National dialogue to be all inclusive - Sumaili

TRADITIONAL leaders and other religion groups in Zambia are welcome to participate in the national dialogue, says minister of national guidance and religious affairs Reverend Godfridah Sumaili.

Rev Sumaili said no one would be excluded from the long-awaited national dialogue because all were affected by what was prevailing in Zambia.

The minister said the participation in the national dialogue would be all inclusive.

Rev Sumaili said the dialogue was an opportunity to find lasting solutions to what was prevailing in Zambia, adding that even if Zambia was a Christian nation, it was important to embrace other religions.

Rev Sumaili said government believed that other religions in the Zambia would offer solutions in trying to iron out issues affecting the country.

Islamic Council of Zambia recently appealed to her ministry to allow it participate in the national dialogue.

“Our Friends the Muslim community know that the ministry has reached out to them every time we have meetings so they will surely participate in this important event,” she said.

The minister further said traditional leaders played a critical role in the governance of the country, therefore, they could not be left out of this important event.

She said traditional leaders would always be involved in issues concerning the welfare of the country.

Meanwhile she said there was progress in setting up the date for the event.

Rev Sumaili said the Church was working round the clock to ensure that the process was expedited because the people of Zambia were eager to know the day when the important event would take place.