President Hichilema Praises Chiefs as Pillars of Unity and Development

President Hichilema Praises Chiefs as Pillars of Unity and Development

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended Zambia’s traditional leaders for their vital role in fostering national unity, peace, and community stability. Speaking during a meeting focused on development and cooperation between government and traditional institutions, he described chiefs as essential partners in building a cohesive and prosperous nation.

He credited chiefs with helping resolve local disputes before they escalate, noting their influence in promoting dialogue and maintaining order. “Their work keeps communities calm and creates the conditions for development to take root,” he said.

The President also highlighted how chiefs boost community participation in development projects especially in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. When traditional leaders back these initiatives, he explained, people are more likely to get involved and stay committed.

Collaboration between government and traditional authorities, he stressed, is key to making sure policies reflect local realities. Regular consultation ensures that services like clean water, sanitation, and roads reach those who need them most. “What works on paper must work on the ground and chiefs help bridge that gap,” he said.

He also acknowledged the stabilising role chiefs play during politically or socially sensitive periods. Their guidance, he said, encourages responsible civic engagement and helps keep districts peaceful particularly as the country prepares for major national events.

Cultural preservation was another focus. The President praised chiefs for upholding heritage, instilling values in young people, and reinforcing the social fabric that holds families and communities together.

Looking ahead, he urged traditional leaders to deepen ties with district and provincial offices. Open communication, he said, speeds up service delivery and improves planning. He also called on local government offices to keep chiefs informed about project timelines, budgets, and consultations.

“Chiefs often see challenges before anyone else,” the President noted. Their early feedback, he added, helps adjust plans in real time and direct resources where they’re needed most.

President Hichilema thanked traditional leaders for their steadfast support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside them. “National progress isn’t a solo effort it’s built on trust, partnership, and shared purpose,” he said. “Chiefs aren’t just custodians of tradition they’re catalysts for a united, thriving Zambia.”