Xenophobia remarks irk chiefs
…the scourge should not be condoned in Zambia - Chief Chikanta
XENOPHOBIA should not be condoned in Zambia as its repercussions have a devastating effect on the economy as well as society, says Chief Chikanta of Kalomo.
The chief was speaking in the wake of Police recording a warn and caution-statement from Roan Member of Parliament, Chishimba Kambwili over his alleged remarks inciting violence against Chinese nationals.
Police in Ndola have recorded a warn and caution statement from the expelled Patriotic Front member and former Information and Broadcasting minister for proposing violence against Chinese investors in Luanshya.
And Chief Chikanta said it was wrong for anyone to incite citizens to rise against foreign nationals regardless of any pressing matter.
The traditional leader reiterated that xenophobia should not be condoned in Zambia regardless of who the targeted audiences were.
He warned that the scourge had devastating effects on the economy and also affects communities as a whole.
Chief Chikanta explained that xenophobic attacks scare away investors, adding that it was the local people who suffered in the end.
“It is wrong to incite people to rise against anyone, whether it’s Chinese or any foreign nationals. These people are called by the government to come and invest here. Like that they are scared away, so xenophobia should not be condoned,” said Chief Chikanta. Chief Chikanta advised that Chinese nationals should be engaged to correct things if there was any anomaly.
Meanwhile, Chief Chikwanda of Mpika advised Mr Kambwili to think before saying anything, adding that it was unwise for a leader seeking public office to utter such xenophobic remarks.
He wondered how a person, with Presidential ambitions could propose violence against individuals creating jobs in a nation.
“It is better to think before you ink, that is what Mr Kambwili should do. He should think before he opens his mouth, it’s better to think twice. Honestly how can a person vying for the highest office in the land talk like that?” he questioned.