Tuesday, August 19, 2008

President Mwanawasa

The headlines in the paper this morning told us that President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was in serious condition after suffering a serious setback in his health. He has been in France recovering from a stroke since the end of June. But this afternoon Vice President Banda announced that the president died early this morning.

With continued tension in Zimbabwe and subtle tensions growing here, I am reminded that peace and good governance is a fragile thing. In recent weeks parliament officials have given themselves scandalous pay increases. While the cat is away the mice will play. When I was in Lusaka last week there was a strong military presence in the streets which was rather odd. Soldiers in fatigues wielding weapons I’ve only seen on movies performed routine marches, but performed them in very busy streets during business hours, which was unusual. They were singing a song in Bemba that was translated for me, “Our hearts are hungry to fight.” I know that the job of a soldier is to protect the interests of a nation, but these soldiers didn’t make me feel especially secure.

I recently heard someone say, “What Zambia needs is a benevolent dictator.” My prayer is that a strong and compassionate leader will step up to the plate. Time will tell. In the meanwhile the nation grieves. This is a sad time.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...
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brian@paxtonchurch.org said...

Hey Carmen. I hope you are doing well. I will pray for you during thes tumultous political times you are experiencing in Zambia. I just read your article in the latest "InSpire." What a wonderful ministry you seem to have going for you, it was so well written. Please take care, be safe, and Gos bless.

In Christ,

Brian Janssen

Emily said...

praying for compassionate leaders the world over. I do pray for peaceful resolution and compassionate leadership to step up.... in Zambia as in the US!

Carmen Goetschius said...

No kidding Ems. i am so glad I get to come back to vote!!! AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND ALL MY DEAR FRIENDS AND FAM!!!