By 
Zambia is not at war and remains peaceful, stable and democratic following its recent general election, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe told the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.
Delivering Zambia’s General Debate Statement at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, Haimbe said the peaceful conduct of the elections before, during and after voting demonstrated the Zambian people’s commitment to constitutional governance.
Haimbe thanked Zambians for participating in the democratic process and for renewing confidence in the leadership, while also expressing appreciation to international election observation missions for their support.
He said Zambia’s democratic journey was anchored in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government through periodic and genuine elections.
“It is important to emphasize that Zambia is not at war. Zambia is a peaceful, stable and sovereign nation,” Haimbe told the Assembly.
The minister said the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the country throughout the electoral period reflected national unity and respect for the rule of law.
“Despite the political differences that naturally accompany a democratic election, Zambia has demonstrated that such differences can and must be managed peacefully and through the established constitutional and legal institutions,” he said.
He cautioned against interpreting Zambia’s democratic process as conflict or instability, stressing that political contestation was a normal feature of democracy.
“Our democratic process should never be mistaken for conflict or instability,” Haimbe said.
Read More: Archbishop Banda reportedly summoned by Drug Enforcement Commission
Haimbe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Zambia’s long-standing tradition of peace and ensuring that political differences were addressed through due process of law.
“We will continue to ensure that political differences are addressed through the due process of the law and will take all necessary measures, within the confines of our Constitution and laws, to prevent political disputes from degenerating into violence,” he said.
Haimbe said the government would not allow political disputes to degenerate into armed mobilisation, insurgency or the emergence of militia groups.
“Our message is clear: Zambia is at peace, Zambia is open for partnership, and Zambia is ready to grow,” he said.
The minister invited cooperating partners, investors, the private sector and the international community to continue working with Zambia to advance the Grow Zambia Agenda through investment, innovation, technology and development cooperation.
He said Zambia was positioning itself as a destination for investment and trade, with opportunities in mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism and digital services, supported by peace and stability.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments