ZAMBIA AT 62: CF CAN’T DANCE WHILE FRIENDS INCARCERATED
The opposition Citizens First (CF) says the best way to honour people who fought for independence is by delivering a just, peaceful and united Zambia rather than holding parades.
In a statement to journalists, CF vice-president Mary Zambezi said the nation should mark its 62nd independence anniversary with deep reflection instead of celebration.
She stated that the struggle for independence was not given but was wrestled from the hands of oppression through hard work, torture, persecution, imprisonment and the loss of loved ones.
Ms Zambezi advanced that this occurred through the shedding of innocent blood and that such sacrifice should never be reduced to decoration.
She said that in 1961, when she was six years old, uniformed and plain-clothed men took her mother away at dawn while her father was already in prison as a political prisoner.
Ms Zambezi affirmed that three children aged six, four and two were left alone in an empty house for two days until an uncle rescued them.
She emphasised that the uncle later died in the struggle, like thousands of other nameless and fearless Zambians.
She said that at 62 the nation must ask with brutal honesty whether this is the Zambia and the freedom for which freedom fighters died.
Ms Zambezi stated that true independence is more than a flag and an anthem and requires citizens to speak without fear, live without persecution and access justice without favour.
She said that Citizens First chooses reflection over celebration because it cannot dance while friends are incarcerated or pretend all is well when many Zambians are hurting.
Ms Zambezi called on the nation to remember those in custody and families carrying scars of the struggle, to return to the altar of One Zambia, One Nation and to reject tribalism with contempt.
She emphasised that Zambia should live its declaration as a Christian nation through love, forgiveness, justice, peace and unity, and that freedom must be guarded and peace protected.
CITIZENS FIRST WILL NOT TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The Citizens First is not taking part in this year’s Independence Day celebrations, which have been held annually on October 24 since 1964, citing governance challenges.
Party Secretary General Martin Kaluba said the party, led by Dr. Harry Kalaba , feels it is not necessary to celebrate, considering the pain the country has allegedly endured.
Mr. Kaluba claims that several colleagues, including Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others, are incarcerated, with most of them yet to be taken to court.
He further said the family of Mutotwe Kafwaya is still mourning and that the government has not issued a comprehensive report on what transpired.
He argues that independence is about freedom of expression and freedom of movement, alleging that people currently cannot speak freely or criticize the government. He added that positive criticism is healthy for the country.
Citizen first secretary general.
Martin kaluba.