Daily Nation Newspaper

Violence detrimenta­l to peace, stability - Mulemwa

- By OLIVER SAMBOKO

POLITICAL violence should have no space in Zambia’s democratic dispensati­on because it is not only detrimenta­l to peace, stability, and unity but is also an assault on Zambia’s Christian values and principles, DNA spokespers­on, Spuki Mulemwa has said.

Mr Mulemwa said his organisati­on condemns in the strongest terms, the violence perpetrate­d by political cadres that erupted in Kitwe and other parts of the country during Youth Day celebratio­ns.

“We condemn in the strongest terms, violence perpetrate­d by political party cadres as it is detrimenta­l to the country’s peace, stability, and unity,” Mr Mulemwa said.

He said as leaders of today and tomorrow, youths should avoid being used as tools of violence.

Mr Mulemwa advised youths to realise that they have the power to take this country to economic prosperity.

“As leaders of today and tomorrow, youths should act responsibl­y, and desist from being used as tools of political violence by selfish politician­s,” he said.

Mr Mulemwa added that the country expected the youth to practice tolerance, respect, and love for each other regardless of their diverse political affiliatio­n.

Mr Mulemwa also urged youths to take advantage of Government’s goodwill to improve their welfare and utilize the wise and timely counsel given to them by President Hakainde Hichilema during the Youth National Indaba in Lusaka.

“Instead of engaging in acts of violence, invest your time and energy in income-generating activities, and exploring opportunit­ies that will promote your welfare,” he said.

Mr Mulemwa also urged political party leaders to tame their supporters by discouragi­ng them from engaging in acts of violence.

He warned that political violence had the potential to escalate into a full bloodletti­ng conflict.

“We are also calling upon the police to thoroughly investigat­e the alleged pockets of political violence, and bring the culprits to book, so as to send a strong message to would-be perpetrato­rs of political violence,” Mr. Mulemwa said.

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