Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a solemn call for peace, love, and unity across the nation, seven days after the passing of the country’s sixth republican president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
In a statement addressing the nation late Thursday night, President Hichilema extended his thoughts to the bereaved Lungu family, saying their pain is shared by many Zambians who respected and honoured the former Head of State.
He said Zambia is in mourning not only for President Lungu but also for the last of the six men who led the republic before him. President Hichilema said:
In this moment of collective grief, I wish to make a solemn call, a call for peace, a call for love, and a call for unity.
He urged citizens to embrace the bereaved family, the Patriotic Front (PF) party, and their supporters with compassion and solidarity.
He stressed that political differences should not lead to enmity but rather define participants in a “dynamic democracy” with shared aspirations
President Hichilema acknowledged that pain might manifest as anger for some but called for understanding, patience, and national restraint.
He appealed to members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), other political parties, and all national stakeholders to respond with dignity, empathy, and respect. The Resident warned:
Do not allow yourselves to be drawn into provocation or division fueled by those who seek to exploit our pain for political gain.
However, the President also made it clear that “we shall not allow lawlessness, disorder, or anarchy to take root. We are a nation built on the rule of law, and that law must prevail without fear or favour.”
As a Christian nation, President Hichilema called upon Zambians to turn to God for wisdom, comfort, and guidance. He stressed the importance of setting aside differences and working together for the common good. He urged:
Let love lead. Let unity bind us. Let our conduct reflect the greatness of our spirit as Zambians.
President Hichilema reaffirmed his sacred duty to serve all citizens regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, race, or creed.
He implored Zambians to show the world their grace and dignity even in sorrow, believing that “good shall always triumph over evil.” He added:
… let us allow the people of Zambia to bid farewell to their former President with the respect and honour that befits the high office he once held.
We trust in God, we trust in his purpose for our nation. May we mourn together, in dignity, in unity, and above all, in love.
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