'National Dialogue Will Succeed' Hakainde Hichilema

Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema says he remains optimistic that the launched national dialogue will yield positive results.

Mr Hichilema said he is optimistic that the launch will yield positive results that will not only please Zambians but the region, world and God at large.

The UPND leader joined fellow political leaders, traditional leaders and some of the ambassadors accredited to Zambia in witnessing the launch of the National dialogue and reconciliation at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka Friday morning.

“To those that turned up to what we believe is God’s call we say; Let’s continue placing humanity and our people’s desires first before self glory. For the desires of peace and stability for development are what our creator, God loves,” Mr Hichilema wrote on his Facebook page.

He added, “We have committed ourselves as leaders to placing the interest of our country first before anything else and this we have committed to the national dialogue and before the church. We are Christians and this is why when entreated by our church mother bodies to join in the national dialogue we, without any hesitation, turned up and we shall continue doing so.”

“This is because a country whose citizens don’t talk to each other cannot make progress. In fact God our creator does not rejoice seeing his children maiming each other.”

Mr Hichilema said the UPND shall wait upon the church to further guide the political parties.

“This dialogue is not about Hakainde or indeed any other citizen but it’s about restoring normalcy in our country, freedoms and rights, good governance, peace and stability for development to thrive. Clearly, as citizens we agree that we need to move our country forward. This is evidenced by the turn out to today’s national dialogue launch called by the Church,” he stated.

“Over time and in our journey of seeking public office, we have learnt the art of listening to everyone including those who do not agree on how we should run public office and this we shall continue doing even when in government. This is because we will not only want to make our democracy thrive but also our Christian faith.”

He said, “To those that may not agree to the church led dialogue, we say; there is still time for soul searching and placing the interest of the over 17 million Zambians first.”