Lungu praised over reconciliation efforts
A FORMER diplomat has praised President Edgar Lungu for championing dialogue, peace and reconciliation in Zambia as well as at international level.
Ms Dorothy Nachilongo who served as Zambia’s Ambassador to Namibia said by upholding dialogue and reconciliation, President Lungu was helping to promote Zambia as a beacon of peace in the region. Ms Nachilongo also served in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Ms Nachilongo said the stance taken by President Lungu was a clear indication that he wanted Zambia to maintain the country’s image of being a peaceful country.
Ms Nachilongo said President Lungu had exhibited true leadership qualities by ignoring provocation from some sections of society and instead encouraging dialogue and reconciliation among Zambians and also among Africans on the continent.
She also said Zambians should not listen to disgruntled politicians who wanted to divide the nation on tribal, political or religion affiliations.
"When President Lungu is talking about dialogue and reconciliation, some people are busy pulling the other way. A person who does not embrace dialogue and reconciliation does not mean well for the country, especially a peaceful country like Zambia.
"I am happy that President Lungu has been preaching dialogue and reconciliation. Am happy because by doing this, he is promoting Zambia's image of being a 'beacon of peace' in the region. Zambia has been a beacon pf peace and so it is important that it remains like this for the years to come," Ms Nachilongo said.
She advised Zambians to reject politics of divisiveness but instead promote unity in diversity because peace once lost, it was difficult to restore as evidenced from some countries which were experiencing civil wars.
Ms Nachilongo also advised Zambians to have respect for the office of the republican President, saying instead of calling the republican President names and insulting him in the media just because they do not like him as an individual.
She said, while Zambians were free to criticize the government and the republican President, it was only fair that the criticism was being done in a respectful manner.
She also said those criticizing the republican President and his government, should give credit where it was due, instead of turning a blind eye to the good things being done by the government.
"Criticism which is fair and done in a respectful manner is acceptable in any society, but criticism where people become personal and insult the republican President is surely unacceptable. Let us have respect for the presidency.
"Today, we have President Lungu as republican President, tomorrow, it may be you, in that office, are you going to be happy to be insulted? Obviously, No. So please let us be objective and give credit where it is due," She said.