PRESS STATEMENT
JUBILEE-ZAMBIA CALLS FOR REAL FREEDOM ON AFRICA FREEDOM DAY
For commemoration of this years’ Africa Freedom Day on 25 May, the Ecumenical Steering committee of Jubilee-Zambia wants to share the meaning of real freedom for all the people of Africa, especially here in Zambia. The Steering Committee is comprised of representatives from Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ) and Zambia Episcopal Conference.
From the Jubilee perspective, founded upon the Scripture, real freedom is based upon the dignity of each human person, made in the image and likeness of God the creator (Genesis 1: 27). Every woman and man and child is equally gifted with freedom. Real freedom comes from God!
God
gives the people the freedom to develop and to utilise their opportunities and
resources for the benefit of all, especially for the poor.
With this freedom from God, people must be able to live in a just
society. The freedom from God
delivers people from debt, from poverty, and from every form of social
injustice. The freedom enables
humans to establish systems that would protect and promote the principles of
good governance and effective politics.
Real
freedom delivers justice!
Unfortunately, for decades now since the exciting days of Independence, African has not widely experienced this kind of real freedom. The continent has been marred with debt, poverty, economic mismanagement, civil strife and poor governance. We have been hurt by both internal and external forces of injustice that deprive us of real freedom. For Africa to truly celebrate freedom, we must rid the continent of all these vices. The people of Africa, governments, political parties and the international community must work together to make real freedom come to our continent. Real freedom requires struggle!
Jubilee-Zambia therefore urges the international community to direct assistance towards doing away with the factors that hinder true economic and social freedom in Zambia and in Africa as a whole. For example, grants and pro-poor focused conditions will give greater freedom to the poor. But our own governments must show strong commitment to good economic and political governance that will increase freedom for the people, especially for the poor. There is no real freedom for a person in a country like Zambia that is heavily indebted and where the majority live in poverty. Real freedom is life!
It is true that for any meaningful development to take place, real freedom must be guaranteed. Jubilee-Zambia urges all political parties that want to attract the votes of Zambian citizens this year to demonstrate dedication to promoting freedom for the people of Zambia. People desperately need freedom from debt and from poverty. They need freedom to prosper and to develop according to the will of God our Creator. Real freedom is for development!
As the Jubilee call for economic justice continues in this year of 2001, we repeat our biblical demand for cancellation of debt of the poor countries of Africa and we call upon our Zambian government to show the honesty and efficiency that is necessary if poverty is to be eradicated. Real freedom for Africa Freedom Day!
Ecumenical
Steering Committee
Jubilee-Zambia
25 May 2001