Lusaka, Zambia—More than 250 people took part in a Peace Road event with the theme “Unity, Dignity and Peace—Zambia’s Pride.”
The participants, representing 16 nationalities, marched from the Civic Centre to the Freedom Statue, a distance of about 2 kilometers (almost 1.25 miles).
The July 22, 2017, event was organized by UPF-Zambia together with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Traders Trust as well as the Zambian chapters of the UPF-affiliated organizations Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), and Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP).
The deputy permanent secretary for Lusaka Province, Mr. Josephat Lombe, was the guest of honor, representing the minister of Lusaka Province. Representing UPF were Rev. Moriba Kone, the secretary general for the East Africa region; Gen. Malimba Masheke, the chair of UPF-Zambia; Rev. Rudolf Faerber, the secretary general of UPF-Zambia; and Ambassador Godfrey Simasiku, a Peace Council member and an Ambassador for Peace.
Mr. Lombe flagged off the Peace Road participants at the Civic Centre. After 2 kilometers, the marchers arrived at the famous Freedom Statue. Located around the corner from the Lusaka National Museum, the statue is dedicated to freedom fighters and those who lost their lives in the struggle for Zambia’s independence. It’s a popular place for celebrations of Africa Day (May 25) and other important national events.
As master of ceremonies, Mr. Ackson Mwale, an Ambassador for Peace, announced the post-march program. The event started with the Zambian National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer given by Mr. Eric Kashala Mutewa, an Ambassador for Peace. Mr. Mwale then explained the significance of the Peace Road as an important project to unite the world. Rev. Rudolf Faerber in his remarks emphasized the importance of the International Highway, which is to unify the world’s peoples as one family under God.
The UPF chair, Gen. Masheke, urged participants to go beyond the barriers of race, tribe, and language, and embrace each other as brothers and sisters.
In his main speech, Mr. Lombe encouraged UPF to keep up its efforts to foster peace in Zambia. He said that the Government of Zambia has recognized UPF contributions to peace, and he underscored the significance of the Peace Road as connecting the world through peace.
Finally, Ambassador Simasiku urged participants to cherish, preach and preserve peace, which is a rare commodity in the world today.
The event concluded in a good atmosphere with a closing prayer by Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Evelyn Chimfwembe and the enjoyment of refreshments.
The event was entertained by the Brass Band of the United Church of Zambia. The organizers were grateful for the presence of traffic police to clear the road for marchers as well as a St. John ambulance for emergency situations.
The Peace Road 2017 in Zambia was covered and broadcast by several media houses.