HH assures Bishops on the rule of Law

By Joy Nyambe

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has assured Catholic Bishops that Government will ensure the rule of law and guarantee that peoples’ rights are respected.

President HICHILEMA has also apologised to the Catholic Church for the misconduct of some police officers in Kabwe and on the Copperbelt describing the actions as unacceptable.

The President informed the Bishops that administrative measures have been taken to ensure that such incidences never happen again.

He said there is no fight between the Catholic Church and the government, as his Government is not against the Catholic Church.

And President HICHILEMA has called on the church to join hands with the Government to address the challenges the country is facing as a result of the drought.

During a dialogue meeting with the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops -ZCCB-
at State House, the Head of State briefed the Church on  measures that Government has put in place to mitigate the negative effects of the drought situation.

President HICHILEMA said the drought has caused some food insecurity, but that there is need to work together to feed the Zambian people.

He also informed the Bishops that a solution to address the energy crisis is now in sight.

The President also explained to the Bishops that the Government has realigned the 2024 National budget to move resources to critical areas as part of the mitigation measure against the negative impacts of the drought.

During the closed door meeting President HICHILEMA reiterated the new dawn Government’s commitment to work with the church as a partner in development.

And speaking during the same meeting, ZCCB president Archbishop IGNATIUS CHAMA and Archbishop of Kasama expressed concern about the impending by elections in nine constituencies.

Archbishop CHAMA noted that while the Government had done a commendable job in putting in place measures to cushion the negative effects on drought, the nine by elections would be a drain on the treasury.

The Bishops also appealed to the Government to put in place a clear roadmap on the Constitution making process.

They also urged the government to consider suspending the new education curriculum to allow for wider consultations.

And in responding to the Council, President HICHILEMA reiterated his position against the holding of unnecessary by-elections.

This is contained in a statement issued by the State House Press Office.