President Hakainde Hichilema has reassured the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) of his government’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights. During a meeting with the Bishops at State House, President Hichilema also apologized for recent incidents of police misconduct in Kabwe and the Copperbelt, calling their behavior unacceptable.
The President informed the Bishops that administrative measures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. He underscored that there is no conflict between his administration and the Catholic Church, reaffirming his respect for the Church’s role in society.
In his address, President Hichilema urged the Church to collaborate with the government in addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing drought, which has exacerbated food insecurity across the country. He provided an update on government initiatives aimed at alleviating the drought’s impact and emphasized the need for joint efforts to secure food resources for the Zambian people.
The President also assured the Bishops that solutions to the current energy crisis are being developed and highlighted the realignment of the 2024 national budget to prioritize critical areas related to drought response.
Archbishop Ignatius Chama, President of the ZCCB, and other Bishops raised concerns about the planned by-elections in nine constituencies, which they believe could strain the national treasury. They also called for a clear roadmap on the Constitution-making process and suggested suspending the new education curriculum to allow for more extensive consultations.
In response, President Hichilema reiterated his opposition to unnecessary by-elections and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the Church in national development efforts.
The State House Press Office issued a statement summarizing the meeting’s discussions on key national issues, including drought, food and energy security, anti-corruption, human rights, and social justice. President Hichilema expressed his gratitude for the Church’s prayers and support in the government’s mission to build a better Zambia for all.
Source: Lusakatimes
