LEAD NATIONAL UNITY EFFORT, MUSHIMBA URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

LEAD NATIONAL UNITY EFFORT, MUSHIMBA URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA Organized People’s Party (OPP) President Eng. Dr. Brian Mushimba has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to take deliberate steps to unite the country and reduce political tensions following the elections. Dr. Mushimba said the level of political polarization and division in Zambia had unfortunately worsened, requiring decisive […]

LEAD NATIONAL UNITY EFFORT, MUSHIMBA URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

Organized People’s Party (OPP) President Eng. Dr. Brian Mushimba has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to take deliberate steps to unite the country and reduce political tensions following the elections.

Dr. Mushimba said the level of political polarization and division in Zambia had unfortunately worsened, requiring decisive leadership from the Head of State.

He said the President had the authority and mandate to lead efforts aimed at rebuilding national unity.

“I believe the President must lead this effort as our Head of State and, in many respects, as the father of the nation,” Dr. Mushimba said.

Speaking on Radio Phoenix’s Let the People Talk, Dr. Mushimba attributed much of the country’s growing divisions to political competition over the past two decades, particularly following the emergence of the UPND and PF.

He said political support had increasingly become associated with particular regions and ethnic identities, creating conditions for tribal politics to take root.

“When politics becomes tribal, reasoning leaves the room,” he warned.

Dr. Mushimba said political parties should compete strongly during elections based on ideas, policies and leadership, but should put differences aside once elections were concluded.

He cited the United States as an example of a democracy where political opponents could unite when national interests were at stake.

“Politics has its place, but when elections are over and governing begins, the country must come first,” he said.

Dr. Mushimba urged President Hichilema, as the election victor, to reach out to political opponents and invite them to contribute to national development.

“There is nothing to lose by extending a hand of friendship,” he said.

He also called on political leaders, members and ordinary citizens to reject tribalism, hatred and intolerance.

“We must arrest this problem now,” Dr. Mushimba said, warning that continued divisions could become difficult to reverse.

He said his concerns were motivated not only by his position as a politician, but also by his responsibility as a Zambian concerned about the country’s future.

“I am worried as a leader. And I believe the time to act is now,” he said.