hFellow Country Men, Women and the Youth.

In 2019, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, (HH) as opposition leader called for early elections and justified his calls as “in all democracies, the people have the right and power to call for early elections if they deem fit and justifiable”. He was correct indeed because there is a precedence to this effect in this country.

In 1991, the Zambian economy was in serious distress and near total collapse. Life for all of us who were there at the time was unbearable.
The people compelled Dr Kenneth Kaunda, our founding president, to call for early elections in 1991 instead of 1993. In that early election, Fredrick Chiluba and his MMD emerged as winners, and Dr Kaunda lost that election and handed over power peacefully.

Last week, l equally made a similar call for early elections given the current economic crisis and increasing high cost of living that has continued to harshly bite our people throughout Mr Hakainde’s clear-cut misrule. Many Zambians and non alike feel this way and agree with me that, indeed, the UPND regime has failed to deliver on their promises and governing in non stop pilot mode.

Like KK in 1991, our president can agree to these calls and facilitate for early elections or like I did during my time in office, he can justify with undeniable cause why we all must wait for 2026 as per constitutional schedule. In a democracy, it is all about dialogue and exchange of views!

Yesterday, the British Prime Minister, Mr Rishi Sunak, got approval from the British Monarch to dissolve parliament. Consequently, the Prime Minister announced that early elections will be held in the coming month of July, on the 4th of July 2024.

From the aforementioned, it is evidently clear that the call for early elections is a normal political pattern not only in Zambia but also in the United Kingdom and other democratic jurisdictions.In all democracies, power belongs to the people, and those occupying public offices are mere caretakers.

My appeal to the Zambian government is to respect the people, practice political tolerance, uphold the constitution, and ensure that peace, law and order prevails across our sovereign motherland. This is crucially important for our national unity and collective prosperity.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu

Sixth President of Zambia,
Patriotic Front (PF) President

Zambia’s ex-President Lungu under house arrest, he says

By Wycliffe Muia,
BBC News

The former leader is making emphatic return to politics ahead of 2026 elections Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has said that he was “practically under house arrest”, accusing police of a plot to forcefully detain him “for no reason”. Mr Lungu said police were mobilising to arrest him at night from his residence in the capital, Lusaka.

It comes a few days after the former leader was quoted as saying that there could be a change of government in the country before the 2026 general election.

Police chief Graphael Musamba said Mr Lungu would be summoned to explain his statement, local media reported.

Mr Lungu announced a comeback to politics last October, prompting the government to withdraw his retirement benefits.

Ex-Zambia President Lungu makes political comeback He had retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.

The former leader has been accusing the government of victimising him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to block his return to politics. His wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, has been accused of corruption involving cases of theft of motor vehicles and title deeds. She denies the allegations The government has denied targeting Mr Lungu and asked him to give his successor time to deliver his campaign promises.

On Wednesday, Mr Lungu said he had been subject to numerous unconstitutional actions by the state after leaving office. He claimed police were under instructions to “ambush me at night, abduct, embarrass, and forcefully detain me like a hardcore criminal”.

“As far as I am aware, I have not committed any crime that would warrant the government, through the police, to start scheming against me in this manner,” Mr Lungu added.

It is not clear if there is still a police presence at his home on Thursday and police did not immediately respond to BBC inquiries on the matter.

But the presidency has argued in the past that it respects human rights and does not interfere in the operations of the police.

Attending a church service last Sunday, Mr Lungu warned of a regime change before the next election, saying “a baby can be born before nine months”.
Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said the government was “carefully studying” Mr Lungu’s remarks, terming them “hair-raising and startling”.
It comes a few days after the police warned that Mr Lungu risked being arrested and prosecuted for “engaging in activities that disrupt public order and safety”.

A crowd of people thronged around him as he walked around the streets of Lusaka two weeks ago, ostensibly to assess the reported high cost of doing business in the city.

In February, the former president asked citizens to call for an early election, accusing his successor of failing to manage the economy.

The former leader was last year warned against jogging in public, as police described his weekly workouts as “political activism”.

Meanwhile, a human rights body has called on the Zambian government to quash the conviction of an opposition official two weeks ago for apparently defaming the president. Raphael Nakacinda, a senior PF official, was sentenced on 17 May for his 2021 remarks, alleging that President Hichilema had coerced judges into passing judgments favourable to him.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Nakacinda’s 18-month prison sentence would have “a broad chilling effect” on the right to freedom of expression in Zambia.

The Zambian government is yet to respond on the HRW statement.

-BBC

EDGAR LUNGU’S GREATEST ENEMY IS HIS MOUTH – ROMEO KANGOMBE

The United Party for National Development (UPND) will not fall for Edgar Lungu’s political stunts and gymnastics. Realizing his grave mistake at a political meeting disguised as a prayer meeting at Dunamis, Lungu claims he has intelligence of information that the police plan to arrest him. you don’t need intelligence information to know that when you commit a crime you must face the law.

Respect is never given it must be earned. If former President Edgar Lungu wants to be respected, he must behave in a responsible and dignified manner. His attention seeking stunts and rantings will not help him. “A fish is caught by its mouth”

It was Edgar Lungu himself who revealed to the Nation that he was working on overthrowing President Hakainde Hichilema before 2026 elections and made it clear that he was not joking about it. The President has not responded to these revelations, but Edgar Lungu responded to himself with accusations that the state is planning to arrest him. This is the behavior of cowards, when they mess up then they start seeking public sympathy.

Lungu is a coward who is afraid of his own shadow. He is being haunted by what he did to Hakainde Hichilema when he (Lungu) was President. He raided Hakainde Hichilema’s residence at night without a call-out. Tortured the workers, tear gassed the whole house and defecated around the residence. Where was the rule of law that Lungu is crying about? Edgar Lungu is living in fear because of what he did to others. Lungu was ruthless and never respected the rule of law. The Easterner say “Masiku ni panyo pa tambala”

Edgar Lungu has no immunity to commit crimes and he is not above the law. If he thinks he can ride on the high cost of living to cause anarchy in the country, he will be bruised. Whatever confusion that he is planning will end at his doorstep. Some of us are just restrained by President Hakainde Hichilema but we are ready to meet the serpent head-on. Our wounds are still fresh and it’s so painful seeing Edgar Lungu teasing us about the rule of law.

Zambia is bigger than Lungu and a bunch of clowns surrounding him. We will not allow anarchy in this country. President Hakainde Hichilema must not be distracted by the serpent tactics, he must focus on developing the country.

Revelations 12v12 “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!”

Romeo Kangombe
Deputy Chairperson Mobilisation and strategy – UPND

GUARDIAN OF TUTWA’S 14 CHILDREN SEEKS INJUNCTION AGAINST DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE

A GUARDIAN of the late Tutwa Ngulube’s children born out of marriage has requested the High Court to stop his sister and widow from distributing his estate unfairly until the matter before Court is resolved.

Chuma Kuntepa say the distributor’s year has elapsed since the administratrix were appointed to manage the estate hence they have no power distribute Ngulube’s wealth until the same is renewed.

In this matter Kuntepa has sued the late Ngulube’s sister Tawanda Tafwakose Ngulube and his widow Mupeta Glenda Sokontwe who are administratrix of his estate, demanding that his properties be equally shared among his children.

Suing of behalf the children as their guardian, Kuntepa wants the Court to order that the distribution of the estate to the minors be done under the strict and direct supervision of the Administrator General.

Kuntepa is seeking an order that, shares for some beneficiaries should be transferred to the minors.

In an affidavit in support of ex-parte summons for an interim injunction Kuntepa said she sought various reliefs from the court including an order that the distribution of the Estate to the minors be done under the strict and direct supervision of the Administrator general.

She said she also filed an application for the respondents to render an account and inventory of the estate of the late Tutwa Ngulube.

“The matter was heard on Feb 14 and was reserved for ruling to be delivered on April 4,2024,” Kuntepa said.

She stated that affer the matter was heard by the court, Tutwa’s sister and widow quickly engaged evaluators and evaluated the estate by the end of April 2024 and delivered copies of the evaluations to one of the mothers of the minors, in readiness to illegally and unfairly distribute the estate.

Kuntepa said Tawanda and Mupeta then engaged in an attempt to illegally and unfairly distribute the estate to the disadvantage of the minors on April 19 ,2024.

She said their action would not only undermine the authority of the court but put the court into disrepute as the matter is yet to be determined.

“The conduct of the respondents would interfere with the performance of a judicial function by this court and would render the decision of this court an academic exercise,” she said.

“Since the inception if this matter the respondents have acted with bias towards the minors by deliberately delaying attending the needs of the said minors and acting with hostility towards them.”

She said the executors year elasped on March 7, 2024 as the respondents were granted letters of appointment of administrators on March 7, 2023 and they have not applied for renewal.

“The respondents do not have authority to handle or distribute the estate as they would be intermeddling in the estate,” Kuntepa said.

“Despite the respondents being informed by my advocates that the matter is subjudice, they have neglected, failed and or refused to desist from illegally and unfairly distributing the estate before the court can give a final determination in this matter, more particularly on the issue of varying the 50 percent shares due to the children under the law and on the determination of whether there are any legal dependants under this estate.”

Kuntepa asked the Court to grant her application for an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from illegally and unfairly distributing the estate of the late Tutwa Ngulube in any manner that may prejudice the interests of the minors.

By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba May 24, 2024.

CCZ Condemns Police Disruption of Bishop Clement Mulenga’s Meeting

…we however hasten to state that the apology is insufficient…

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) strongly condemns the actions of the Zambia Police for
disrupting a private meeting between His Grace, Bishop Clement Mulenga of the Archdiocese of Kabwe, and the 6th Republican President, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

This incident, which took place in Bishop Mulenga’s office in Kabwe last Friday, is a serious affront to democratic principles and
must be denounced by all citizens committed to upholding the rule of law.

We note the apology issued by the Acting Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, during
his press briefing on Monday, we however hasten to state that the apology is insufficient because selectively
addressed only to the Catholic Church.

The 6th Republican President was also a party to the meeting and
deserves an apology for the unwarranted disruption and harassment by the police.

The CCZ finds the justification provided by the Minister, citing the Public Order Act, to be fundamentally
flawed.

The Act is designed to regu late public gatherings, not private meetings.

The meeting between Dr. Lungu and Bishop Mulenga was a private affair, and there was no basis for invoking the Public Order Act.

Furthermore, the Zambia Police’s statement, claiming that they acted on information suggesting that Dr.Lungu intended to address public gatherings, is speculative and unjustifiable.

Disrupting a private meeting based on mere speculation about future public activities is an overreach of police authority and undermines
the principles of due process and respect for privacy.

The CCZ also notes with great concern and denounces the bullish behaviour of the United Party for National
Development (UPND) Kanyama constituency youth wing aimed at intimidating the St. Philips United
Church of Zambia congregation in Kanyama.

The Church cannot and should not be dictated to regarding
who they invite and congregate with.

The behaviour by the UPND youth is a clear example and evidence
that the unruly cadre challenge is still latent and if not contained will erupt out of control.

No cadre or
political member has the legal mandate to maintain law and order.

We call upon the Zambia Police Service
to professionally and impartially maintain law and order.

The CCZ reiterates that Zambia is a democratic nation where all citizens, including former presidents, have
the right to freedom of movement and association.

These rights are enshrined in the Constitution and must be respected by all state agencies and general citizenry.

We call upon the government to ensure that the rights and freedoms of citizens must are protected, and
any actions that threaten these principles must be addressed promptly and decisively.

ITS HIGHLY HYPOCRITICAL FOR HH TO REMAIN MUTE OVER NAKACHINDA’S CONVICTION ON A LAW THAT HE REPEALED HIMSELF.

CHOMBA CHIPILI WRITES

The conviction and sentencing of Raphael Nakachinda to 18 months in prison with hard labor is a pure dictatorial tendance meant to silence the critics of a failed Government and a malicious manuvour to steal the right to freedom of expression of the private citizens.

The law that Nachinda is purported to have committed was repealed by President HH himself in 2022 when he abolished it to be a criminal offense. And in backing his decision President HH said “the law on criminal defamation of the president “inhibits the growth of democracy and good governance, impedes human rights and basic freedoms.” Why then is he quiet over the matter that seriously raise questions over his rule and his application of democracy that him and his foreign friends endlessly sing about? if this is not a notorious face of hypocrisy or vengeance what would it be then?

When we talk about the shrinking democratic space this is what we mean, when we talk about the suspension of the constitution this is what we mean.

If President HH has any atom of shame he must suspend Raphael Nakacinda’s conviction, release him, and stop prosecuting political opponents and others under this revoked law. We are a country of law and no one including the President and the judges has the power to replace the supreme law of the land with their emotions.

This act itself sends very sad feelings over our Judiciary, how can the custodian of the law in the names of courts justify this careless conduct.
On what law or penal code did the judge base his judgement. In 2022, President HH assented to Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 25, which repealed section 69, effectively abolishing the crime of defaming the president. On what basis was this judgement made?

President HH is also quoted saying that he had repealed the law as part of his commitment to democracy as it is “the democratic right of every citizen to be able to exercise their rights, what then has changed in Nakachinda’s case?

This only clearly tells us that President HH intends to use the law to stifle critical voices and deter criticism from the suffering citizens. This only defines the deteriorating civil and political rights situation in our nation.

What our colleague as been subject to is purely an abuse of the law and a malicious infringement of human rights.

President HH must know that there is life after the presidency and all the energies that he is directing on political opponents and critics must be directed on fulfilling his many lies that brought him into power.

It should sink in President HH’s head that no amount of arrests has ever reduced the cost of living anywhere in the world.

Release Nakachinda for he is unlawfully incarcerated.

JCC – SEASONED POLITICIAN

LUSAMBO MAY NOT GET A FAIR TRIAL IN MAGISTRATE CHILUBA’S COURT,

….. Contemplates applying to have his matter heard by a different magistrate.

Luanshya, 23rd May. 2024

After a long battle in the practice of back and forth, the Luanshya Magistrates court presided over by one Magistrate Penistone Kalutwa Chiluba has finally granted an adjournment to the former Kabushi Member of Parliament Hon Bowman Lusambo to allow him get proper medical treatment.

Hon. Lusambo has been appearing before Magistrate Kalutwa Chiluba in the Luanshya Magistrate’s Court in a matter he is accused of assaulting a Joseph Akafumba aligned NDC official only identified as Mr Musukwa during the Roan Constituency By election in April 2019.

Hon. Lusambo who is also former Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces Minister has so far been exonerated from the political violence that happened in the by election by the victims of the attacks who are still members of the opposition NDC.

The matter which is at defence stage has been coming up for trial in the Luanshya Court and so far, several witnesses that include the actual victims of the attack have since testified that Hon. Lusambo was nowhere near the scene of the alleged assault.

While in the accused dock on Wednesday, Hon. Lusambo took ill, his lawyer applied for an adjournment but the visibly doubtful and biased Magistrate Chiluba instead ordered that the accused person be taken to Thompson Hospital specifically and to be examined by a medical practitioner from there before he could consider granting a reasonable adjournment.

The Magistrate insisted on his orders that the accused be taken to Thompson Hospital and not any other hospital leaving Hon Lusambo and his lawyers perplexed and trying to figure out the Magistrate and the state prosecution team’s obsession with Thompson Hospital.

The former Kabushi MP and his lawyers obliged and went to Thompson Hospital where he was diagnosed with diabetes and immediately referred to Roan Antelope General Hospital where he was placed in admission and subsequently ordered to take not less than five days to rest and recover.

At this point, Hon. Lusambo’s Lawyer Joshua Njovu of John Kayuni and Partners proceeded back to the court where the Magistrate had ordered that the court reconvene at 14 Hours on the same day and that the accused should present himself if checked and found able to stand trial if not fit enough, a writen sick note should be presented to him and that the medical practitioner who issues it should be brought to court to testify to it.

Upon seeing the medical report that showed how a competent health practitioner at Roan Antelope General Hospital ordered Mr Lusambo to take minimum of five days to rest, State Prosecutor Judith Mayiya who is oftenly in the habit of harrasing media personnel following the Lusambo matter in court quickly expressed doubt and applied that the court orders Hon. Lusambo to be reexamined by Consultant Doctors at Maina Soko Northern Division in Ndola or Ndola Teaching Hospital which application was ably objected to by defence counsel Joshua Njovu.

After consideration of the report having heard the testimony of the Health Practitioner who issued it, Magistrate Chiluba whose facial expressions mostly present that of one who habors disgust and hatred for the accused person adjourned the matter from Wednesday 22nd to Monday 27th May 2024 which adjournment was argued by defence counsel as not allowing Mr Lusambo enough time to rest and recover was unjust.

It was only after a 30 plus minutes protracted battle in the magistrate’s chambers that it was agreed to have the matter adjourned to 22nd of July 2024 with orders to the defense counsel to ensure all witnesses are brought before court and the matter be concluded in five days beginning 22 of July.

Hon. Lusambo has since expressed dismay with the manner in which the Magistrate and the state prosecutor Mayiya insisted that he be attended to by health personnel only from a specific hospital when he could have been allowed to go to hospital of his choice considering he is on valid police bond.

The clear biases of the Magistrate can be seen in many ways including the way he disregards most interventions of the defense team in preference of most of the state’s interventions even when such interventions are clearly irrelevant.

Hon. Lusambo now contemplates making an application to have his matter handled by a different magistrate fearing that the current one may not give him a fair trial.

Smart Eagles

Zambia Police Firmly Refute Allegations of Night Ambush against Former President Lungu

The Zambia Police Service has categorically refuted the allegations made by former President Edgar Lungu regarding a purported plan to ambush him at night. According to the police statement, these claims are entirely “unfounded and false,” and the Zambia Police Service had no intention of ambushing Mr. Lungu or any other citizen.

The police emphasized that their “primary concern is the safety and security of all individuals, including the former president,” and the monitoring of his movements is a “standard procedure” to ensure his wellbeing. As a former head of state, Lungu is entitled to police protection, and this will be carried out “with the utmost respect for his privacy and dignity.”

The police statement further clarified that the security personnel assigned to Lungu are funded by the government, but there may be instances where “additional measures by the police are sometimes necessary to provide adequate protection” during his movements. The police appealed to the public to “understand the role of the police in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.”

Addressing Lungu’s concerns about the 25 dockets reportedly opened against him, the police stated that they are merely “following due process in response to formal complaints filed by UPND members in Lusaka.” The police assured the public that they are “acting within the confines of the law and without any political bias.”

The Zambia Police Service reiterated its commitment to serving the public “impartially and professionally,” urging the former president to cooperate with the authorities during daylight hours, as is customary. The public has been called upon to “remain vigilant and support the police in their efforts to preserve the country’s hard-won stability.”

As tensions continue to unfold surrounding the former president’s allegations, the Zambia Police Service has demonstrated its resolve to uphold the principles of democracy and the constitution, while ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including former President Lungu.

#InfinityMediaHub #stayinformed

Catholic Bishops write to President Hakainde Hichilema over the dishonorable conduct of the Police

●”….Therefore, the Conference condemns in strongest terms every form of intimidation and
violation of privacy against the prelates of the Church, their premises and that of innocent
citizens in the course of the Church doing what is its mission and service….”

Your Excellency,
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops

REF:Dishonourable conduct of state police towards the Bishop and former HEAD OF STATE

We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), write your Excellency to
register our deep displeasure concerning the conduct of State Police Officers towards the
Bishop of Kabwe, the Rt. Rev Clement Mulenga and the former Head of State Dr. Edgar
Changwa Lungu, which happened on Friday 17t May, 2024, when the former Head of State paid a courtesy call on the Bishop.

Your Excellency, the Conference would like to state categorically that the incident in question was incredibly scandalous and intimidating.

It was a serious invasion of the Bishop’s privacy
which was unwarranted in any way.

The Church in general and shepherds of souls in particular
have the right, duty and liberty to welcome and listen to every human person, without any
form of discrimination.

This is in fulfilment of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who said: “Come to me, all you who labour and are over-burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew
11:28).

Even without the nation being called Christian, it is normal for people with all sorts of physical, spiritual, material, and psychological challenges to seek solace in the Church.

Therefore, the Conference condemns in strongest terms every form of intimidation and
violation of privacy against the prelates of the Church, their premises and that of innocent
citizens in the course of the Church doing what is its mission and service.

It should also be reminded that despite being a public institution, the Church is in a diplomatic relationship with the State.

Therefore, going forward, the Zambla Conference of Catholic
Bishops (ZCCB) would like to see the Church’s premises and Its ministers respected and their rightful dignity and autonomy upheld without what was witnessed in the Bishop’s office on
Friday 17″ May 2024.

Yours sincerely,

Most Rev. Ignatius Chama.
Archbishop of Kasama and
ZCCB President

Invading Catholic Bishop’s Office, what does it mean..?

By Fr. Martin Mwango
(OSMdL)

The invasion of Bishop’s Office by police in kabwe risks to sour international relationship with Catholic Church.

In every part of an institution there are dos and donts, boundaries where one can reach and where one cannot forceflly enter no matter the pressure or situations.but there are other people within that institutions allowed to enter of course with permission.

The kabwe incidence where a police officer forced himself into Bishop’s office without permission has a strong meaning in the Catholic fraternity and procedure. It is beyond the insults the church and its clergies and shepherds have suffered in the hands of UPND.
If this is not handled properly has consequences on the diplomatic relationship between zambian government and Rome. It’s take it or leave and truth be told..
What happened last week in kabwe simply means entering Popes private room without due respect because that office is purely private and has nothing to do with politics and hatred. that’s why you will NEVER find the political portrait in that office because it is an embassy in it’s own way.
I smell risks between Zambia and Vatican City whose sovereignty is exercised by the Pope upon his election as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The fact is, the police must know that the Bishop’s office is private and can accommodate anyone as it enjoys its rights to privacy and the bishop accommodated in that office has a mandate to bring people to Christ. He can accommodate anyone either those from opposition and those from the ruling government. Even those that are worst condemned in society and deemed to be criminals.Therefore, to teach our Police officer jurisdiction between state and the Church I can quote that:
“A bishop is an ordained member of the clergy who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution” he cannot be intimidated by the ones in power or in opposition because he speaks for voice of the voiceless.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation should show concern and safeguard the relationship that Zambia had enjoyed with the Holy See way back before it’s Independence.

What we witnessed in Kabwe where a Police officer invaded the Bishop’s office may not sit well with the Vatican whose Embassy is right in Lusaka-Zambia. What the Police should know is that, while the Church buildings remain open for the public, the Bishop’s offices remains private entities and it reports directly to the Holy See through it’s Embassy at the Nunciature. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church whose sit is in Vatican City and represented at diocese level.Therefore, invading the Bishop’s office is breaking the international relationship law and this can call for compromise on the international community. Infact; “The Zambian Constitution under article 17 provides for the right to privacy including the right not to be searched (person, home or property); “not to have possessions seized; not to have information relating to family, health status and private affairs unlawfully required or revealed; and not to have communications.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister should come in, to correct the act and condemn it strongly.The apology that was tendered in by home affairs minister while addressing other isdues is considered too merely and has a different interpretation to the griefing embassy whose security and protection has been britched by state security.The head of that office is the Pope, then the Bishop’s office and that of a priest is known for it’s private confessions, counselling, teaching, guidance etc. Therefore, we call for mutual relationship between the Zambian State and the Church in Zambia. What the government and Police service in Zambia should understand is that: in Roman Catholic Church there seven principles that are respected for the human being, promotion of the family, the individual’s right to own property, the common good, subsidiarity, the dignity of work and workers, and pursuit of peace and care for the poor, to summarize some of the essentials of Catholic social teaching from Leo XIII through Benedict XVI.

I therefore demand for serious apologies from government and respect Popes office and let it operate as it has been in the past. The chiwamina galu kuluma mbuzi will not bring peace, love and care to zambia but will dent the corporate image of zambian government and its leadership.
Power and leadership are too different to be mixed . it’s just like love and hatred don’t mix .

As a church we shall endure the humiliation we are being subjected to but our fundamentals and social teachings will continue to ponder on. Catholic church will condemn the injustices but if those in authority decide not to listen, one day they shall listen.

ZAMBIA HAS NOT DONE WELL IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

….the country is too rich to be poor, observes Dr. Mushalika

Lusaka… Thursday May 23, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

An Academician has observed that Zambia has not done well in terms of economic development since getting independence 60 years ago.

Dr. Joseph Mushalika says in as much as the country has tried in the area of infrastructure development, it’s worst performance is in the area of economic development.

Dr. Mushalika, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Build Zambia 2064, says Zambia is too rich to be poor as it is endowed with natural resources.

Dr. Mushalika said this when he featured on the Conversation Podcast hosted by Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.

“We have done well in terms of trying to develop infrastructure in Zambia, we have done well with self governance, self rule but of course there are things we have not done well. If you look at 60 years of independence, that is quite a long time. And I think our worst performance is in the area of economic development. And why do I say our worst is in the area of economic development, is because of what kind of a country we are, resource wise. We are too rich to be poor,” he said.

“Look at our mineral wealth as a country. You know when we were in grade five or six we knew there was copper, gold, diamond but we didn’t even know there was a thing called sugilite. Those hills in Mkushi we didn’t know that there is manganese. Look at our timber, our rosewood, Mukula etc we are just too rich.”

He said even if the country is experiencing effects of climate change, it is still predictable.

“Even if there is climate change, our climate is still relatively predictable. It’s not as bad as it maybe in the future. Given that scenario and the history we were given that at independence we were richer than China, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia, the question our children should be asking us is that what did you fo0ls do?” He added.

Dr. Mushalika said politicians have a tendency of creating a culture of dependency saying this should be avoided.

WHAT WE HAVE NOW IS A REAL END TIME WAR BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS

BY CHOMBA CHIPILI

We will be very naive to take the current political atmosphere in the Nation as politics as usual, for what we have now is a real battle of evil and good. Is it not strange that people who belong to a Christian community can deliberately choose to misinterpret the words and command of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on whose name our national aspirations anchor. Sending his disciples on a final mission after His Resurrection our Savior said;

“Matthew:10.16
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew:10.17
“Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.”

Now how right is it for any agent of light to question the instructions of whom they represent.

During the rule of the able and humble leadership of the Sixth Republican President Dr ECL this country was given a designated Day of worship and reconciliation the Day the very people who are trivializing the Lord’s call today described as a Day of devil worshippers and non in their leadership files ever attended.

If that wasn’t enough even the Ministry that was created to oversee over the Nations Moral and spiritual affairs was the first to be scrapped off, then this Nation begin to see agents of darkness matching through our cities proclaiming a non Christian conducts of same sex marriage and to date no leader big or small from the Upnd Government has ever condemned such evil conducts and no conviction has been made despite the culprits breaking a constitutional law.

We have seen Embassies of Countries that worship strange gods fly flags for groupings that propagate antichrist practices in our nation without been questioned.

Lastly all those politicizing the scriptures quoted by Dr ECl are nothing but agents of Darkness. ECL never said a word of his own but only quoted a scripture of instruction by our Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Zambia must pray and we must be aware of this battle between light and darkness. We are resolved to stand by our Christian faith and we shall never shun to proclaim that which has made us to be a peaceful and prosperous state from time in memorial.

All well meaning and God fearing citizens must go on their knees for this country’s Christian Nation proclamation is under a serious attack.

We shall stand in the highways of light and ECL is the touch bearer in our cause.

JCC – Seasoned Politician

WORST PERFORMING POLICE EQUAL TO WORST PERFORMING COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF (PRESIDENT)

The Zambia Police Service has been ranked to be one of the worst performing police in the world.

This is according to the World Internal Security and Police Index, which ranked the Zambia Police Service at 112 out of the total of 127 countries.

We are not surprised by this terrible ranking because under Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his corrupt, tribal and violent administration, we have witnessed the Zambia Police Service at its worst possible period in history. We have seen the UPND’s cheap, dangerous and barbaric way of using the police to spread terror, wanton repression, and heightened human rights violations in the country.

We have also seen how violence and all other forms of political repression and criminality are being committed by UPND cadres led by identifiable individuals some of them Cabinet Ministers and senior part officials under the full protection of the Zambia Police Service.

Well-known UPND cadres have been knifing, assaulting, beating, kidnapping and publicly threatening to “slaughter” opposition political leaders and other critical voices in the name of protecting Mr Hichilema with the police doing nothing about it. Even our numerous complaints and reports to the police have fallen on deaf ears. Whenever a report is made to the police, it’s us, the victims of Mr Hichilema’s cadres’ violence who get locked up and are prosecuted. This is the impunity that the perpetrators of these crimes are enjoying for their crimes with the help and support of the Zambia Police Service.

Therefore, this ranking of the Zambia Police Service as one of the worst performing police in the world doesn’t come as a surprise to us at all. As it perfectly suits the situation we are currently going through as political players and also corroborates with what institutions like the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) have been saying on the need for the Zambia Police Service to “immediately realign to practices with democratic democratic tenets for the benefit of citizens”.

However, we strongly feel that the problem in all this does not lie with the Zambia Police Service. It lies with those who control, direct, and command those who head the police. It lies squarely with Mr Hichilema, the Commander – in – Chief!

All the mischief, confusion, and reckless bravado that is coming from the police high command through the Inspector General Mr. Graphael Musamba is merely conveying Mr Hichilema’s decisions. These are Mr Hichilema’s own decisions. So we should all address these numerous violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed and protected by our constitution with Mr Hichilema.

He is the culprit behind all these abuses. He is the principal violator of our human rights and fundamental freedoms and must be held responsible for his actions against the people and the constitution he has sworn to uphold. Mr Hichilema should not be allowed to hide behind the police.

In fact, this poor ranking of the Zambia Police Service directly points to Mr Hichilema’s poor, unaccountable and inexperienced leadership in dealing with national affairs.

It is illogical to think that the Zambia Police Service can be among the worst performing in the world and the Commander- in – Chief, the President remains one of the best performing presidents. How can that be? It’s impossible.

It’s simple, worst performing police equal to worst performing Commander- in – Chief. The buck stops at him and let him own this embarrassment.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

State drops criminal charges against KBF, co -accused Beauty Chama

LEADER of the Zambia Must Prosper party, Kelvin Fube Bwalya has been freed of money laundering charges and failing to report suspicious transactions by the State.

Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri has entered a nolle prosequi in favour of Bwalya and his co-accused Beauty Chama.

“I, Gilbert A Phiri, Director of Public Prosecutions for the Republic of Zambia pursuant to the powers vested in me by section 81(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code authorize the entry in record of proceedings that proceedings are discontinued against Beauty Chama and Kelvin Fube Bwalya,” read the notice terminating the proceedings.

Bwalya, a lawyer of house no. 44 sable road Kabulonga was jointly charged with proprietor of Kalandanya Music Promotions, Bwalya Kalandanya of house no. 325 mberere road Olympia extension, Beauty Chama a clerk of house no. 428 Jack Compound, Ibrahim Mitha a businessman of house no. 8178 Emmasdale and Hassan Mitha a businessman of house no. 8178 Emmasdale.

Chama was between March 1, 2017 and February 28, 2022 accused of possessing seven apartments at stand No. JES/ 118 in Jesmondine valued at K 6,125,000. suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the second Count it is alleged that Bwalya, Chama, the Mithas and Kalandanya between March 1, 2017 and February 28, 2022 whilst acting together engaged directly or indirectly in a transaction that involved proceeds of crime.

And in the third count was alleged that Bwalya between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022 negligently failed to submit a suspicious report to the Financial Intelligence Crimes centre.

The five who were being tried before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, pleaded not guilty to the charges before principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyinya.

When the matter came up for trial yesterday the State indicated that it was terminating the criminal proceedings against Bwalya and Chama by way of a nolle prosequi as instructed by the DPP.

Magistrate Munyinya proceed to set Bwalya and Chama at liberty by discharging them.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba May 22, 2024.

SATA NEVER MEANT THAT LUNGU WAS PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL

Former President Mr. Lungu had no presidential ambitions. However, he was convinced by those around him, who saw him as a means to climb the political ladder, to seize the opportunity. Additionally, another group of elites wanted him in office to continue looting public resources, especially families that have suffocated our politics since 1964. These families have been present in every government for their own enrichment and they control key state apparatus.

Before President Sata died, the PF was already experiencing succession problems. To avoid this tension, Sata when going out prior to his death decided to appoint ECL, who had no presidential ambitions, to act as a temporary leader. The intention was to prevent those with presidential ambitions, such as Kabimba, GBM, Kambwili, Sampa, and others, from the feeling that Sata had chosen them as his successor. This was a wise move by Sata at solving party level problems. I recall an incident when Winter Kabimba, acting as president, took the presidential motorcade to his village, causing confusion within the PF. Winter would openly boast that when he speaks, then Sata has spoken claiming to be Sata’s favourite. Such incidents prompted Sata to use ECL, which reduced the tension.

However, it was a mistake on Sata’s part not to consider the consequences of leaving someone without a vision in that position. ECL himself confessed during Sata’s funeral that he had no ambitions of becoming president and mentioned his health conditions.

This is why I sometimes feel that President Edgar Lungu did not care about this country. Criminals, both local and external, exploited our resources with impunity because he had no understanding of the office he occupied. He had no value attached to it and allowed misrule, where everyone, including thugs, assumed presidential powers.

Once and for all, I agree with what Tayali Chilufya said that “You can ask Edgar Lungu to explain his solution to our economic problems, and he will not say anything.” This statement by Tayali is very true. Those who want to support Lungu should let the media host him and ask him to elaborate on how he plans to develop Zambia—you will be shocked by his lack of answers. Even those who rally behind him today either directly benefited from his misrule and want to return to power to continue stealing public resources through backdoors, or they are from small political parties that just want him to bankroll them and advance their personal interests.

Therefore, it is wrong for ECL to think he was a political giant destined for the presidency. ECL became president by mistake, and his seven years of misrule have led to many of the problems we are enduring today.If you have facts other than mine, please challenge me in the comment section.

SIKAILE C. SIKAILE
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST

THE LUSAKA-NDOLA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WILL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED
CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN KEY ECONOMIC HUBS – HH

President Hichilema writes…

Fellow citizens,

Today was a momentous and historical occasion as we officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the construction works for the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway.

This is one of the major projects to be financed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in our quest to save money from the government treasury.

To us and the country, this is a significant infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving our nation’s road network, enhancing transportation efficiency, and fostering economic growth.

The Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway will undoubtedly contribute to safer travel, reduced travel times, and increased connectivity between key economic hubs.

We reiterated our call to the developers to deliver a quality road within the stipulated time frame. We further thanked them for engaging more of our youth along the stretch in the construction but called them to do more by engaging Zambians in the subcontracting category.

We call on our citizens to fully cooperate with the developers during the construction period and beyond.

Let’s develop Zambia together. Great things are coming.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia.