Lungu urges political leaders to lead by example, shun violence

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops -ZCCB- Secretary General Cleophas Lungu says political leaders have an important role to play in ensuring that there is peace before, during and after the August General Election.

Fr. Lungu has also appealed to political leaders to refrain from using youths to perpetuate violence.

He says political parties should instead encourage youths to be promoters of peace- building in the country.

Fr. Lungu says the church also has a critical role to play in peace building especially as the country moves to the August poll.

He says the church has to advocate for peace and ensure members commit to what Jesus Christ calls Christians to abide by.

Speaking to ZNBC News in Lusaka today, Fr. Lungu said the Catholic church in Zambia is committed to play a prophetic role.

He said the church has come up with a strategy for peace building in Zambia in the run up to the elections.

Fr. Lungu said it is important for the church to engage several stakeholders as the country prepares for the polls.

He said the church has been engaging Government to see areas where they can collaborate to achieve the goal of maintaining peace in the country.

Fr. Lungu further said the church is engaging political parties, both from the ruling and opposition parties.

He has noted that an election is not a competition that should divide the country but should rather be about ideas and competences.

Fr. Lungu has called on political parties to demonstrate that they are responsible enough to lead the people by managing their members. -znbc