FOREIGN AFFAIRS MUST EXPLAIN WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE OF LIKANDO KALALUKA-DICKSON JERE
Zambia – UN Law Commission
By Dickson Jere
Two weeks ago, I was elated when I saw a statement from Foreign Minister saying the Zambian government will support the candidature of ex-Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, SC at the UN International Law Commission.
The Minister even pushed for his endorsement at the Africa Union (AU), which he successfully managed. It was good news for Zambia!
You see, Zambia is lacking in representation in most international organizations. Most Zambians doing well “ku chalo” are as a result of their own initiatives and contacts. Not deliberate push by the government. You have Prof Muna Ndulo, Prof Lumina, Prof Ken Mwenda, Mumba Musonda, Maimbo Nyanga and the new kid on the block Dr Monde Muyangana – who has just been appointed head of USAID Africa. No government push propelled them to stardom on the world stage. Western Africans – especially Nigeria and Ghana – lobby heavily for their nationals to get into the big league of international organizations.
No Zambian has ever held a position on the UN International Law Council. So, the candidature of Kalaluka was breath of fresh air. He even spent his own money and flew to New York to lobby for his election in September – ordinarily government should have taken up the tap. Anyway, he was a frontrunner until few days ago.
The Zambian government has withdrawn his candidature at last minute. No reasons given. Our chances as a country to get into the UN Law Council shattered. What could he have done in recent days? I think foreign affairs should explain to the nation what transpired so that in future Zambians know what to do when faced in similar situation.
There was a vacancy for the top post at SADC parliamentary forum. Dr Mbita Chitala applied and was a frontrunner. But the government of President Frederick Chiluba declined to support his candidature and his nomination fell-off. Chitala was perceived political here at home. When Judge Gertrude Chawatama was nominated to sit on the Kenya Election Tribunal, she faced opposition from Zambia government officials.
It took President Rupiah Banda to personally grant her the endorsement for her nomination. President Levy Mwanawasa government invested heavily in Dr Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika for the AU top job but we failed to garner enough votes. That is what we need.
We must begin pushing Zambians, regardless of political views, into international organizations. The more Zambians we send in international organizations, the more doors they will open for others even on lower posts.
I am saddened with what has happened to Kalaluka. Government backed his candidature few days ago at AU and then dumped him later. I hope the government has really compelling reasons for withdrawing him in the race at last minute.
The Government of Zambia withdrew the candidature of Mr. Likando Kalaluka (on 29 October 2021)