Prominent chiefs from Eastern Province have called for reconciliation and unity between President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu. The traditional leaders have expressed their concern over the current tension between the two leaders and its potential negative consequences for the country’s development and unity.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni,of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, emphasized the importance of finding common ground for President Hichilema and former President Lungu to work together in the interest of national development. He stressed that their ongoing discord could lead to division and hinder the progress of the nation.

During a courtesy call on President Hichilema at Community House, Paramount Chief Mpezeni also encouraged the current head of state to remain focused on serving the citizens despite negative voices and distractions. He assured President Hichilema that he is on the right path to fulfilling his promises and improving the lives of the Zambian people.

Senior Chief Nsefu, urged the government to collaborate closely with traditional leaders, as they are representatives of the people and play a crucial role in maintaining harmony and unity within communities.

In response, President Hichilema emphasized the significance of dialogue in addressing various issues that may arise. He reiterated his government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people by effectively managing the country’s resources and fostering cooperation among all stakeholders.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s counsel for reconciliation and unity aligns with the broader call for peace and cooperation in Zambia. The traditional leaders also called for upholding the legacy of the late founding father, Kenneth Kaunda, emphasizing the principle of “one Zambia, one Nation.”

In addition to encouraging reconciliation, Paramount Chief Mpezeni raised concerns about the escalating price of mealie meal and urged the government to address this issue to alleviate the stress it has caused among citizens.

The government, through the Ministry of Information and Media, has raised concerns over the recently released documentary titled “The Grand Scheme.” The documentary, produced by a foreign news agency and a foreign government, has stirred controversy for its content, which includes allegations of political conspiracies and regime change in Zambia and neighboring countries.

In a press statement, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP, the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, criticized the participation of Zambian individuals, including Fred M’membe, Emmanuel Mwamba, Chilufya Tayali, and Raphael Nakachinda, in the documentary.

She stated that these individuals, whom she referred to as “charlatans,” should not be allowed to jeopardize Zambia’s friendly relations with Zimbabwe.

Minister Kasanda expressed her dismay at how these individuals allegedly discredited their own country and leader for international acclaim, causing reputational damage to Zambia.

She labeled them as failed politicians attempting to solicit foreign support to destabilize Zambia’s constitutionally elected government.

She further noted that these individuals appeared to be motivated by their aversion to President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government.

Additionally, the Minister highlighted that the government was concerned about the documentary’s smear campaign against Dr. Nevers Mumba, who was involved in SADC-related activities.

She urged Zambian citizens to discern the intentions of these opposition leaders, questioning their patriotism and morality levels.

In response to the allegations, Dr. Nevers Mumba, a prominent figure in the documentary, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the content and its producers.

Dr. Mumba accused the five Zambians—Fred M’membe, Given Lubinda, Raphael Nakachinda, Emmanuel Mwamba, and Chilufya Tayali—of collaborating with Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation to produce a “reckless” and “anti-Zambian” documentary.

Dr. Mumba argued that the documentary went beyond politics, characterizing it as national sabotage and espionage. He contended that the documentary contained false claims, defamation, and insults against him and President Hakainde Hichilema.

He emphasized the gravity of suggesting that a sitting President is working to overthrow neighboring governments on behalf of Western interests, considering it a threat to national security.

Dr. Mumba called for a thorough investigation into the matter, suggesting that the justice system should take an interest in addressing this alleged breach of national security.

President Hakainde Hichilema will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo at the 78th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly which is taking place from 18th to 26th of September, 2023 in New York.

Mr Kakubo is scheduled to address the General Assembly during the High-level General Debate on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on pertinent issues of mutual interest with other leaders.

The General Debate for this year will be held under the theme “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability For All.”

Also in attendance at the high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly meetings will be Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo, and Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba.

This is according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Zambian delegation will attend the 2023 SDG Summit for Leaders, high-level meetings on Financing for Development, Climate Ambition Summit, Non- Proliferation Treaty, business roundtable on Africa’s transition from the critical minerals to energy, the side event on Ending Early, Forced and Child Marriage co-hosted with Canada, and the side event focused on the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods, among others.

The 2023 SDG Summit is the main focus of the high-level meetings, which will serve as an anchor for all the high-level meetings and other side events.

It is expected to mark the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals with high-level political guidance.

The Zambian delegation’s participation at the UN high-level engagements is crucial to advancing the Government’s development agenda through concerted action with other Member States in the quest to find solutions to common global challenges.

“The country remains committed to promoting issues of importance at national, regional and international levels through the UN in furtherance of rule-based multilateralism and cooperation,” read the statement in part.