Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Lawrence Sichalwe says the ongoing traditional dispute and chiefdom wrangles in some parts of the country have the potential to breach national peace.

Speaking when he launched of the “2018 – 2021 strategic and balanced scorecard” at Mulungushi International Conference Center, Thursday, Sichalwe said his ministry was committed to addressing facts that led to instability in Chiefdoms such as traditional boundaries and succession disputes.

“Over the years, my ministry has seen an increase in the number of both inter and intra disputes in chiefdoms. These have a potential to derail the peace of the country and national development. My ministry therefore, commits itself to addressing factors that lead to instability in chiefdoms such as chiefdom boundaries and succession disputes, inter and intra chiefdom disputes, undocumented royal family tree as well as inadequate information on villages in Zambia. Once these factors are addressed, they will contribute to effective chiefdom administration in the country,” He said.

Sichalwe explained that the launched balanced scorecard, was premised on developmental aspirations of government as provided for in the 7th National Development Plan (7NDP).

“The balanced scorecard being launched is premised on developmental aspirations of government as provided for in the 7NDP, vision 2030 and other relevant national policy documents,” He explained.

The Minister further said his Ministry would focus on strategic objectives of improving chiefdom governance, promoting the preservation of customs and traditions and enhancing human capital.

“My ministry will focus on strategic objectives of improving chiefdom governance, promoting the preservation of customs and traditions as well as enhancing human capital. It is my considered view that, this will enable the ministry to contribute effectively to achieving the developmental outcomes espoused in the 7NDP,” said Sichalwe.

The launched was attended by His Highness Chief Mpuka of Luangwa and Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Mwenda of Chikankata.