. Archbishop Mpundu

By STELLA SIMUTOWE, CHILA NAMAIKO and REBECCA MUSHOTA –
LUSAKA Catholic Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu has called on politicians to use Easter as a time to restrain their youths from engaging in violence.
Bishop Mpundu said in an interview that politicians should take advantage of the Easter period to reconcile with one another.
He said Zambia did not seem to be peaceful because of the recent violent attacks by cadres on each other and members of the public.
Archbishop Mpundu said this had resulted in many people condemning politicians and accusing them of instigating violence.
“A peaceful nation is one where there is acceptance for others, their right to exist and even their right to be wrong,” he said.
The prelate said top political leaders had the key to change the nation by taking justice to all who long for it.
He said hatred and war did not have the last word but Jesus had the last word of what should happen in the country today.
Archbishop Mpundu said Good Friday was a reminder to all Christians in the country to take time to reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ.
Chief Chipepo of Gwembe District in Southern Province has challenged politicians to firmly use the Easter period to reconcile, show love to each other and work together to emulate the leadership of Jesus Christ.
He said political leaders had a big role to play by influencing their party members to embrace peace and unity which were important ingredients in fostering national development.
The Chief said in an interview yesterday that reconciliation among political leaders was significant for the unification of the country.
“As we celebrate this Easter period, it is important that we start by respecting each other, and on the part of politicians, I think it is important for them to use this period to reconcile and begin a new
chapter of embracing love, peace and unity,” he said.
Chief Chipepo said the August 11 general election should not bring division through political violence, hence the need for political leaders to lead by example to embrace peace, love and unity.
Meanwhile, some residents of Lusaka have commended President Edgar Lungu for urging Patriotic Front (PF) cadres not to be vengeful, but to embrace peace.
Some callers to Millennium Radio’s Voice of development programme said Mr Lungu had set a good precedent that other political leaders should follow.
A caller only identified as Mwiinga said the onus was on the police to act against violent youths regardless of which party they belonged to, because the President had made his position clear.
Another caller called Brother Andrew said violence was not worth engaging in and that Mr Lungu’s message should be acted upon.