SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH SANGWA – CSOs URGE AHEAD OF PETITION HEARING

Several of Zambia’s most respected CSOs have spoken out in support of John Sangwa’s petition to the Constitutional Court and his defence of the Constitution. The petition asks the Constitutional Court to bring the affidavit in support of the presidential nomination papers in line with the Constitution and is expected to be heard tomorrow 14:30.

The CSOs include Chapter One Foundation, Transparency International Zambia, Caritas Zambia, ActionAid, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development, the Zambia Council for Social Development, GEARS Initiative, and Peoples’ Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia.

In a press statement on the subject they write, “We, the undersigned civil society organisations (CSOs) wish to commend Mr. Sangwa SC for his bold and unwavering fight for constitutionalism and the rule of law. The defence of our constitution is the duty and right of every Zambian citizen, as provided by Article 2 of the Constitution; it is not the preserve of a select few individuals. The strength of our Constitution is dependent on our resolve to uphold and defend it. To this end, we charge the members of the public to not only show interest in this matter but to take up the duty to defend our Constitution in whatever way they can.”

“We urge the public to show solidarity with Mr. Sangwa SC and the action before the Constitutional Court, as it affects every Zambian citizen and the right of citizens to participate in their government. While we note that the action is extremely time sensitive as the nomination for Presidential Candidates is scheduled to take place from 17th May 2020 to 20th May 2020. We have every intention of supporting Mr. Sangwa SC’s action, by any expedient legal means, and we strongly urge other like-minded stakeholders to do the same,” the groups state.

John Sangwa SC petition the Constitutional Court on 4th May 2021 seeking to enforce Article 106 (3) of the Constitution. According to the CSOs if successful the petition will “see the amendment of the ‘Affidavit for Presidential Candidate/Running Mate’ by the inclusion of a paragraph to the effect that the candidate has “not twice held office before. This amendment will bring the Affidavit for presidential candidates in line with the Constitution for present as well as future purposes.”

By Mike Mwansa

THE United Movement for Kola Bemba Kingdom says Bemba speaking people will not vote for President Edgar Lungu and the PF for referring to them as thieves.

These are remarks the Head of State made three years ago when he said that out of 10 thieves six are Bembas.

Boniface Besa Bwalya, one of the movement leaders, says the Bemba people are still hurt by the President’s purported joke.

“We have been wounded by the words ‘ba kabwalala’ (thieves) referring to Bembas which was said during an economic forum by the President,” Bwalya said.

President Edgar Lungu during an Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ)-organised gala dinner in Lusaka in December 2018 is quoted to have said out of 10 thieves, six were Bemba.

“The other day I was doing statistics and I came across one damning fact that out of 10 thieves, six will be Bemba. And I said ‘why’ but they said you have forgotten? There are so many Bembas. So, invariably, you’ll find that when you collect 10, six will be wrong ones,” President Lungu claimed.

Bwalya said the attributes were farfetched from the spirit of traditional cousinship which is practiced by people from Northern and Eastern provinces of Zambia.

He said the platform at which the President uttered the words was not suitable for cousinship as it also included an international audience.

“This was not ‘chimbuya’, especially that the President spoke on an economic forum knowing very well that in Zambia there are Bemba speaking people. You see, outside they know that in Zambia there are Bemba speaking people who are thieves,’’ Bwalya added. “This has disadvantaged our children because the outside countries know that Bemba speaking people are thieves. Our names have been destroyed by the tribal assignation by the Head of State. My children and my grandchildren through this tribal statement have lost job opportunities because would-be employers associate Bembas with thieving acts now. Lucky enough if I am employed, I may not be a free person definitely! I am not going to be free because everyone would see me as a thief.”

He has since warned information minister Dora Siliya to stop the continued tribal attack on Bembas.

“We are warning even this one Dora Siliya who has started this same tribal remark of referring to Bemba speaking people as thieves. How can you allow somebody to continuously issue dividing statements?” Bwalya asked.

According to the documents availed by Bwalya to The Mast dated July 13, 2020, the movement sought an audience with the Head of State over the issue in the last three years but it has been fruitless.

“The office of the Attorney General is aware about this issue. And they wrote to us referring our issue to the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs which only promised to get back to us,” Bwalya said.

He said in February 2020, the movement tried to seek police permit to demonstrate on the remarks, but its leaders ended up being detained for questioning at Lusaka division headquarters.

“We have been trying to seek an audience with the President over this issue and it has taken three years and four months now,” complained Bwalya. – The Mast

AMB. MWAMBA ENCOURAGES QUALIFIED ZAMBIANS TO APPLY FOR VACANT AFRICAN UNION PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS

Addis Ababa- Wednesday, 12th May 2021

Zambias Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union, His Excellency Emmanuel Mwamba has announced that the African Union Commission has advertised for twenty six vacant professional positions.

He has encouraged suitably qualified Zambians to apply for the job positions.

He said the African Union Commission has advertised 26 vacant positions.

He said the listed positions can be found on the African Union website;

http://www.au.int.

He said the AU Commission was encouraging qualified and experienced citizens of member states of the African Union, including Zambians to apply.

He said in order to apply for the positions, applicants are required to register and create their new job profiles online, through the link below:

http://careers.au.int/.

The duty stations for the positions include: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Accra, Ghana and Arusha, Tanzania.

He said the deadline for receiving applications is 18th May, 2021 for some positions and 31st May, 2021 for others.

He disclosed that organization is currently undergoing reforms in order to improve productivity and service delivery.

In order to achieve the reform objectives, the Commission is looking forward to attracting and retaining the most qualified, experienced and competent man-power drawn from across Africa.

He said that qualified and experienced Zambians both in the public and private sectors, are encouraged to apply.

He said that in order to maximize chances of being short-listed for these international positions, Zambians are encouraged to apply only to those positions for which they are suitably qualified with closely related experience.

Below is a list of professional opportunities to work for the African Union;

Job Title Department/Organ Location Deadline

1. Director Sustainable Environment & Blue Economy.

Location; African Union Commission, Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

2. Director of Protocol

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

3. Director – Governance & Conflict Prevention

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

4. Secretary to the Commission

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

5. Director Conference Management and Publications

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

6. Director Conflict Management

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

7. Director of Finance

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 18, 2021)

8. Director Infrastructure and Energy

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa ( May 18, 2021)

9. Deputy Registrar
African Court on Human and People’s Rights

Location; Arusha (May 31, 2021)

10. Head of Administration and Human Resources Management Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat , Accra, Ghana (May 31, 2021)

11. Head of Market Access Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat , Accra, Ghana (May 31, 2021)

12. Head of Trade Remedies Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat , Accra, Ghana ( May 31, 2021)

13. Head of Trade in Services Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra , Ghana (May 31, 2021)

14. Head of Rules of Origin Policies Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana ( May 31, 2021)

15. Head of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) Division

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana ( May 31, 2021)

16. Principal Officer Trade Facilitation

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana ( May 31, 2021)

17. Principal Officer Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

Location; AfCFTA Secretariat , Accra, Ghana ( May 31, 2021)

18. Director Peace Fund Secretariat
Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa, ( May 31, 2021).

19. Director Economic Development Integration and Trade
Location; African Union Commission, Addis Ababa , (May 31, 2021)

20. Director Industrial Mining and Entrepreneurship

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa ( May 31st, 2021)

21. Director Ethics, Integrity & Standards

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa , (May 31, 2021)

22. Director Partnerships Management and Resource Mobilization

Location; African Union Commission, Addis Ababa (May 31, 2021)

23. Directorate Women, Gender and Youth

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa, ( May 31, 2021)

24. Director of Citizens and Diaspora Organizations

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 31, 2021)

25. Director Management Information Systems

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa (May 31, 2021)

26. Director of Medical and Health Services

Location; African Union Commission Addis Ababa ( May 31, 2021)
After completing application process, candidates are encouraged to give a copy to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters.

Issued by;

Inutu Mupango Mwanza
First Secretary (Press &Tourism)
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

APPROVED BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

STATEMENT ON THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL ELECTIONS

Zambia will on 12th August, 2021 go to polls and citizens will be exercising their democratic right of choosing leaders of their choice at various levels.

The elections are usually preceded by series of public political activities such as campaigns with a view of according every political party taking part in the election an opportunity to reach out to the electorate.
With the foregoing, our resolve as the Zambia Police Service is to ensure that we provide an environment conducive for all political parties participating in the forthcoming elections to conduct their scheduled activities in a peaceful environment.

However, this cannot be possible if political players do not commit themselves to conducting peaceful political activities. I am, therefore, urging the leadership of all political parties at all levels to take a lead in preaching peace to their supporters.

Political parties are also advised to submit their campaign schedules to respective regulating officers without undue delay so as to allow the police come up with a consolidated plan of all expected political activities.

This is with a view of avoiding clashes between political players as well as complaints on unfair treatment in the application of the Public Order Act.

As political parties commence campaigns in a few days’ time, my advice is for all of them taking part in the elections to observe provisions of the law as well as electoral regulations that guide the conduct of political players some of them being the electoral code of conduct, Electoral Process Act and other relevant legislations.

In previous elections, we had experienced occurrences where some cadres were deliberately provoking members of opposing political parties by straying into their camps or public gatherings which in most instances resulted in public order disturbance.

I am warning those with such tendencies that police shall not hesitate to arrest them if found wanting. It should be understood that section 26 of the Electoral Process Act criminalises such conduct.

Furthermore, pulling down, defacing or destroying other political party’s campaign materials is criminal and shall not be condoned.

Political leaders at various levels should play their role of educating their cadres against engaging themselves in acts that may trigger violence.

All political parties should conduct constructive and issue based campaigns devoid of hate speech, inciting violence or violence.

Political activities should be focused on presenting political parties respective manifestos to the electorate and leave it to the electorate to exercise their constitutional right of choosing their preferred leaders without coercion.

Zambia has been on record to have conducted peaceful elections in the past, a clear indication that, even in the coming elections, we can accomplish a violence free election.

Political players should appreciate the need for co-existence by exercising high levels of tolerance for divergent views and avoid engaging themselves in provocative behaviour.

It should be understood that every citizen of this country has got a responsibility to see to it that peace, law and order prevails during the whole electoral process. Peace cannot be attained through violent means but through peaceful means.

My call is for everyone involved in the elections to exercise maximum restraint and embrace peace before, during and after elections.

The Zambia Police Service, being an institution charged with a constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order, has made adequate preparations for effective policing of the forth coming elections which include training of police officers in policing elections, Investigation of electoral offences, Intelligence gathering as well as Crowd management and control.

We have also trained members of Community Crime Prevention Units with a view of utilising a community policing concept to avert violence before, during and after elections.

My command has adopted an open door policy to enable all stakeholders in the electoral process to seek redress in matters that may affect them during and after the election period.

We are deploying a sufficient number of police officers to police elections and we are assuring all stakeholders in the electoral process of their maximum protection.

KAKOMA KANGANJA
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
Issued on 11TH MAY, 2021

STUDENT UNIONS FROM 11 INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN LUSAKA ENDORSE PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU
ABOUT 500 Students from Eleven (11) Institutions of Higher Learning in Lusaka have endorsed His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu ahead of August 12 general elections.

The learning Institutions are the University of Zambia, Eden University, National Institute of Public Administration, Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, UNICHOS, University of Lusaka and Chalimbana university.

Others are Zambia Centre for Accountancy, Zambia Open University, Levy Mwanawansa university and Cavendish university.

Speaking on behalf of the Students, Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) President Steven Kanyakula says Students in their resolution on this day, have carefully scrutinised and compared different political party manifestos as regards to education and are convinced that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and President Edgar Lungu need another mandate to govern he nation.

He said the PF Manifesto demonstrates the ruling party’s commitment to delivering development across the nation without leaving anyone behind.

Mr Kanyakula also stated that the Students movement appreciates the investment that President Lungu has made towards education especially to with infrastructure development.

“As a Student at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University and indeed many other Students present, we can attest to the tough decisions President Edgar Lungu and his predecessor the late Michael Chilufya Sata have had to make towards building our infrastructure in education,” stated Mr. Kanyakula.

“It is gratifying that President Lungu, through the 2021 to 2026 PF manifesto, is promising to expand the Student Loan Scheme to include private Universities and we want to categorically state that he has our full support in this endeavor.”

ZANASU took the opportunity to launch the, ‘Students for ECL Movement’ and to endorse the candidature of President Edgar Lungu ahead of the 12 August General Elections.

“So today, May 11, 2021, we do hereby resolve to support the Patriotic Front manifesto on education and do hereby endorse the candidature of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu ahead of the 12 August, 2021, General Elections,” said Mr. Kanyakula.
📸 | SMART EAGLES

By Mwaka Ndawa

Chapter One Foundation limited has sued the state in the Constitutional Court over the failure by 40 ministers, including the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini, whose mandate expires on May 12, this year to unnually declare their assets and libilities from 2016 to date in line with the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct.

The NGO has cited the Attorney General in the matter seeking an interpretation of Article 263 of the constitution and particularly whether the provision is in conflict with Article 261 which requires all holders of public office to abide by the code of conduct requiring them to disclose their assets and sources of income.

Chapter One Foundation director Susan Matale in an affidavit in support of originating summons said that the NGO on January 13, 2021 made a formal complaint to the Chief Justice regarding the failure by the ministers to comply with the obligations under section 10 of the parlaimentary and ministerial code of conduct Act Chapter 13 of the Zambia laws to annually declare their assets, liabilities and sources of income.

She said the NGO requested Chief Justice Irene Mambilima to constitute a tribunal to investigate the unwillingness of the ministers to make statutory declarations.

“By a letter dated February 11, 2021, the Chief Justice responded to the request and stated that she was constrained from appointing a tribunal as Section 10 of the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct Act was overtaken by Article 263 of the Constitution Amendment Act no.2 of 2016, which only requires holders of public office to make declarations before assuming or upon leaving office,” Rev. Matale said.

She stated that although Article 263 only required holders of public office to make declarations before assuming or leaving office, Article 261 of the Constitution requires them to comply with the the code of conduct prescribed for their office.

“In this case of ministers, the prescribed code of conduct is contained in the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct Act Chapter 16 of the Laws of Zambia,” said Rev Matale.

The ministers alleged to be in non-compliant with the ministerial code of conduct are Davies Chama (defence), Lawrence Sichalwe (chiefs and traditional affairs), Ronald Chitotela (tourism and arts), Lazarus Chungu (Northern Province), Sydney Mushanga (Central Province), Charles Banda (local government), Godfridah Sumaili (religious affairs and national guidance), Michael Katambo (agriculture), Stephen Kampyongo (home affairs), Speaker Patrick Matibini, Matthew Nkhuwa (energy), Elizabeth Phiri (Gender), Nathaniel Mubukwanu (North Western Province), Dora Siliya (information minister and broadcasting), Jean Kapata (lands), Joseph Malanji (foreign affairs), Olipa Phiri (Office of the Vice-President), Dr Chitalu Chilufya (former minister of health), and Alexander Chiteme (national development and planning).

Others are Emmanuel Mulenga (youth, sport and child development), Kampamba Mulenga (community development and social welfare), Bowman Lusambo (Lusaka Province), Mutotwe Kafwaya (transport and communication), Christopher Yaluma (commerce trade and industry), Professor Nkandu Luo (fisheries and livestock), Bwalya Ng’andu (finance), Brian Mushimba (higher education), Sylvia Chalikosa (works and supply), Joyce Nonde-Simukoko (labour and social security), Freedom Sikazwe (presidential affairs), Vincent Mwale (housing and infrastructural development), Makebi Zulu (Eastern Province), Edify Hamukale (Southern Province), Richard Kapita (Western Province), Nixon Chilangwa (Luapula Province), Dennis Wanchinga (general education), Dr Jonas Chanda (health minister), Japhen Mwakalombe (Copperbelt Province), and minister of mines and mineral development Richard Musukwa.

The Zambian government and the International Monetary Fund have again failed to agree on terms of an economic reform programme which would have seen the country accessing financial assistance from the Fund.

Since 2016, Zambia has signaled intentions to get back on the IMF programme but significant progress has never been achieved.

In separate statements issued Monday evening, both the IMF and Ministry of Finance acknowledged that talks will have to continue although significant progress in policy talks has been achieved.

They both agreed that they will continue policy discussions at the appropriate time to finalise the timeline for implementation of the agreed reform package for the adoption of the ECF-supported programme.

“A team from the Ministry of Finance of Zambia, led by the Minister of Finance Dr Bwalya Ng’andu, and an IMF delegation, led by Mr. David Robinson, continued discussions during April-May in a second virtual mission on a potential IMF programme in view of progressing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) discussions. The Ministry of Finance and the IMF have reached a broad agreement on the macroeconomic parameters, fiscal targets and policy objectives,” the Ministry of Finance said.

“Significant progress was made in detailing the policy reform agenda to restore public finance and debt sustainability, while at the same time securing Zambia’s development objectives, and ensuring social protection for the most vulnerable. It was jointly agreed that Zambia and the IMF will continue policy discussions at the appropriate time to finalise the timeline for implementation of the agreed reform package for the adoption of the ECF-supported programme,” it said.

“In the meantime, the broad agreement obtained on macroeconomic parameters and fiscal targets will allow the authorities to progress in the technical preparation of debt restructuring talks in the context of the Common Framework as well as with the commercial creditors.”

Minister of Finance, Dr Bwalya Ng’andu stated: “We thank the IMF for the productive engagement and look forward to continuing discussions on the policy package implementation to ensure Zambia’s return to growth and debt sustainability. The reform path is clear. We are committed to securing an IMF programme which would support Zambia’s structural reform efforts to strengthen our response to the shocks caused by the pandemic and to ensure a solid foundation for a prompt and inclusive economic recovery.”

The Zambian authorities have since expressed their gratitude to the IMF for the constructive, fruitful and forthright engagement.

The IMF said in a statement that it’s mission has continued discussions with the authorities during April-May on their request for an Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

“Building on the earlier discussions in February-March, there was broad agreement on the macroeconomic framework. Notable progress was made in detailing the key policy measures to address the macroeconomic imbalances currently facing Zambia and to enable a return to sustained growth with enhanced fiscal space for social and development spending.”

It said, “The Zambian authorities reaffirmed their continued commitment to reforms. We look forward to continuing ECF discussions as key measures are taken. Staff express their gratitude to the Zambian authorities for the constructive, determined, and frank engagement.”

By Petersen Zagaze

There are people who have gotten rich or become politically relevant because of associating with a political party. Those don’t inspire or scare me, they are like radio personalities whose relevance depends on the radio station they are associated too.

And then we have those that are self made to a level where by even the political party rides on them. A man or woman of his/her own, with or without political party affiliation, they are still themselves and able to strive and conquer. That is the man I want to make myself. Someone like HH.

If you are opposition and you grow a political party like HH has done to date, then you can brag of being relevant, you can’t state your influence using the basis that you are a big fish in government. Please leave government and let us see you refuse to bend and beg for forgiveness. Then we can know you are the man.

HALF OF THE ONLINE PEOPLE WHO COME ON MY PAGE TO DEBATE CAN’T EVEN DEBATE AGAINST THEIR STOMACHS AND FINANCIAL DESPERATION. They can’t walk halfway in my shoes.

I have seen money on my laps and in front of me, I have heard sweet talk persuing me to sell my conscience, I have been tabled offers that can change upto 7 more families attached to me. You might call me dull or missing opportunities, but I know orientation as the most important phase of any career.

Refusing corruption isn’t missing an opportunity, it’s called creating a reputation that will make me look myself in a mirror and before sure I have gotten at any level of life genuinely and with justice.

I chose the opposition not because I can’t get over rich next week if I wanted, I choose opposition because the universe has to balance, nature needs left and right, and I am and many others here to help Zambia strike a balance to maintain sanity for a more patriotic and sound future.

WE CANT ALL BELONG TO ONE PARTY, ninshi we are all cursing the fortunes and possibility to equalize the strength of earth, nature, air, fire and everything that ignites life and evolution.

A fair leader, self made, straight personality, unshakable and determined human like HH is and will stabilize this economy like he has done for.himself and at individual level for many years, such a stable economy will benefit even the selfish ones preaching hatred.

I am Mukubesa Mundia 🇿🇲

PATRIOTIC Front media Director Antonio Mwanza says the newly formed ‘The Zambia We want’ alliance by the UPND and some opposition political parties is going nowhere.

The alliance was formed on Sunday in Lusaka ahead of the August 12, General Elections.‘The Zambia We Want’ alliance comprises the Movement for Democratic Change led by Felix Mutati, Zambia shall Prosper Movement led by Kelvin Bwalya Fube, Zambians for Empowerment and Development led by Ernest Mwansa and Movement for Change and Equality led by Kaluba Simuyemba. Featuring on Diamond Television COSTA, Mwanza said even strongest members of the UPND did not know what was going on as they were flabbergasted and lost.

“Because UPND has had election alliances with everybody. In 2006, they had an alliance with UNIP and FDD it failed. In 2008, they had an alliance with all manner of people it failed. In 2011, 2015, in 2016.UPND has had alliances with everybody and all those alliances have failed. And if you look at these individuals that pretend to be going to UPND,
and they will add numbers,” Mwanza said. He said Mutati had failed to form the alliance before and that Fube was only popular on Facebook.

“Let’s look at Honourbale Felix Mutati, to begin with, he went to UPND in 2015 that again failed. He was in UPND alliance, they failed to deliver the victory. If you talk of our former member of the PF comrade Kelvin Bwalya, it is true that he is popular on his Facebook page but I don’t see any basis under which he has got any
followership,” he said.

“If you talked about Ernest Mwansa, actually he is a forgotten man because we also don’t know what he has been doing in the last 10
years. What is his membership, what does his party stand for, do they even have members. Do they even have structures and you go the other gentleman I don’t even know his name. I don’t even know what they stand for. So what Zambians are asking now is how many alliances will UPND form? A lot of them have failed.” Mwanza said three months ago, the UPND was in an alliance with 15
political parties and out of them, they all left only remained with two. He said 12 left and only two remained.

“Honourable Chishimba kambwili who was amongst the last ones also left. So UPND is not new to form alliances, they have been forming alliances since 2006 and all the alliances by UPND have failed to deliver they have crumbled. And surely even this alliance is going nowhere. It will again crumble before the 90 days,” said Mwanza – Watch Zambia

Monday, 10th May, 2021 Press Release on Why President Chagwa Lungu Should Unconditionally Release Economic and Equity Party (EEP) President ChilufyaTayali in order to pay undivided attention and give an example of Patriotic Front Cadres who assaulted Police Officers, Journalists and Others

By Kasebamashila Kaseba

Media Consultant, News Critic and Analyst – +260 96 5122333

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu recently at Monday 3rd May 2021 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on the theme: ‘Infomation as a public good’ issued a final warning within a final warning to Zambia Police (ZP) Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja following Patriotic Front (PF) Party cadres assault of police officers, journalists, other cadres plus damage of property at PF Party Secretariat during the defection reception of National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Chishimba Kambwili defection reception.

Economic and Equity Party (EEP) President Chilufya Tayali posted a 39 minutes online video on social media that not only condemned the PF party cadre violence but also blamed it on President Lungu as Commander-In-Chief of All Armed Forces, PF President and PF Presidential candidate for forthcoming 2021 elections.

Zambia Police who earlier arrested Innocent Kalimanshi, as a victim of that assault, also arrested Tayali for defamation of the President (which law still includes foreign princes) for social media video condemnation of PF Party cadre violence on President Lungu.

Defamation of President in Section 69 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 reads;

“69. Any person who, with intent to bring the President into hatred, ridicule or contempt, publishes any defamatory or insulting matter, whether by writing, print, word of mouth or in any other manner, is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years. (No. 6 of 1965).”

Mr Lungu who is allegedly defamed also appointed the Munalula Lisimba Commission on Voting Patterns and Political Violence from 2006 to 2016 and recently constituted the Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) with the same condemnation of violence.

Apart from State institutions, he has also repeatedly invited other political and Church leaders, like Tayali, to condemn political cadre violence and called for “peace before, during and after 2021 elections”.

Like Tayali, the Commission recommended among others;

“(l) Political parties should take responsibility for the conduct and behaviour of their members and take appropriate action against erring members.

“Leaders of political parties should not reward party members and officials who are associated with violence and should openly denounce and disown such members;”

Therefore, Tayali only reflected both Mr Lungu and the Commission of Inquiry among others in condemnation of PF and other party cadre political violence.

Therefore, President Lungu must intervene for the unconditional release of Tayali because his arrest contradicts both Mr Lungu’s invitations for condemnation of violence by police overemphasis and unspecified defamation of the President when Tayali’s intent is clearly against political party cadre violence than President Lungu himself.

Further, Tayali becomes one of the few Party presidents arrested for defamation of the President for dissent or opposition.

President Lungu should release Tayali to concentrate on election campaigns and his PF party cadres to demonstrate that assaulting his uniformed police officers is even a more serious offense. He should protect his police officers from his PF Party cadres than promise police protection to assaulted journalists and declare (assaulted) police preparedness for 2021 elections.

Contact:

Kasebamashila KASEBA

Media Consultant, News Critic and Analyst – +260 96 5122333

It’s not Alliances that will work, Let’s Resolve the Rise of Identity and Ethnic Politics

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

These recent alliances are a still birth!

Because they are designed to aggregate regional votes as if people were goods!

Instead of marketing ideas, they peddle tribal support!

Overtime, leaders have increasingly driven voters along ethnic and regional lines establishing their own political strong-holds drawn from their own ethnic groupings.

The rapid rise of Identity Politics in Zambia is what we should worry about not the so called fragmentation of the Opposition.

In a multitude of Oppostion politcal parties, the Patriotic Front won, as a single party, the elections of 2011.

It should worry us that political parties have been established along personalities and their capacity to draw regional or ethnic support.

We need to sincerely rebuild the One Zambia, One Nation our forefathers envisaged.

So the hasty patchwork formations that we continue to see, are intended to draw personalities that may draw support from the ethnic regions they come from to these formations.

This is an exercise in futility for in many cases, such personalities have no capacity or following to herd a people to their perceived new political destination.

Instead of bridging gaps, these alliances end up promoting and confirming tribal and regional politics. Instead of healing the major rifts beginning to emerge, they exclude and divide us further.

Infact, these alliances are a job-seeking venture for those involved than any semblance or commitment to resolve, collectively, the challenges facing our country.

If the foundation is not based on ideas, collective resolve to build this country, if it is instead based on power and position sharing, it’s a tower of babel headed for an inevitable downfall.

Zambians want a leadership keen to provide solutions to issues that plaque this country such as corruption, political violence, the economy and our debt, youth unemployment e.t.c and not leaders engaged in politocal gambling through these endless selfish formations.

The exercise comes out as a power-grab scheme than a people driven movements or resolve.

Zambians want our leaders to work for this country, govern based on a sense of patriotism and dedication, run an inclusive government and resolve the challenges that face us in a consesus, fair, inclusive and transparent manner.

What is your view?

The Author is Zambia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Ethiopia and the African Union.

THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT

Let me express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the Secretary General of the mighty Patriotic Front for appointing me PF MEDIA DIRECTOR.

It’s a great honour and privilege that I don’t take for granted. I promise to use every ounce of my knowledge and wisdom to PROMOTE and DEFEND the Party and the President. No form of lies, misinformation or propaganda from the Opposition will go unchallenged. We will do our best as a team to properly market PF and ECL.

To comrade Sunday Chanda, I want to simply say MWABOMBENI. Thank you for all the great things you have done for our Party. We will always be grateful and we will always seek your counsel whenever we are stark. I wish you nothing but success in Kanchibiya.

To my fellow cadres, let’s hold hands and push till victory is certain.

12th August, ECL ALEBWELELAPO.

Zikomo and God bless you all.

THANK YOU YOUR EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU

8th May 2021

I wish to thank His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for the trust and confidence he placed in me over the last five years as Media Director for the ruling Patriotic Front.

The last five years have been the best in my political journey. I have made mistakes but I also grew with the many lessons I learnt with each and every experience. I will always cherish my years as media director.

I wish to thank the Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila for every opportunity he accorded me to perform my duties – a tough but supportive supervisor!

Let me thank the Members of the Central Committee, the Ministers, Members of Parliament, Party structures and ordinary members of the Party for the support you gave me over the last five years. PF is a great family!

The Team at the Secretariat – you guys became my family and I will always remain a part of you. Over the last five years, I have defended the Party with all my heart, soul and body – won new friends and enemies alike – it comes with the space. I have no regrets except to day I gave it my best sometimes under very difficult circumstances but I’m glad I did what was expected of me.

To my former deputy media director and now Media Director of our great Party, a friend and colleague, Antonio Mwanza aka CYBORG- I have no doubt that you will excel in your new role. No need for Alangizi! 😎 You can be assured of my support as always.

To the PF Media Committee, I’ll always be a part of you!!!

Last but not the least, my family, the media fraternity, thank you for the support you gave. You made my job worth every effort. Our bonds remain unbreakable!

As I pursue a slightly different frontier as a representative of the Great People of Kanchibiya, I ask for God’s grace, courage and wisdom. I will count on you all.

Shalom Shalom!

God bless Zambia.

_Issued by:_

_Sunday Chilufya Chanda_
_Former PF Media Director &_
_Patriotic Front Parliamentary Candidate_
_Kanchibiya Constituency_
_Muchinga Province_