Pictures By RICHARD MULONGA
THESE are images from the 2006 elections aftermath in Zambia.
I got the pictures from a shanty township called Ngombe (cattle). It is located east of Lusaka and about 15 minutes drive from the central trading district.
There were protests in Lusaka and the Copperbelt after supporters of losing opposition political parties took to the streets after believing that votes were stolen from their candidates.
In Lusaka, there were protests in Ngombe, Mandevu, Matero and Misisi township were irate residents engaged in violent protests. They attacked my innoncent people. They even had the audacity to smash a Zambia Red Cross Society motor vehicle, which was taking aid services to those who were injured during the violence.
Scores of protestors were beaten, injured and arrested by forceful police officers who moved in with full force to quench the riots.
I was there in most of the townships with the police and the scenes were not good at all.
Innocent women, children and old people suffered. I hope we reflect on the effect of electoral violence seriously as we approach October 30 and even as we go beyond that date. I know that there will be bruises, but let us go above that and accept whatever comes out of October 30.
It is critical that we remain calm and continue with our contributions to the development process of Zambia.
I am saying this, not because I am a coward, but I am worried about the effects of our violent actions everytime we fight. Injuring innocent people. Women and children who do not know about the politics. Who do not know about the government. Who do not know about, violence, war and crime.
WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS THAT WE MUST REALISE AS ZAMBIANS THAT WHAT WE SHOULD BE BRING OUT BEFORE OCTOBER 30, ON OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR AND BEYOND IS ONE LOVE, ONE HEART AND ONE DESTINY.
5 comments:
This is really true Richard, as Zambians we have seen and learnt from other countries that violence not only lead to deaths but also distabilizes the entire nation in all areas.Peace and calm will do it for us.
I was wondering if you are only on internet or if your words have other space in the country. I (zambian out of zambia and not citizen :-/)think that it's important that all our people read what you wrote. no better manifesto for peaceful elections. Doing my best to be in Lusaka in december and hope to see my One Zambia One Nation. Thanks Richard for your blog.Mercy
I thank you for visiting my website.
I also would like to agree with both of you (Peggy and Mercy). We really need to keep this peace that is flourishing in Zambia.
As for you Mercy, I am only on the internet here in Zambia, but I am sure the message is able to reach out to all peace loving Zambians.
When you come in December, do get in touch with me so we can exchange notes.
Best regards
Richie
Richie,
Your work is a noble one.Didnt read the whole article anyway...but I have comments.Fighting belongs to the jungle...Actually even animals are evolving themselves.I was challenged yesterday to see monkeys riding bicycles at a Zoo,Sea lions solving arithmetics.As Zambians we should focus on the pertinent issues that are our concern.Poverty,Education,Health,Police brutality and foremost reduce the cost of living.
However,Richie also find another medium of transmitting what you write here.The people fighting in these pictures have "rightly" never surfed the internet.Thats how illiterate Zambia still is.
I agree with you Zeko. Education, health and others are matters we should be focusing on as Zambians.
I also agree with you about accessibility especially to my website. I know that a major part of the Zambian population have no access to such facilities. With time, I shall spread my tentacles and find better avenues of reaching out to many.
I thank you for visiting my blog and Best regards
Richie
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