The three church mother bodies have revealed that President Edgar Lungu last week met his rival, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, to confer on the long overdue political dialogue and reconciliation process.

According to a communique signed by the Council of Churches in Zambia, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Tuesday, President Lungu met Hichilema on November 12 and the two addressed each other as brothers.

“We the leaders of the three Church mother bodies namely; The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) would like to inform the nation that: In our continued efforts to build consensus on the processes and issues that need to be taken into account in the national dialogue and reconciliation process we facilitated a meeting between H.E Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Mr Hakainde Hichilema on Monday 12th November 2018. We expressed our profound appreciation and gratitude that the two leaders were able to have this meeting facilitated by the Church without any pre-conditions. The landmark meeting was held at a cordial and friendly atmosphere. The church is also delighted to note that they addressed each other as brothers and great respect for each other,” read the statement.

“The two leaders expressed unconditional support to an inclusive and church led national dialogue and reconciliation process. They assured the Church of their availability and commitment to future direct engagements. In conclusion we the three church mother bodies would like to assure the nation that we are full of hope for a quicker and successful national dialogue process. We remain committed to carry out the mandate entrusted to us by the Zambian people and with the help of all well meaning Zambians and the mighty hand of God we will work towards realising the vision of the national dialogue namely the ‘desire for a conventions of hearts and minds, leading to a united reconciled and peaceful Zambia where all citizens freely participate in governance within a thriving social and economic environment.”