PRESERVE PEACE

AFRICA today celebrates Africa Freedom Day when historically the continent remembers its colonial past and its forefathers, who sacrificed and lived their lives to bring the continent to what it is today.

A diverse continent of independent self-governing states, a far cry from its modest beginnings.

Africa Day was first held in 1963 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, when 32 countries formed the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU).

Since then, dozens of countries have joined the OAU, which has since been transformed into the African Union.

But even as Africa celebrates its independence from colonialism, it is important for today’s generation to embrace the values of the founding fathers – upholding peace and unity.

With Zambia heading to the August 12 tripartite elections, it is the more reason why Zambians must now more than ever resolve the sanctity of the country.

Zambians must realise that the political differences that on the surface appear to divide them are but superficial.

Their loyalty must be to Zambia as a country whose peace they must defend at all times.

They must appreciate that Zambia has won international acclaim not only for maintaining peace but for also being able to offer refuge to other Africans fleeing from political turmoil in their home countries.

Zambia did not only offer protection to people from the White-dominated South as they fought for their independence, but also accepted refugees from other independent states going through civil strife.

As we have often said, the August 12 elections must not be treated as a matter of life and death. It is just a means of upholding what the country’s forefathers struggled for – to enable Zambians govern themselves, having the freedom to elect their own leaders.

In this vein, anyone who might want to resort to violence would be going against the principles on which the Zambian nation, and even the African Union is built.

Zambians ought to realise that come August 12, the country must come out unscathed from the elections and embrace whoever will be elected at whatever level.

It is the mandate of the people that will have spoken and no one has any right to want to undo what the electorate will have decided.

This is why we have at all times demanded for example that all presidential contenders must commit themselves to accept the will of the people.

No Zambian wants to see any bloodshed in the nation over the elections.

We are glad that President Edgar Lungu has pledged to ensure that there is peace before, during and after the general elections.

We all want the nation to thrive free from civil strife.

When President Lungu addressed the nation yesterday on the eve of Africa Freedom Day, he called on Zambians to invest in the cultural and creative industries.

President Lungu also called on Zambians to care for and protect the historic, natural and cultural heritage so that they remain a valuable resource for present and future generations.

This can only be so when there is peace in the nation.

Let Zambians mark Africa Freedom Day with a commitment to preserve the country’s peace and unity as a tribute to the Kenneth Kaundas.