Peace Road 2024: "Peace Starts with Me" March Held in Zambia

Written by Fabrice Djimadoum

Saturday, August 26th, 2024

Zambia― The Universal Peace Federation Zambia chapter (UPF) in collaboration with UPF-affiliated such as the Interreligious Association for Peace and Develpment (AIPD), World Clergy Leadership Conference (WCLC), International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), and International Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), Tongil Moodo Federation Zambia (TIMDFZ) as well support from Sons and Daughters Ministries, Jewish Board of Deputies, Chikondi Foundation and Big Tree company held Peace Road 2024 on August 24, 2024, under the theme: “Peace Starts with Me”.

More than 250 people from different backgrounds, including Christians, Moslems, Orthodox Church, and Miss Peace Zambia, participated.

The participants, representing 19 nationalities, marched from the Civic Centre to the Freedom Statue, a distance of about 2 kilometers (almost 1.25 miles). The statue is depicted on the Zambian currency and is the center of celebration on Africa Day. The statue is said to represent a scene in which freedom fighter Zanco Mpundu Mutembo broke the chains he was imprisoned in in front of 18 soldiers, after being told to do so if not be shot.

The Minister of Lusaka Province, Hon. Sheal Mulyata, was the guest of honor, His Emminence Archbishop Loannis Tsaftaridis, Orthodox Church of Zambia and Mozambique, Greek diplomat in Zambia who is also the founder and creator of the Zambia/ Mozambique Olympic Organizing Committee; Rev. Rudolf Faerber, the secretary general of UPF-Zambia; Dr. Bishop David Masupa, President of Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) and Chair of Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) Zambia and Professor Kaluba Kapapula, Vice-chancellor at Rise and shine Christian University,  Rev. Dr. Samukuma Atlas Kamwandi, Deputy Secretary General of WCLC Zambia.

Hon. Mulyata flagged off Peace Road at 11:00 am starting from Civic Center. After 2 kilometers, the marchers arrived at the famous Freedom Statue. Located around the corner from the Lusaka National Museum, the statue is dedicated to freedom fighters and those who lost their lives in the struggle for Zambia’s independence. It’s a popular place for celebrations of Africa Day (May 25) and other important national events.

As master of ceremonies, Mr. Andrico Tshaba, Director of Education of IAYSP, announced the post-march program. The event started with the Zambian National Anthem conducted by the Salvation Army Brass Band, followed by an opening prayer given by Rev. Dr. Samukuma Atlas Kamwandi, Deputy Secretary General of WCLC Zambia. Mr. Tshaba then explained the significance of the Peace Road as an important project to unite the world. Rev. Rudolf Faerber in his remarks gave the background of the peace road and emphasized the importance of the International Highway, which is to unify the world’s peoples as one family under God.

The WFWP Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Beatrice Muvunda, urged participants to go beyond the barriers of race, tribe, and language, and embrace each other as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Dr. David Musonda, President of Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) and IAPD Zambia chair urged religious leaders to propagate peace and champion unity for better Zambia and the world.

Mr. Sotiris Chronis, the Head of Media & Communications of Zambia/ Mozambique Olympic Organizing Committee and Miss Peace Zambia reminded participants of preserving peace and the slogan initiated by Zambian 1^st republican President, late Dr. David Kenneth Kaunda, “One Zambia, One Nation”.

Rev. David Isaac Phiri, President of FFWPU Zambia chapter introduced the founders of Peace Road, Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon as the initiators of the Peace Road project, as an event to be carried out m Dr. and mother Moon to unite humanity, the event is being carried out to remind Zambian for unity, reconciliation, to avoid any future conflict, to advocate for dialogue among political parties, religious organizations.

In her main speech, Hon. Mulyata thanked UPF Zambia for organizing such an important event and encouraged UPF to keep up its efforts to foster peace in Zambia. He said that the Government of Zambia has recognized UPF's contributions to peace, and he underscored the significance of the Peace Road as connecting the world through peace. This event brings participants together to create a culture of peace.

Finally, the Tongil Moodo Federation Zambia presents a performance on peace and some e“pace fighting” skills.

The event was concluded in a good atmosphere with the entertainment by the Salvation Army Brass Band and the enjoyment of refreshments. The organizers were grateful for the presence of traffic police to clear the road for marchers as well as a St. John ambulance for emergencies. The Peace Road 2024 in Zambia was covered and broadcast by several media houses.