We wish to reiterate our perspective that if nothing is done to curb the continued shrinking media space in the country it might result in a timebomb that has the potential to explode out of control especially that political stakeholders keep harbouring the feeling of being stifled as the country heads towards the August general elections. We say so because all politicians need the media to reach out to their potential voters in all parts of the country amidst COVID-19 which has, to a larger extent, restricted large gatherings.
We feel that in-as-much-as the Zambian government has been condemning such vices of intimidating the media and press freedom, there is much more that needs to be practically done to completely put a stop regarding the repeated acts of radio stations invasions so that an enabling and equal playing field for all political stakeholders is created.
We also want to take this opportunity to reiterate our call to the Zambia Police to effectively portray high levels of professionalism. It is disturbing to note that some political cadres, particularly those from the ruling party, have the audacity to break the law with impunity. The Zambia police need to regain the trust of the Zambian people by professionally and decisively acting on such lawlessness.
As a Church Mother body, we are concerned that citizens are potentially living in fear of what might happen especially during events of political nature when the Zambia Police has a constitutional mandate to protect the rights of the Zambian people.
We further wish to reiterate the importance of practical living by our politicians in accordance with our motto, ‘ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION’.
It is very important for all citizens, especially politicians, to walk the talk on a daily basis. Let us not allow politics to destroy the peace the country has enjoyed since independence.
Romans 12:18 tells us to do all we can to live in peace with everyone.’ We, therefore, call upon every citizen to take personal responsibility to maintain peace. The August 12 general elections are crucial and therefore we wouldn’t want to imagine how the elections might be in the absence of peace. Let us embrace peace and be agents of peace!
Rev. Canon Emmanuel Chikoya
GENERAL SECRETARY
