Maravi

Zambia facing social discontent, says clergy

Zambia facing social discontent, says clergy
By Mwala Kalaluka
Wednesday July 02, 2008 [04:00]

ZAMBIA has been cited as one of the countries experiencing a deep social discontent among the majority of the population despite the 'peace' it is enjoying. Presenting a paper entitled ‘Situational Analysis on Conflicts, Wars and Instabilities in East Africa’, during the assembly of regional Roman Catholic bishops in Lusaka on Monday, Fr Elias Opongo of the Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Nairobi described most African countries as stale democracies.

"Most African countries continue to experience stale democracies where there seem not to be development and human progress," Fr Opongo told the AMECEA plenary assembly. "These countries could be ‘peaceful’ but at the same time experiencing a deep discontent among majority of the population largely due to historical injustices, corrupt practices of government officials, poor infrastructure, partisan institutions of governance, lack of employment opportunities and unfair distribution of resources. Such is the case in Zambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania."

Fr Opongo said a quick look at AMECEA countries revealed a region faced with serious challenges ranging from social integration and political stability.

"On the other hand, while Zambia has been stable for many years and registered democratic progress, corruption and lack of agrarian reform has seen Zambia experience food shortages despite having 70 per cent of arable land," he said.

Fr Opongo explained that it was from this basis that the church's role in social development and transformation was relevant.

"We tell the story not so much to depict only the negative social, political and economic challenges. Instead we tell it in the light of social analysis, which aims at engaging into a faith that does justice," he said. "As such, we need to build a church that is prophetic, vigilant and intrusive. Prophetic by pronouncing the values of the gospel without fear and being ready to accompany the people in their moments of joy and suffering."
Fr Opongo said political leadership was largely responsible for the current unpredictable state of the continent, hence the need to advocate for accountable leadership.

"The discontent with poor political leadership has led to the search for alternative voices and mechanisms to social transformation," said Fr Opongo. "The unrest in Africa; Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroun, Ivory Coast and Nigeria has shown that democratic progress without economic integration and increased popular participation in the social organisation makes a country vulnerable to political instability."

The AMECEA Assembly is being held under the theme, ‘Reconciliation Through Justice and Peace’.

Labels: GOVERNANCE, SOCIAL CONTRACT

posted by MrK @ 4:19 AM