NKOMBO

By CATHERINE NYIRENDA-
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Mazabuka central Member of Parliament (MP) Garry Nkombo has advised Government not to confine the 10,000 Angolan refugees to be integrated in the country in one area as it might be a catalyst for conflicts.
Mr Nkombo said this in Parliament on Friday when he contributed to the debate on the Report on of the Committee on National Security and
Foreign Affairs moved by MMD Kembe  Member of Parliament (MP), Ronnie Shikapwasha on the integration of 10,000 Angolan refugees.
He said that Government should open up the country rather than confining Angolan refugees in one area to avoid xenophobia or tribalism.
“Zambia is a huge country, there is therefore need to decant these people, if Government is going to continue with what has been happening in the past where you only integrate refugees in Mangango, Lukulu and Kaoma area, the likelihood of xenophobia and tribalism, especially if the traditional leaders of these areas are not part and parcel of this integration process is high,” he said.
He said confining them in one area might also make them feel suppressed and might result in them establishing their own structures contrary to the existing ones and in the end bring about confusion.
He said the ministry should therefore engage local leaders in various parts of the country where there are sparsely populated to allow these
people settle and continue with their social life to create harmony in the country.
Home Affairs minister, Ngosa Syimbaluka agreed with Mr Nkomba and told the House that Government would consider the suggestion.
Dr Simbyakula said Zambia would continue to live in harmony with other countries and continue to work with them to bring about peace in the
troubled places.
“Zambia is home of thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries that have been experiencing civil wars,” he said.
He commended the Zambians and traditional leaders who accommodate these people when they crossed the borders running from wars in their countries.
“Zambians must continue to thank God for the blessing He has continued to shower on us as we have lived in peace for 50 years which was not by accident,” he said.