PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema on Saturday urged Zambian youths to embrace peace and unity and to serve as "ambassadors of peace" ahead of general elections scheduled for Aug. 13, saying stability is critical to national development. Hichilema made the call while addressing the Lusaka Conference Adventist Youth Ministries Big Sabbath at the Blessings' Centre, which was

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema on Saturday urged Zambian youths to embrace peace and unity and to serve as “ambassadors of peace” ahead of general elections scheduled for Aug. 13, saying stability is critical to national development.

Hichilema made the call while addressing the Lusaka Conference Adventist Youth Ministries Big Sabbath at the Blessings’ Centre, which was filled to near capacity.

“It was inspiring to worship alongside so many young Zambians, full of energy and holding fast to the gospel of Christ,” Hichilema said. “Peace, security, stability and unity are essential ingredients to development…without peace, everything is gone.”

With less than three weeks to the polls, the president asked the church to continue praying for “a peaceful campaign, a peaceful vote, and a peaceful result.”

He told young people they have a responsibility to protect the peace, unity and stability prevailing in the country, warning that development and freedoms are “far-fetched” where there is no peace.

“No young Zambian should ever be used as an instrument of violence, by any politician, of any party. Your future is worth far more than that,” he said.

Hichilema commended SDA youths in the Lusaka Conference for community service, including outreach to the needy. To support their work, the president donated a bus and pledged government support for their charitable activities.

Southern Zambia Union Conference President Vanny Munyumbwe said the SDA church, which has more than 1 million members in Zambia, is committed to praying for peace and for those in authority, as taught in the Bible.

Munyumbwe said the church supports efforts that promote national development, peace and stability. He also commended the government for expanding access to education, investing in infrastructure and strengthening community development.

Hichilema thanked the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the invitation to the special service.

“God is Lord over our nation. May He continue to bless Zambia,” he said.

Zambia will hold general elections on Aug. 13.

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