President Lungu meets Chiefs in Luampa

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on the people of Western province to co-exist and strive at embracing peace and unity at all times. President Lungu wondered why issues of tribal conflicts have suddenly arisen in places where people lived together and accommodated each other despite belonging to different tribal groupings. The Head of State said this in Luampa district of Western province when he met six chiefs both from the Barotse and the Nkoya Royal Establishments respectively. “There is need for traditional leaders in the two chiefdoms to respect the court ruling on the tribal conflicts between them. He said any member who would be found disregarding the judgement will be breaking the law and will be dealt with according to the prescribed laws,” said President Lungu. President Lungu said issues of tribe should not divide the people in the region, there are about 35 tribes in Western province and all along people co-existed and lived together but what is happening is saddening. “You need to be preoccupied with things that affect the welfare of your subjects such as good health care, education and food, not concentrating on issues that are bringing conflicts amongst yourselves,” said the Head of State. President Lungu added that this is why people needed to support the amendment of Bill Number 10 of 2019 that has a specific article that clearly states how government can help in addressing such matters for the sake of peace and unity. And Chief Siwalyondo of the Barotse Royal Establishment in Luampa district has appealed to President Lungu to protect his chiefdom from the increasing numbers of people masquerading as chiefs resulting in confusion and harassment of his subjects in the locality. Chief Siwalyondo who has lived in the district from 1921, noted that he is now fearing for his life following the death threats that he has continued to receive from his enemies in the area. “I was born here in 1921, but what am seeing today has never happened in my area, a lot of people are claiming to be chiefs and are now following people in their home to collect money. Those who fail to pay are being beaten and threatened, so Your Excellency I need your protection,” stressed the traditional leader. In response, President Lungu assured the traditional leader that he will engage the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that people’s lives and property is protected inspite of their differences. Meanwhile, Chief Kabangu of the Nkoya Royal Establishment has assured President Lungu of his chiefdom’s support and cooperation in order to bring development in the area. Chief Kabangu said government has constructed health posts, a mini hospital, schools and other infrastructures as some of the development that has changed the face of the chiefdom. He said the commitment of the PF government to improve the living standards of the people in the chiefdom has cheered his subjects adding that the entire chiefdom will support the amendment bill number 10 due to its progressive clauses. President Lungu is in Western province for a three days working visit where he is expected to inspect developmental projects, engage with traditional leaders and interact with party officials. - ZANIS