Xenophobia is Un-Zambian

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Sempundu Alexis, a rwandese, emptying his shops under the ZP cover. ., - Lusakavoice.com
Sempundu Alexis, a rwandese, emptying his shops under the ZP cover. ., - Lusakavoice.com

On April 18th 2016 our country made headlines on the international media for what is termed as xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals which according to reports have left one person dead.  It is clear that Zambians are tired and frustrated with the ritual killings that have taken place in the last few weeks in some parts of Lusaka.

Although the people are frustrated and aggrieved over the ritual killings, the xenophobic attacks are un-Zambian and uncalled for as they have potential of denting Zambia’s image as the beacon of peace and unity not only in the Southern African region but the African continent as a whole.

In the interest of preserving the peace and unity this country has always enjoyed, I therefore call upon the Zambia Police Service to act swiftly and arrest the situation to serve our country from further embracement.  I also call for calm among all Zambians and allow the police to do their work and bring those involved in the alleged ritual killings to book.

The behaviour of those involved in these xenophobic attacks are portraying a picture that as a country we are slowly forgetting who we are. We are a CHRISTIAN nation and that is the basis on which this country ought to be governed. The bible in the book of Romans 12:19 command us as Christians never to take revenge “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written: “It is mine to revenge; I will repay,” says the LORD.” This is the principle as a nation we need to embrace.

As a nation, we have to be mindful that as citizens we have friends and family living in other countries who maybe victims of such attacks should our friends in those countries decide to react. The behaviour we are portraying is uncivilised and inhuman. Our people have decided to take the law in their hands going against what is prescribed in our laws.  Continuing on this path is not only dangerous for us as a country but has a bearing on how the international community will interpret such behaviour.

Finally I want to call upon the church to guide the nation through prayer at this critical time especially that we will soon be going for the general elections.  Let us avoid taking the law in our own hands and always remember that we are a Christian nation and xenophobia is un-Zambian.

David Kapoma

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