation has already faced criticism over human rights and the rule of law. What Zambia needs is not a change of prayer dates, but genuine repentance, accountability, justice and national reconciliation,” he said.
He said it was unreasonable for the government to postpone public anger against its conduct instead of facing it and resolving it once and for all.
“You cannot postpone your conscience to December. You cannot replace justice with religious ceremonies, nor can you ask God to bless what you are unwilling to put right,” he said.
Dr Mwelwa urged government to learn how to handle critical issues of national importance rather than running away in the manner it had done.
“…African elders teach that washing your hands does not cleanse a troubled conscience. Government must demonstrate reconciliation and righteousness before calling the nation to prayer,” he said.
