Show maturity, Saki tells players in National Dialogue

Political players interested in seeing through the National Dialogue succeed have been counseled to realize they are dealing with an extremely sensitive process.

United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota is advising all those involved in National Dialogue to show maturity and sensitivity such a national matter requires.

Mr. Sikota has urged both the Church and political parties to be alive to the fact that when dealing with such sensitive matters, it is wise not to converse through the media.

In an interview with Q-News Mr. Sikota states that doing things in the media poses a danger of some people posturing for the benefit of grand standing.

The ULP leader says this implies that there is need for direct interactions in closed doors with all those involved in the dialogue process.

He is also of the view that nothing should be imposed on either opposing parties when the National Dialogue formally commences if the possibility of the entire process breaking down is to be avoided.

Mr. Sikota has further particularly advised the church mother bodies leading the dialogue process against announcing the launch of the process before agreeing with all those involved.

He says the fact that the first attempt to fix a date for the launch required postponement, is an indication that before setting the date for the launch, all interested parties must be spoken to.

And veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has expressed concern that the three church mother bodies spearheading the dialogue process are being accused of having their own agenda.

Dr. Mwaanga thinks that it is unfair for anyone to accuse the church mother bodies of having a different  agenda from what political parties have already agreed to discuss in the dialogue process.

He has told Q-News in a separate interview that this is especially after having facilitated a meeting where  President Edgar Lungu and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema agreed on what issues to discuss.

Dr. Mwaanga is of the view that what was agreed in this meeting should be followed and that National Dialogue should also commence on the 18th of January this year as scheduled.

He believes that this dialogue process is important for Zambia’s future and for ensuring that the Country enjoys peace and stability going forward.