Guard peace jealously, Lungu prods Zambians
LET us guard our peace jealously and resolve conflicts through dialogue if the country is to continue enjoying economic development, President Edgar Lungu has said. President Lungu said that there could never be sustainable development if there was no peace in a country. He said that Zambians should strive to ensure that peace was preserved and promote dialogue in resolving differences.
The President said this at the centenary commemorations to mark 100 years after the end of World War One in Mbala.
Mr Lungu said that it was gratifying that after the hosting of the Centenary commemorations the world would now know Zambia not only as a Southern African state but also as a pioneer of peace because the country played a significant role in events surrounding the end of the First World War.
He called upon the global community to acknowledge and record that the last bullet of the First World War was actually fired on Zambian soil.
President Lungu also directed ministers of General and Higher Education to consider reviewing the education curriculum regarding the events of the First World War.
"The presence of so many dignitaries representing several states at this momentous function highlights the importance of world peace which was born as a result of the events of 100 years ago when the rivalries of the First World War ceased. Perhaps it will not be far fetched to state that peace was actually born here," he said.
And grand president of the royal Commonwealth ex-services league, general Lord Richards called on Zambians not to forget the contribution of African soldiers who fought in the First World War.
Meanwhile, Northern province minister Brian Mundubile said that the peace the country was enjoying would not have been there had it not been for the sacrifice made by forefathers who participated in global conflict.
Mr Mundubile reiterated that the rest of the world needed to know about the significant role Zambia played in the war.
He said that this untold story would help market the country as a world class tourism destination for many years to come.The minister also said that it was the duty of the current generation to hand over to future generations the spirit of global peace and stability.
The event which was held at the place where the last bullet was fired during the First World War was characterised by colourful military drills.
Earlier, President Lungu witnessed defence marine officers retrieve weapons which were thrown in Lake Chila in Mbala after the Germany forces surrendered to British soldiers, marking the end of the World War 1 in 1918.
The President also toured Moto Moto Museum where he was briefed about the role African soldiers played in the first World War and the old Mbala prison.