Sunday, 18 October 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia | All times CAT
Updated 2 hours ago Topics Journalists Our network Advertise
Lakatips Sourcing the truth from every corner of Zambia

Lakatips

Advertise on Lakatips

Reach readers following the national conversation

Display, sponsored placements and briefing slots — across politics, business and sport.

See the options
Just in

Politics

Open Letter to the President

To: His Excellency Mr. Hakainde HichilemaPresident of the Republic of ZambiaState HouseLusaka, Zambia From: Pastor Dingiswayo BandaZambian PastorCurrently Based in Lilongwe, Malawi Date: 21 August 2026 SUBJECT: CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION Your Excellency Mr. President, I greet you with the utmost respect in…

Open Letter to the President

Picture: Zambian Observer

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT

To: His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia
State House
Lusaka, Zambia

From: Pastor Dingiswayo Banda
Zambian Pastor
Currently Based in Lilongwe, Malawi



Date: 21 August 2026

SUBJECT: CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

Your Excellency Mr. President,

I greet you with the utmost respect in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.



I am a Zambian Pastor currently based in Lilongwe, Malawi. However, my heart remains deeply rooted in our beloved motherland, Zambia.



Having followed with great concern the recent political developments in our nation, I am deeply troubled by the growing atmosphere of division, mistrust, arrests, and loss of life. The fabric of our national unity appears to be under considerable strain. As a citizen and servant of God, I therefore feel compelled to add my voice to the call for unity, peace, and reconciliation.



Mr. President, history has shown that great leaders rise to the occasion during moments of national tension—not through force, but through wisdom, courage, humility, and the ability to bring people together. In that spirit, I humbly and respectfully appeal to you, as the Head of State, to take the lead in convening a broad-based national dialogue

Lakatips

Advertise on Lakatips

Reach readers following the national conversation

Display, sponsored placements and briefing slots — across politics, business and sport.

See the options



I respectfully propose that your office initiate structured and inclusive engagements with all Church Mother Bodies and Civil Society Organisations. Their moral authority, experience, and capacity to provide trusted platforms could help facilitate honest and constructive conversations aimed at reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace in Zambia.



From your position, Mr. President, you are uniquely placed to extend a hand of fellowship and dialogue to key opposition leaders, including Mr. Brian Mundubile and Mr. Makebi Zulu, as well as other opposition leaders. If these matters remain unaddressed, I fear that political divisions may deepen and ultimately undermine the stability, unity, and progress that we have all worked so hard to build.



My prayer and earnest appeal, Mr. President, is that, in the interest of national cohesion, the spirit of confrontation, petitioning, and political contestation may give way to meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. I further appeal for your intervention regarding concerns surrounding the treatment of political opponents, and for the principles of due process, justice, and fairness to be upheld in all cases involving those currently detained or facing prosecution.



Zambia is a Christian nation, and our strength has always been found in our unity, our shared values, and our commitment to one another as one people under God. It is my firm belief and prayer that may God bless Zambia, preserve our peace, and establish our nation in justice, unity, and prosperity.



I submit this appeal with humility, deep love for our country, and the utmost respect for your office and the responsibilities entrusted to you by the people of Zambia.

May the Lord grant you wisdom, courage, and discernment as you lead our nation during these challenging times.

With sincere regards and prayers,

Pastor Dingiswayo Banda
Zambian Pastor
Lilongwe, Malawi

Source: Zambian Observer — Read more

More to read

All Politics →

U.s. Tightens Visa Rules for Zambians

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says some Zambians are restricted from entering the United States under new travel measures that took effect on January 1, 2026. The restrictions affect people applying for immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant visas, including those for business…

Diamond TV • • 1 min read
One-time sign-up

Keep reading at Zambian Observer

Lakatips is free, and it stays free. Sign up once and we will send you through to Zambian Observer — and to every other newsroom in the network after that, without asking again.

We use your details for the morning briefing and to tell newsrooms how many readers we send them — never as a list to be sold on. See our privacy policy.