Lusaka, Zambia—UPF-Zambia, in conjunction with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP), Youth and Students for Peace (YSP) and Tong-Il Moo do (Zambia chapter). held a Peace Road March on Saturday, August 10, 2019.
We had more than 350 participants in attendance. Among the notable participants were the former Minister of Community Development and Member of Parliament Hon. Emerine Kabanshi; Bishop John Mambo, IAPD vice chairman of the Zambia chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPD); the grand mufti of the Islamic Council of Zambia, Sheik Assadullah Mwale; Mr. Warren Hamusanga, president of the University of Zambia Students Union; and many Ambassadors for Peace.
The Peace Road March started from the Civic Center with a flag-off by former Prime Minister Malimba Nathaniel Masheke, chairman of UPF-Zambia. The march was enlivened by the Cyclists Club of Zambia, the beautiful performance of majorettes made more colorful by their uniforms, andthe live performance of Tongil Moo Do Zambia, as well as by the brass band of the United Church of Zambia Boy’s Brigade of St. Paul’s Congregation. Seven police officers escorted their marchers up to the Freedom Statue.
After arriving at the Freedom Statue, Master of Ceremony Andrico Tshaba invited the brass band to play the National Anthem. Thereafter he welcomed the IAPD coordinator, Pastor Erick Kashala Mutewa, to give welcoming remarks. Rudolf Faerber, secretary general of UPF-Zambia, gave some background, explaining that the Peace Road is meant to be a superhighway starting from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and connecting to London and New York. It was initiated by UPF Founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
UPF Chairman Malimba Nathaniel Masheke reminded the youth present that peace is vital to the world. Mr. Soondo Mutewa, representing Youth and Students for Peace. also encouraged the youth to cultivate peace. Mrs. Sheila Chanda Mwenda, president of WFWP-Zambia, emphasized the important role of women in creating peace.
As the guest of honor, Hon. Emerine Kabansh thanked the organizers and encouraged them to continue with the spirit of promoting peace. She further urged participants to cultivate dignity in the country. She finally stated that the Peace Road is not only physical but also spiritual.
Rev. David Isaac Phiri started his speech by informing the audience that peace must begin with each individual: He elaborated that we all belong to one family, and we should go beyond our particular religion
In the closing remarks, Rudolf Faerber thanked all for attending and wished the blessings and peace of God upon all participants.
The event came to the end after participants sang the Zambia National Anthem and a closing prayer was given by Sheik Assadullah Mwale. After the closing prayer, refreshments were served to all participants.
The event was covered and aired by several print media, Revelation TV, and two radio stations.