Hichilema calls on church to unite nation, tasks govt ministry to curb deforestation through application of relevant laws

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged church leaders to refrain from using places of worship to sow divisions, spread hatred, and fuel conflicts, particularly among politicians.

Speaking at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka on Thursday, during national prayers for rain, President Hichilema emphasized the Church’s role in fostering dialogue and unity rather than discord.

“We cannot, as leaders of the Church, use the house of prayer to preach division. Move away from those habits and preach dialogue, not conflict,” President Hichilema stated.

He stressed that peace, stability, and unity were essential for the government to achieve its development goals, including providing free education, supporting people with disabilities, and addressing societal discrimination.

On climate change, the President directed law enforcement agencies in the green economy sector to enforce laws aimed at curbing deforestation.

He attributed Zambia’s worsening climate conditions to rampant tree cutting and urged citizens to adopt more sustainable practices.

“Other parts of the world have the technology to trap rains. Here, we let the rains pass us by due to destructive human activities like cutting down trees. We must stop this,” he said.

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President Hichilema rejected the notion that climate change effects were a divine punishment.

Instead, he called on Zambians to recognise the consequences of harmful activities and use natural resources more responsibly.

He also criticised a culture of complacency, saying, “Instead of being enterprising with our abundant natural resources, we are wasting them and benefiting less.”

The event, attended by hundreds, highlighted the government’s continued efforts to address climate change and promote national unity.

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