MUKUNI DENOUNCES POLITICAL VIOLENCE

By ANDREW MUKOMA TRIBALISM and political violence are a hindrance to development, says Senior Chief Mukuni of Kazungula district. Senior Chief Mukuni said tribalism and political violence should not be al- lowed. The traditional leader observed the growing trend by some Zambians agitating political violence while others were taking turns in promoting tribalism. He urged Zambians to remain united and peaceful. Senior Chief Mukuni was speaking when Zambia for Unity, Peace and Development (ZUPED) president Mary Ngoma paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at the weekend. The traditional leader encouraged Ms Ngoma and her team not to lose focus as they denounce violence wherever they will be visiting. He said this would help the organization from being viewed as a partisan institution. The organisation, he said, should engage political players before educating the voters because politicians influenced voters. Ms Ngoma assured the traditional leadership in Zambia of her organisation’s quest of defusing political violence by preaching the right messages. Ms Ngoma said her organization was ready to work with traditional leaders in the province in promoting unity among citizens.