SOUTHERN African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has urged the UPND administration to identify better, peaceful and productive activities which cadres can engage themselves in so that they do not resort to unlawful activities.

In a statement, Wednesday, SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheembe commended the UPND government for their commitment to end caderism.

“This expectation in the new administration is not only on the part of Zambian citizens residing domestically and, in the diaspora but also on the part of the international community. This is evidenced by the unprecedented and historic number of foreign dignitaries and Heads of States that graced the inauguration. We trust and believe that the show of support by citizens and many other countries will inspire HE Hakainde Hichilema to implement campaign promises and ensure that he succeeds in his Presidency. Many Zambians will take hope from the positive and reassuring inauguration speech that gave a broad framework on the various issues that the administration intends to tackle ranging from economic recovery to generally making Zambia a prosperous country for all. Of particular interest to SACCORD was the focus on conflict management and resolution through commitment to addressing national unity, good governance, justice, equality, rule of law, tolerance, inclusion, and ensuring that security for peace and stability forms part of Zambia’s foreign policy,” Cheembe said.

“SACCORD further receives the commitment to end caderism with hopefulness as this phenomenon has contributed to lack of adequate safety and security for most citizens. We hope that the administration will identify better and peaceful productive activities to engage these cadres so that they do not resort to other activities that may bring about a different form of insecurity. It is the hope of SACCORD that the country in the new administration through this broader framework will see profound investment in peace building an area that has been neglected for a very long time hence contributing to reduced levels of peacefulness.”

Cheembe further commended former president Edgar Lungu for respecting Zambia’s democracy by conceding defeat and allowing the peaceful transfer of power.

“The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) would like to praise Zambia’s democracy for being exemplary to the African continent and the world following the election of the 7th Republican President HE Mr Hakainde S. Hichilema and the subsequent inauguration and peaceful transfer of power. We congratulate and commend the 6th Republican President Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu who respected Zambia’s democratic pedigree by conceding defeat and allowing the peaceful transfer of power as per the Zambian tradition during the historic inauguration of the 7th Republican President witnessed by several Heads of States from around the world and witnessed by millions of people. Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu run his race and contributed to Zambia’s development with both successes and failures and it is now incumbent upon our 7th Republican President to pick up the development process from where it has been left. We wish him God’s blessings and all the best in his future endeavours,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cheembe said UPND’s victory after being an opposition party for a long time was an indication that one could become and do anything if they endure.

“SACCORD congratulates HE President Hakainde Hichilema for the emphatic electoral victory and subsequently taking over the leadership of the country. HE President Hakainde Hichilema coming into office after showing perseverance and determination in opposition for over 15 years and finally taking the longest serving opposition political party into office is a clear example for many citizens in Zambia that you can become and do anything if you endure. The overwhelming vote and confidence bestowed unto the President by the people of Zambia as evidenced in the voter turnout and the specific vote given to him and his UPND alliances testimony of the high expectation that the people have in the President and his administration,” said Cheembe.