Last week, arch rivals Zambia’s President Levy Mwanawasa and opposition Patrotic Front leader Micheal Sata reconciled. It was a sudden and unbelievable turn of events. Some people called it a blockbuster. The two politicians were like light and darkness. But the opposition leader Micheal Sata took the first steps and apologized for contribution to the rivalry. The President reciprocated and now, there are clarion calls for reconciliation among politicians in Zambia.

However, this reconciliation would end up being an empty room if only Mwanawasa and Sata participate. Reconciliation is a process and mere statements are not good enough to bring two rivals together forever. In as far I am concerned, the move by our two leaders is commendable and Africa should take a leaf. All the armed conflicts in Africa can be resolved only if our leaders can sit down and talk about their differences in idea, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and values. Debate is the critical factor in conflict resolution because opposing sides are able to come to a conclusion.

In the case of Mwanawasa and Sata, the reconciliation must trickle down to the grassroots who are the building blocks of political parties. Zambian politics should be above petty fights, insults and mudslinging. The young democracy should be nurtured and given an opportunity to grow. The fights between politicians has the potential to plunge the country into chaos, but when these people come out of their cocoons and put national before their selfish egos is a commendable gesture worth supporting.

Zambia is in a hurry to develop and the tug of war between politicians was attracting all the attention and resources away from improving Zambia’s welfare. Zambia has been an oasis of peace and the shadow fighting among politicians was dwindling that position.