The prosecution in Donald Trump’s trial has insisted that the former President tried to illegally influence the 2016 Presidential election by preventing damaging stories about his personal life from becoming public.
A prosecutor told jurors this on Monday, April 22, at the start of the former President’s historic hush money trial.
“This was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy to influence the 2016 election — to help Donald Trump get elected through illegal expenditures to silence people who had something bad to say about his behaviour, using doctored corporate records and bank forms to conceal those payments along the way,” prosecutor Matthew Colangelo said.
“It was election fraud, pure and simple.”
A defence lawyer for Trump countered by assailing the case as baseless and attacking the integrity of the onetime Trump confidant who’s now the government’s star witness.
“President Trump is innocent. President Trump did not commit any crimes. The Manhattan district attorney’s office should never have brought this case,” attorney Todd Blanche said.
Trump’s lawyer also said that “there’s nothing wrong with trying to influence an election – it’s called democracy”.
It is the first criminal trial of a former American President and the first of four prosecutions of Mr. Trump to reach a jury.
Prosecutors sought from the outset to elevate the gravity of the case, which they said was chiefly about election interference as reflected by the hush money payments to a porn actor who said she had a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump.
“The defendant, Donald Trump, orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 Presidential election. Then he covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his New York business records over and over and over again,” Mr. Colangelo said.
Mr. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records — a charge punishable by up to four years in prison — though it’s not clear if the judge would seek to put him behind bars.
A conviction would not preclude Mr. Trump from becoming President again, but because it is a state case, he would not be able to pardon himself if found guilty.
People believed to be migrants walk in Dungeness, Britain on August 16, 2023 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised on Monday to start sending asylum seekers to Rwanda within 10 to 12 weeks as the upper house of parliament finally passed required legislation, delayed for weeks by attempts to alter the plan.
Sunak said the government had booked commercial charter planes and trained staff to take migrants to Rwanda, a policy he hopes will boost his Conservative Party’s flagging fortunes before an election later this year.
The House of Lords had long refused to back the divisive legislation without additional safeguards, but eventually relented after Sunak said the government would force parliament to sit as late into Monday night as necessary to get it passed.
“No ifs, no buts. These flights are going to Rwanda,” Sunak told a news conference earlier on Monday.
Tens of thousands of migrants – many fleeing wars and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia – have reached Britain in recent years by crossing the English Channel in small boats on risky journeys organised by people-smuggling gangs.
Stopping the flow is a priority for the government, but critics say the plan to deport people to Rwanda rather than handle asylum seekers at home is inhumane.
They cite concerns about the country’s own human rights record and the risk asylum seekers may be sent back to countries where they face danger.
Sunak’s new law states some existing UK human rights statutes will not apply to the scheme and Rwanda must be treated by British judges as a safe destination, in a bid to override a Supreme Court ruling which declared the scheme unlawful.
It also limits individuals’ options for an appeal to only exceptional cases.
Other European countries, including Austria and Germany, are also looking at agreements to process asylum seekers abroad.
Lords want safeguards
The legislation returned on Monday to the House of Commons – the elected lower house – where lawmakers removed changes proposed by the Lords before the upper chamber considered it again.
Some Labour and unaffiliated peers wanted the legislation to include safeguards for Afghans who previously helped British troops and to establish a committee to monitor asylum seekers’ safety in Rwanda. But eventually the Lords let the legislation pass its final parliamentary step without any formal changes.
The legislation is expected to receive Royal Assent from King Charles later this week, and then will become law.
Speaking before the legislation was passed, Sunak said an airfield was on standby, slots were booked for flights and 500 staff were ready to escort migrants “all the way to Rwanda”.
Under the policy formulated two years ago, and agreed with Rwanda, any asylum seeker who arrives illegally in Britain will be sent to Rwanda under a scheme the government says will deter Channel crossings and smash the people smugglers’ business model.
Sunak’s team hope the pre-election pledge will help turn around his electoral fortunes, particularly among wavering Conservative voters who want to see less immigration.
He had previously said he hoped the policy would be operational by spring, without giving a precise date.
Polls suggest his Conservative Party will be badly beaten in this year’s election by Labour, which has said it will scrap the scheme if it wins power. Labour says it will pursue a deal with the European Union to return some arrivals to mainland Europe.
Even after successfully navigating parliamentary hurdles, Sunak may still face legal challenges to the law.
Charities and rights groups say they would try to stop individual deportations and the trade union which represents border force staff is promising to argue the new legislation is unlawful “within days” of the first asylum seekers being informed they will be sent to Rwanda.
“We urgently need the UK government to start treating refugees with decency and stop trying to send them away to an unsafe future in Rwanda,” Lucy Gregg, acting head of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, said in a statement.
India’s biggest opposing party said Prime Minister Narendra Modi made hateful comments by calling Muslims “infiltrators. ” This happened during the general election, and it was one of his most provocative statements about the minority religion.
The comments made at a campaign rally on Sunday were strongly criticized for being anti-Muslim. The Congress party complained to the Election Commission of India on Monday, saying that he broke the rules that prohibit candidates from doing things that make people of different religions upset.
People who disagree with the prime minister, who strongly supports Hindu beliefs, say that India’s history of being a diverse and secular country has been in danger since his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, gained power ten years ago. They say the party promotes unfair treatment of people with different religions and sometimes even encourages fighting. The party says it didn’t do what it’s accused of and that its plans help all people in India.
During a rally in Rajasthan, Modi said that when the Congress party was in charge, they believed that Muslims should have the first claim to the country’s resources. He also said that if the party comes back into power, they will take everyone’s money and give it to people with lots of children. The crowd cheered as he said this.
“They will give it to people who came in secretly,” he said. “Do you want your money to go to them. ”
Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the leader of the Congress party, said that the prime minister’s comments were full of hate. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who speaks for the party, also said that the comments were very objectionable.
The party asked the election commission for help because their rules say candidates can’t try to get votes by talking about people’s race or religion. People started voting on Friday in a six-week election. Most surveys show that Modi and his party, the Hindu nationalist BJP, are likely to win. The results will be available on June 4.
Asaduddin Owaidi, a Muslim politician and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen party, said on Sunday: “Since 2002 till now, the only thing Modi has promised is to insult Muslims and win votes. ”
For a while, there have been problems between India’s main Hindu group and Muslims. But now, rights groups say that attacks on minorities have become more bold since Modi became the leader.
Muslims have been attacked and killed by groups of Hindus because they were accused of eating beef or trading cows, which are sacred animals to Hindus. Muslim businesses have been avoided, their homes and businesses have been knocked down and places of worship set on fire. People are asking for them to be killed.
Modi mentioned a statement from 2006 made by the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the Congress party. Singh said that all people in India, including those in lower castes, tribes, women, and especially the Muslim minority, should have an equal part in the country’s progress.
“Singh said they should get the resources first. ” The next day, his office explained that Singh was talking about all the people who have disadvantages.
The Congress party asked the election commission to stop Modi and the BJP from using religion and religious symbols in their election campaigns. The commission has not punished the prime minister and the BJP for breaking electoral laws, which has made these actions even stronger.
“In India’s history, no prime minister has brought down the respect of his position as much as Modi has,” Kharge, who is the president of Congress, wrote on the social media platform X.
The commission can give warnings and stop candidates for a while if they break the rules.
A representative for the commission said they don’t want to comment.
In his speech, Modi said that Muslims were having more children than Hindus, which is a common idea among Hindu nationalists. 80 out of every 100 people in India are Hindus, while 14 out of every 100 are Muslims. The number of children born to Muslim families has gone down the most compared to other religious groups in the past few years. In 1992-93, the average Muslim family had 4. 4 children, but by 2019-21, it went down to 2. 3This is just slightly more than the average number of children in Hindu families, which is 1. 94
Modi’s party BJP has said that Muslims who came to India from Bangladesh and Pakistan are illegal immigrants. Some states ruled by the BJP have made laws to stop people from different religions marrying each other. They say it’s because of an idea called “love jihad,” which says Muslim men marry Hindu women to convert them to Islam. But there’s no proof of this happening.
Throughout everything, Modi has mostly kept quiet. Critics say this has made some of his most extreme supporters feel more confident and has allowed more hate speech against Muslims.
A psychologist from Peru who was suffering from a disease that made her muscles weak and kept her in bed for many years, died with medical help, her lawyer said on Monday. She was the first person in the country to be allowed to choose to die this way.
Ana Estrada fought for a long time in the courts of Peru for the right to choose when and how she could die. She became well-known in the country, which doesn’t allow euthanasia or assisted suicide.
In 2022, the Supreme Court said it was okay for Estrada to choose when to die, and no one would get in trouble for helping her. Estrada was the first person in Peru to be allowed to die with help from a doctor.
Ana fought to be able to die with dignity. Her fight has taught many people in Peru about this right and why it is important to protect it, said her lawyer, Josefina Miró Quesada. “Her struggle went beyond our country’s borders. ”
MrEstrada, who is 47 years old, had a disease called polymyositis. This disease makes muscles become weaker and there is no cure for it.
She started showing symptoms as a teenager and began using a wheelchair at 20 because she couldn’t walk anymore.
Even though there were problems, Estrada got a degree in psychology and became a therapist. She made enough money to buy her own apartment and didn’t need help from her parents anymore.
However, in 2017, Estrada’s health got worse and she couldn’t get out of bed anymore.
She had a hard time breathing and beat pneumonia. Even though she couldn’t type, Estrada used a special program to write a blog called “Ana for a death with dignity. ” In her blog, she talked about her difficulties and why she chose euthanasia.
“I am not free anymore,” she said in an interview with the Associated Press in 2018. “I have changed and I’m not like I used to be. ”
With the help of the person in charge of looking after people’s rights in Peru, Estrada won a case that allowed her to choose to end her life with euthanasia. She joined court sessions from her bed using video calls.
In 2022, Estrada told judges that she thinks life is important and she doesn’t want to die right away. She wants to be able to choose when to end her life.
“She said she wants to choose euthanasia when she can’t handle suffering anymore. ” “I want to say goodbye to my loved ones peacefully and calmly. ”
Only a few countries have made it legal to end someone’s life intentionally, which includes Canada, Belgium, and Spain. In some US states like Maine and Oregon, a doctor can help a very sick person end their life.
Most Latin American countries do not allow euthanasia, but Colombia and Ecuador have made it legal or decriminalized it.
A pair of Premier League footballers have been arrested after a rape was reported to police.
According to Mail Online, the two unnamed footballers from the same club were arrested at the weekend.
One player, 19, was reportedly spoken to by police on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape at the club stadium before he was formally arrested after leaving the grounds.
He was detained overnight and was later questioned by police under caution.
The other player, who is also 19, was arrested the day after and was later quizzed by officers on suspicion of rape.
Both players have reportedly now been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The alleged rape reportedly took place on Friday night, with the alleged victim contacting police and filing a formal complaint hours later.
A police spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape.
‘A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. A second 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.
‘Both men have since been released on police bail.’
A source also told The Sun that police arrived at the stadium and spoke to one of the players in ‘a private room within the ground’.
They added that he left the club with ‘another individual’ and was formally arrested later that night.
A club spokesman told The Sun: ‘As the matter is now in the hands of the police, the Football Club will not be making further comment at this stage.’
It is not the first time the Premier League has been at the centre of a police investigation over an alleged rape.
Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, 22, was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour in October 2022.
The case against him was subsequently dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew. Greenwood denied all the allegations against him.
After an internal club investigation, the decision was taken to send Greenwood out on loan to Spanish club Getafe.
The government says it will destroy more than 50,000 uncollected passports worth Shs12.5 billion in a bid to create more storage space. The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control said most of the untaken passports belong to maids who were seeking employment in the Middle East.
Mr Simon Mundeyi, the Internal Affairs ministry’s spokesperson, said some of these passports have remained unclaimed for longer than six years. He said their predicament has been worsened by an additional 2,000 unclaimed passports applied for between January to April this year. “We now have about 50,000 passports in our stores across the country, which have not been claimed by the owners. Since every day we have new applicants, having so many uncollected passports poses a challenge to our stores,” he said.
Uganda issues three types of passports, namely ordinary, official, and diplomatic, with light blue for ordinary, green for official, and red for diplomatic passports. However, the Directorate could not readily categorise the uncollected travel documents.
But Mr Mundeyi said: “Most of these passports belong to girls who were supposed to be taken to the Middle East and since the labour export activities have drastically reduced, they lost interest in the documents as they returned to their villages.” Application for an ordinary passport booklet costs Shs250,000, while the official passports (also called service passports) are charged Shs400,000, and the diplomatic acquired at Shs500,000. It costs Shs400,000 to process an express ordinary passport in three days.
Most of the maids who seek jobs in the Middle East pay Shs250,000 for an ordinary passport, which would amount to nearly Shs12.5 billion when the bulk of 50,000 unclaimed passports are considered as those of maids. However, some of the applicants opt for express processing, which means the cost would climb higher even for this category of domestic workers.
“The ministry is, therefore, planning to destroy passports which have spent years in the store because we don’t have where to keep them. These passports have been unclaimed since 2018,” Mr Mundeyi told Monitor.
The Ministry said the buildup of uncollected passports is partly due to applicants not being able to receive messages asking them to collect their travel documents.
“In some rare cases, the passports are ready, messages are sent to them [applicants] to collect but their phones are often off or they just don’t have a network. If a message is sent and the phone is off or doesn’t have a network, it will bounce and will never be re-sent,” Mr Mundeyi said. In an effort to offset the logjam and streamline the processing of new applications, the ministry has asked people who applied for a passport to promptly pick them up or check with the ministry’s website to find out the status of their documents.
Passport issuance Passports allow for exit from and re-entry into a country and also enable citizens to travel in a foreign country in line with visa requirements, and request protection for the citizen while abroad. Regulations governing the issuance of passports in Uganda stipulate that express passports can be obtained in four days while ordinary passports take two weeks.
Uganda’s labour export Data from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development shows that at least 120,459 workers left Uganda between January 2022 and December 2023 in search of employment. The figures indicate that women dominated with 109,773 compared to 10,686 male. The Middle East, in the 10 last years, remained the destination of choice, taking in 107,448 workers.
UPND WALKING PF TRAJECTORY …and PF was booted out of power because they insisted on blocking UPND – Nyirenda
By Margaret Malenga(The Mast)
OPERATION Young Vote executive director Guess Nyirenda warns that the UPND should expect the same results meted on PF from Zambians if they continue denying the opposition freedoms of assembly and association.
He has asked the new dawn to do what is right “because I think they can’t just continue giving excuses that UKA is illegal, no!”
“Why is it illegal for UKA when it is not illegal for the UPND alliance which was also not registered?” Nyirenda asked.
He urged the government to respect the rights of citizens.
Nyirenda, in an interview, underscored the inherent right of individuals to freely associate and express themselves within the bounds of the law.
“First of all we must, as Zambians, respect our laws. We give these laws unto ourselves as people and one of the fundamental provisions in the law is that there must be some freedoms. For a person to live fully and to be alive fully they must have freedoms and they must enjoy those freedoms. For example, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly. These freedoms are very important and these we give unto ourselves in the Constitution but they are inherent in us. As a human being, you cannot live as an island.
You need to associate and you must be free to associate with whoever you want to associate with. You must also be free to express yourself because that’s how you live fully as a human being, but within the law. You must also be free to assemble because it is inherent in human beings to assemble, to meet and to engage with others,” he said. “The challenge that we have is the police are not doing a service to us. They are actually doing a disservice and more so doing a disservice to the party in power because for them they think that by denying people to assemble, to meet, to associate, to express themselves, it means that they are doing a good thing to the party in power or the leadership. It doesn’t mean like that. It actually erodes the confidence that the people who elected the leaders will have or will continue to have in the leadership at hand. Then government also must not walk the trajectory that we have been taken through by previous regimes. It doesn’t work like that.”
Nyirenda reminded the UPND government that they “came on the platform that Zambians will be free, Zambians will enjoy the freedom, will enjoy their leadership and even those in UKA are part of Zambians who should enjoy the freedoms”.
He said the UKA should partake of those freedoms.
“Unless UKA have done an extraordinary or have committed an extraordinary offence, but where they just want to meet and share ideas with the members of the public, I mean why not allow them? This is one of the big reasons that the PF was booted out of power by the Zambians because they actually insisted to ensure that they blocked the UPND from engaging, so why should the UPND as government also walk the same trajectory and expect different results? They should expect same results from the Zambians,” Nyirenda warned. “They were not happy with this kind of leadership. They were not happy with this kind of arrangement and they will be able to say ‘can you move out and let others come in who are a bit serious’. So it is important that our leaders read between the lines and they must also analyse things seriously and not dance to the praise singers because the praise singers have said ‘no, stop them’ and then they stop them. It doesn’t work like that.”
Nyirenda further reminded the UPND government that leadership is a privilege granted temporarily.
“Life is dynamic and you must appreciate the dynamism of life as elected leadership in government because the government and the privilege they have been given is just a privilege and not a right where they are going to be there forever,” said Nyirenda. “It’s a privilege and Zambians can at any time, 2026 during the elections, get that privilege from them and give it to somebody else and to other people. So it is important that really they do what is right because I think they can’t just continue giving excuses that UKA is illegal, no! Why is it illegal for UKA when it is not illegal for the UPND alliance which was also not registered? You can’t walk the same trajectory and think that you will have the different results.”
THE CASE OF IMPORTATION OF WHITE AND YELLOW MEALIE MEAL INTO ZAMBIA
I Note with great sadness the advert statement by the Minister of Agriculture indicating that His Excellency the President Mr Hakainde Hichilema has authorized the importation of white and yellow maize in the country.
This is a is a slap on the face of UPND government. For some of us, it has been three decades when Zambians were lastly fed with yellow maize and nshima to be precise.
From that time successive governments have been the more wiser making strides to ensure there is enough strategic food stocks especially maize in our reserves. Successive governments have always had a forecasting of stocks for a rainy day like this one.
Then come President Hakainde of UPND, the self acclaimed savior of our nation, the most brilliant businessman of all time and the perfect president Zambia needed. For him it was business as usual. The way he got his wealth is the way he continue even as president.
In September 2021, just after UPND formed government, the IPC Acute Food Insecurity analysis issued an analysis report covering the period from July to September 2021, indicating that about 1.18 million people in Zambia were facing high levels of acute food insecurity with 77,938 people being most affected in Luapula, Lusaka and Western provinces.
The UPND may recall that the same analysis projected that the period starting from October 2021 to March 2022, coincides with the lean season when the country’s food security situation is expected to deteriorate, with around 1.58 million people (13% of the analysed population).
It further indicated that for the period of October 2021 to march, 2022, Luapula, Lusaka, North-Western, Northern, Southern and Western provinces had a steep rise in the number of people affected by the ongoing food insecurity, which according to the report was to worsen in the coming months if nothing was done.
Equally, early in 2023, FEWS NET(the Famine Early Warning Systems Network) which monitors and forecasts acute food insecurity, warned about the impending El Niño weather phenomenon that would hit Southern Africa, Zambia, was in the equation for the calamity.
But as usual, it was methodical governance by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema with his inept political followers and the cadres he appointed in institutions of governance.
It is even disheartening to note that the UPND government despite all these warnings, they decided they know better than everyone else and are munshebwas….they continued with their appetite for money, to the extent that huge quantities of maize were exported despite the advices and recommendations from the sub-sector and associated industries not to do so.
They offloaded and depleted the accumulated national strategic maize reserves which was kept in three crop marketing seasons from 2019 to 2021.
Really what kind of government places money before its people? Our citizens are completely food insecure. Let’s hear the bragging boastful president talk a bout the brilliant ways of ensuring good security.
Now, out food insecure citizens require urgent assistance to reduce food gaps, protect and restore livelihoods and prevent acute malnutrition.
The UPND government, should have realized that, successive governments including the PF government then, understood that the projected period and beyond would coincide with the lean season, thereby deteriorating Zambia’s food security situation. And as such, the government then, stored enough maize and expected the prices of mealie meal to remain relatively low in the five-year average.
We are were we are. We have some questions we would like government to address. What is the quantity of quality white maize do we have in the national strategic maize reserves by the Food Reserve Agency? I ask this question because Hon. Mutolo Phiri informed Parliament that as at 1st May, 2023, the total carry-over stocks of maize held by farmers, millers, grain traders and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) was about 450,891 metric tonnes with expected production of 3,261,686 metric tonnes of maize and that the total stocks of maize at that time was at 3.7million metric tonnes. Ba Zambia twasebana…
We urge the UPND to learn about management of the whole of government, and avoid the total government failure to appropriate and redistribute resources including the mismanagement of the 2022/2023 agricultural season, with poor and chaotic seed and fertiliser importation, and equitable distribution to viable farmers in both the Southern and Northern regions especially that the northern half of the country is where there is more rain, and to never ever repeat the lopsided distributing more inputs in the southern half of the country.
We further urge the Government to call for an indaba on improving food security. Time for methodical guesses is gone and cannot be accepted any more by citizens.
INFORMATION AND MEDIA PERMANENT SECRETARY VISITS FORMER VICE PRESIDENT DR. GUY SCOTT
Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana has refuted claims circulating on various social media platforms regarding the passing of the former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott.
Mr. Kawana today visited the former Vice President at his residence in New Kasama in Lusaka and had a warm interaction with him.
The Permanent Secretary said spreading false and misleading information, especially regarding someone’s health or passing is highly irresponsible and unacceptable.
He has since urged individuals in the habit of spreading false information to refrain from doing so as they do not only cause unnecessary distress but also panic among family members and friends of the affected persons.
Mr. Kawana has wished the former Vice President good health and longevity.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary has reminded members of the Public to uphold integrity and responsibility as they share information on their various social media platforms.
Issued by: Public and Media Relations Unit MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA 23rd April, 2024
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REACTS TO VIDEO OF TORTURED MPONGWE WOMAN
The Human Rights Commission (HRC/Commission) strongly condemns the reported torturing of a woman by the Zambia Police Service in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt Province.
The video of a named woman circulating on various social media platforms in which she is complaining that she had suffered a broken spine at the hands of some police officers in Mpongwe District is extremely disturbing and a grave violation of the absolute right to protection against torture and other ill-treatment.
The Commission calls upon the police command to immediately investigate the matter and arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crime of torture so that they are subjected to the due process of the law in order to end impunity. The Commission will also carryout its own independent investigations and work towards securing redress for the victim.
The Commission has over the years continued receiving complaints from victims of torture who have suffered permanent disabilities as a result of aggravated assault by some police officers.
In the current case, Ms. Mary Mwansa of Mpongwe District complained that her backbone was allegedly broken by some police officers who beat her for complaining about the alleged acquittal of a police officer who had defiled her 14 year – old daughter. This case simply confirms the prevalence of acts of torutre and other cruel, inhuman or degraditing treatment or punishment being inflicted on suspects and ordinary people by police officers.
The Commission therefore calls on the Government to demonstrate zero tolerance against acts of torture by publicly condmening police brutality against suspects. Further, the Government must enact a comprehensive law that criminalises acts of torutre and other cruel, inhuman or degraditing treatment or punishment as a demonstration of its commitment to ending the violations and meeting its international human rights obligations.
Finally, as one of the immediate remedial measures, the Commission is appealing to the Government and other well-wishers to consinder rendering the necessary support to the victim to mitigate her challenges caused by her physical impairment as a result of police brutality.
(Original Signed) Mweelwa Muleya Spokesperson HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
HICHILEMA’S REIGN OF VIOLENCE, HYPOCRISY, AND IMPUNITY
The Constitution of the Republic of Zambia guarantees every person in this country equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
But this is not the case in today’s Zambia, which Mr Hakainde Hichilema has turned into “Animal Farm.”
Under our Constitution, every person in this country is equal before the law and is entitled to the equal protection of the law without discrimination.
But under Mr Hichilema’s watch, UPND cadres can assault us, knife us, kidnap us, and carry out all sorts of violent attacks on us with impunity.
We have been violently attacked by UPND cadres in many different parts of this country and reported them to police but to date, no single arrest and prosecution has ever been made. Why?
Instead, it is us, the victims of UPND cadres’ violence who get arrested and are prosecuted. And this is much more so in by-election campaigns.
Yet Mr Hichilema boasts of having ended the political violence by cadres. Which political violence has he ended? Our people are being beaten, injured, and knifed by known UPND cadres who are acting with absolute impunity. They’ve become the law unto themselves.
This is the hypocrisy and violent nature of Mr Hichilema’s reign. It’s a reign embedded in terror and bloodshed, but for how long will this be tolerated? How many people will have to be injured, knifed, or beaten in order for them to realize that this is not the way to govern a country.
It is a well-known fact that throughout history, those who administer or control the criminal justice system hold the power with the potential for abuse and tyranny.
The statutory powers to arrest and prosecute those who commit crimes should be fairly and justly exercised. And not what we are witnessing today.
There’s a need to apply institutions to every aspect of law enforcement as a wall wired with a high-tension electricity line.
The only antidote to the culture of venality is the readiness of our criminal justice system to apply the laws fairly and equally.
In Freedom under the Law, Lord Denning wisely remarked, “All power corrupts. Total power corrupts absolutely. And the trouble about it is that an official who is the possessor of power often does not realise when he is abusing it.
Its influence is so insidious that he may believe that he is acting for the public good when, in truth, all he is doing is to assert his own brief authority. The Jack-in-office never realises that he is being a little tyrant.
” We should at all times uphold the rule of law, integrity of the criminal justice system…”
Primitive toilets, the UPND government and sustaining racist colonial beliefs about us
By Azwell Banda,
I cannot stop thinking about the primitive colonial toilet and President of 60-years-old “independent” Zambia Hakainde Hichilema “commissioning” apparently thousands of them, by cutting a ribbon on one of them.
I have to mentally jolt myself out of my disbelief at this singularly defining act of the continuing colonial mentality in Zambia that regards the majority of the citizens of Zambia as sub-humans who, in this day and age of touch free electric toilets, still celebrate small colonial and primitive toilets located outside, and at a distance, from the “house” it serves.
I actually feel extremely sorry, for pathetic Hakainde Hichilema, as a fellow African: having surrounded himself by White consultants with deep roots in their racist cultures and backgrounds. Hichilema has no clue about how his White consultants and White masters laugh at his stupidity for imagining that his White consultants and White masters think he is different, unique, and not as African as the Zambian Africans whom he, Hichilema, is now sustaining in their ever growing material and cultural poverty, and confirming all the racist tropes White Supremacism and White racism have historically used to justify their oppression, dispossession, domination and exploitation of Africans.
The picture of my President, Hakainde Hichilema, 60 years after our “independence” commissioning a most primitive toilet in an African “township” will remain etched in my mind forever. We are yet to win the struggle against colonialism and its inferior status it assigned to Africans: that primitive colonial toilet in the rich Copperbelt and Hakainde Hichilema “commissioning” it, is one of the greatest proofs of just how backward, materially and culturally impoverished we still are, 60 years after our independence.
This “toilet” is “commissioned” by Hakainde Hichilema in the same period when the UPND government is still celebrating the handing over of huge chunks of our copper and other minerals to foreign money, on the Copperbelt. Globally, our copper has transmitted electricity which has lit homes, villages, towns, cities and many countries. It is now used to transmit electricity to electric toilets. Our copper and other minerals have contributed to powering the industrial development of the US, Europe, Japan, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and many other countries. Our copper has made countless millionaires and billionaires scattered all over the world. And yet, 60 years after our “independence” a whole President of Zambia, eager to be presented as working and doing things for “poor” us, “commissions” a small primitive toilet, on the rich Copperbelt.
Someone in the UPND has said something to the effect that slavery should never have ended, we need it if we are to develop. The UPND government Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane has said currently Zambians in the rural areas are happier and better off than those in urban areas, because they no longer need money which they only needed to pay school fees because they eat food which they make themselves. And yet our rural areas have a humiliating massive 80 per cent poverty rate. At the peak of the cholera pandemic Hakainde Hichilema said people should not come to town “without a plan”. Hakainde Hichilema has also encouraged all of us to grow our own food, completely oblivious to the fact that no modern country has ever developed that did what he said: specialisation and a complex division of labour are what make for developing and developed societies and countries. During the cholera pandemic, a minister in the UPND government was heard lamenting that some of us do not know how to use toilets.
During the same “working visit to the Copperbelt” Hakainde Hichilema has volunteered that he sometimes asks his wife if Zambians do listen to what he says. Could this be Hakainde Hichilema loudly echoing perhaps his White masters and White consultants’ pseudoscientific belief in the biological inferiority of Africans, a belief which claims that Africans are inherently less intelligent, less capable, and less evolved than white Europeans? Hakainde obviously does not regard himself as stupid as the majority of us who somehow cannot appreciate his “superior logic” and “wisdom”. Hichilema has asked Zambians on the Copperbelt to support him, because he is working, for them. He has now gotten into the habit of constantly reminding his Zambian audiences that he is working for Zambians, whom he “loves”. He has even wondered where Zambia would be if he had been voted into government earlier. And yet the current mass suffering in Zambia is proof that Zambians were very right to keep him in the opposition, where he should have stayed.
And yet the continuing racist colonial attitudes to Africans are sustained by exactly “how hard” Hichilema is working for Zambians: parcelling huge chunks of our minerals to foreign buyers while pretending that all we Zambians need are jobs and tax, from such foreign companies. No country has ever developed because it supplied diminishing and cheap labour to foreign investors, and collected tax. Development happens when huge chunks of the surpluses, the real profits after cost inputs, wages and taxes have been paid, are ploughed back into the country to grow and develop a revolutionary agricultural sector, a thriving finance sector, value add and other manufacturing, to fund infrastructure development, to fund social development and so on: this is only when and how real “development” happens.
From before independence to date, serve partially for the period when Kenneth Kaunda was in government, it is foreign firms that have mined and exported our minerals, and benefited from its surpluses, not Zambia! While irreparably damaging our environments through mining operations, Zambian governments have facilitated the foreign extraction of our minerals and their export. We have even been made to believe that we are an “exporter” of minerals when in fact the minerals, mines and profits do not belong to Zambia. Our local banks in fact have very little connection with large foreign mines banking transactions. Recently we have been told by Zambia Revenue Services that it is only now that real capacity to audit and track what is happening in the mines is being developed. We have had no capacity to audit large mines.
The majority of Zambians are hungry, culturally and materially poor because 60 years after independence, it is still believed by our politicians and their fellow elites that we are primitive and uncivilised, we lacking sophistication and intellect compared to Europeans, and therefore can neither own and run large mines, nor do we really need so much, from our minerals: a primitive toilet is among the things we celebrate, when it is donated to us. We are still regarded as savages and barbaric and very inferior to Europeans. Today, it is our African political elites and their fellow educated and professional liberal counterparts who perpetuate such beliefs, illustrated by our President opening a primitive toilet so that we should cheer him.
More than 700 Zambians have died from cholera and some are still dying, today. Colonialists propagated the idea that African cultures and civilisations were inferior to European ones, dismissing our rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to world civilisation. Our political elites, while in the opposition, promise us modern sanitation, decent housing, clean and safe water. In government, like our colonial masters, they abandon their promises, and begin to commission primitive toilets: like our colonial masters, our elites think that we need very little in our lives and therefore we are content with backward things such as the toilet Hichilema commissioned, on the very rich Copperbelt!
The UPND, like our White colonialists, have often lamented that we are lazy and lacking in ambition, have no entrepreneurial acumen, and therefore we are inevitably hungry and poor. Such people obviously, on the rich Copperbelt, deserve the toilet Hichilema commissioned; we are not fit yet, for modern toilets. And yet it is our political elites and their foreign masters who are responsible for our material and cultural poverty.
In the opposition, all our politicians are nice democrats promising to restore all our human, constitutional and political rights. In government, they fear us, just as much as we fear their governments: for almost three years now the UPND government of Hakainde Hichilema who promised us more democracy, constitutional rule and the “rule of law” has banned opposition party mass events, sometimes including press conferences and church events. During the colonial days, Africans were frequently depicted as dangerous and menacing, thus perpetuating fear and justifying colonial violence and oppression as necessary for maintaining order and security.
There is a video clip of a UPND adult male chanting “Daddy dololo, daddy dololo, daddy dololo” as Hakainde is around and smiling, while he was on the Copperbelt. During the disgusting colonial days, Africans were portrayed as childlike and dependent on White colonialists for guidance and civilisation, further reinforcing the paternalistic attitudes of colonial rule. The UPND fake deification of Hakainde Hichilema perfectly mirrors this behaviour.
Lately, Hakainde Hichilema has become a public marriage counsellor. At the Copperbelt University he advised students to put off marriage and focus on studying. Colonialists often sexualised African men and women, portraying African men as hypermasculine and predatory, and African women as exotic objects of desire or as promiscuous and immoral. Today, some in the West and in the UPND argue that we are poor because we breed too much, without due regard to the cost of raising children. Hakainde was told that the university needs approximately15,000 bedspaces and it currently has only 3,000 spaces. There is no time table for when one may meet a marriage partner.
The primitive toilet commissioning by Hakainde Hichilema on the Copperbelt perfectly symbolised and captured the colonial view that Africa remains primarily a source of natural resources to be exploited for the benefit of Europeans and others, while contemptuously disregarding the material and cultural needs of Africans. None of these repugnant and racist beliefs have any scientific basis. They were constructed to serve the interests of colonialists and were not based on any objective truths about African peoples and their cultures. But they perfectly served the needs of the colonisers to impoverish Africans and put them in “their place”. Today, our elites like Hakainde Hichilema reproduce these beliefs and practices in order to sustain us in now our new colonial status.
April 22nd, 2024 Patriotic Front (PF) losers group desperation is in high gear as they continue to live in denial of what hit them in August 2021 and October 2023.
After losing all matters in the courts of law, PF Nakacinda camp has gone after astute Lusaka lawyer Joseph Chirwa. They have made a fake audio and concorted a non-existent conversation to tarnish his name.
A few weeks ago they duped him to a house in New Kasama and asked him to jeopardize court cases by switching camp from Miles and team to them. He refused as unlike Makebi who did so and already reported to LAZ, it’s unethical conduct for a lawyer to switch sides between same duo clients. So as he chose to be professional and rejected their overtures, they are now after him.
Dismiss the audio perpetrated by Zambia Reports, a blog run by Emmanuel Mwamba with the contempt it deserves. The timing is also impeccable. They want to ruin Joseph Chirwa’s campaign at Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) AGM where he’s standing as Council Member. The blog, in conjunction with a known TV station based in Lusaka, have used Chirwa’s campaign portrait in their quest for propaganda.
Emmanuel Mwamba is currently on the run and eluding Joseph Chirwa and Company who have attempted to serve him with Contempt of Court process. Emmanuel Mwamba has been cited for contempt of court by Miles Sampa for the podcast he conducted with 2 cadres wherein he discussed in details matters that are still in Court.
Chirwa is about to advertise in the press for the Contemenor’s notice to show up at Court and show the Judge why should not be jailed. Contempt of court is a criminal offense in the Zambua penal code.
Incidentally Counsel Joseph Chirwa represented majority PF Councillors and MPs petitioned in their 2021 general elections triumph. The young lawyers scored about 100% victory rate on all the PF cases he handled. Despite selling the Burma road PF land at $1M apparently to meet PF Legal fees, money was pocketed and Chirwa was not paid any amount from the sale. He is still owed big from the petition cases.
Together with J&M advocates, Chirwa has so far washad (beat them 100%) them non stop on all their court cases with Miles Sampa.
All six EU priority electoral policy reform recommendations have NOT been adopted
Editorial Democracy is a borrowed governance concept by most African governments, Zambia inclusive. Some even say that it’s the access to external finance and aid that drives a semblance of most regimes across the continent putting out a facade of being democratic.
It is believed that the European Union – EU themselves knows this, but also out of their selfish interests in Zambia, they keep on putting out these reports so that they can also be seen to be doing their best and continue their work.
One stark piece of evidence that the final EU report has brought out is that even though most critics of the new dawn government seem to suggest that the UPND is western inclined, and just implements willy-willy all western recommendations without due consideration of their self preservation needs are perhaps wrong.
All regimes in the world, in the EU inclusive, without democratic laws and safeguards will opt for self preservation. Perhaps this lack of adoption of recommendations by the EU should be interrogated in a more deeper and realistic study rather than cut and paste approach.
Could it be that for instance, the public order act is what is keeping our government even to last for the first five years in power and provide some semblance of stability for our fragile nation’s dogged with low income levels and underdevelopment?
The reality is that Non of all the six priority recommendations by the EU observer missions has seen the light of day. Actually, the EU representative even admitted that out of 22 recommendations, only 2 seem to have been partially adopted.
A check on the ground reveals that even those two adopted are either on paper only or another law exists that ensures that the status quo is preserved. This message is clear for all who have eyes to see.
After all, even the new dawn government is an African regime, subject to the same historical and geopolitical inequities that most Afro countries have to face up to. When in opposition, it’s always easy to espouse the ideals of democracy that high income countries can afford to finance, but reality creeps in as soon as instruments of power are exchanged and real information is rendered to the new head of state.
We are sure that reality dawned unto the new dawn government the moment they admitted that they inherited an empty treasury. What they inherited is what most Afro governments inherit. And whenever they want to tax or control their main source of income, for Zambia which is copper, they face brick walls and resort to overtaxing their own citizens, a vicious cycle that eventually sees them hounded out of government.
The real problem that the new dawn government and any other predecessor government or indeed future government of Zambia faces is how to drive up the income levels for the government, locally owned business and individual households.
Below are the six priority recommendations that the EU observer mission report made after the 2021 elections of which NON has been implemented even as the 2026 elections draw closer:
1. The repeal of the Public Order Act and ensure law adherence to regional and international standards for freedom of assembly, movement and expression.
2. Revise candidacy requirements to enhance the right and the opportunity to stand by ensuring registration fees do not deter participation and are refundable, and removing educational requirements for the right to stand.
3. To consider enacting a law on political parties stipulating registration requirements and guaranteeing internal party democracy, inclusivity, transparency and accountability, with adequate institutional oversight.
4. Remove from the law undue campaign privileges for the [incumbent] President and Vice-President to ensure equal campaign conditions for all candidates.
5. Enact a law on campaign finance including reporting requirements for political parties, candidates, and traditional and social media. Income and expenditure reports have to be audited by a competent, independent body with investigative, sanctioning, and enforcement powers.
6. Formalise cooperation between the ECZ, civil society and main social media platforms to develop an efficient mechanism ensuring transparency of online campaigning, including its financing and countering hate speech and disinformation.
As was said by the then EU Chief Observer post the 2021 elections, it is entirely up to Zambian authorities and institutions to take any of the recommendations on board. Well, the status quo speaks volumes, those recommendations may not be a priority.
The Opposition has also not been very organized in pushing for these reforms. It can also be argued that the opposition has been kept busy as history tells us by the pro-active political interference jabs which have seen most of them confined to fighting internal battles said to be sponsored by the ruling party.
The new dawn government has been giving the excuse that they have been dogged by economic problems and hence concentrated on economic reforms. But pursuing economic reforms in isolation without the support of governance reforms is a fruitless and useless endeavor. Because economic reforms achieved would easily get reversed with a change of regime if democratic safeguards are not adopted in parallel.
It remains to be seen how the new dawn government will navigate this delicate need to implement both economic and governance reforms that lead to a functional democracy. Otherwise, what’s the point of driving economic reforms without supporting governance reforms that ensure their longevity?
As it stands, even the Access to information Act though signed, is not functional. We as the Zambian Business Times – ZBT have tested it on the Zambia Tourism Agency – ZTA. We even went further and escalated the request to the Minister of Tourism as well as the Human Rights Commission.
As it stands, the Access to Information Act is currently not functional and excuses on lack of procedures are lame. Citizens are supposed to get the benefits from this law effective the date of sign off.
PeP STATEMENT CONDEMNING THE 8 MONTHS CONTINUED INCARCERATION OF MR. CEDRICK KASANDA WITHOUT TRIAL
24th April 2024, The Liberty House
1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), we wish to strongly condemn the continued incarceration of Mr. Cedrick Kasanda for more than 8 months now, since August 2023, without trial.
2. Mr. Kasanda was initially charged with espionage together with 10 others, including 5 Egyptian nationals in the infamous Gold Scandal. Everyone was subsequently released, either unconditionally or on bail, but on the day that Mr. Kasanda got his bail on the alleged espionage charges from the High Court, the DPP decided to file fresh charges against him for alleged aggravated robbery, based on the same facts.
3. We have no doubt in our minds that the fresh aggravated robbery charges filed against Mr. Cedrick Kasanda are frivolous and an afterthought, and solely designed to keep him incarcerated, since aggravated robbery is non-bailable. If these aggravated robbery charges were genuine, the State would have filed them together with the other charges at the very beginning when Mr. Kasanda was initially arrested, and not at the time that he was released on bail by the High Court.
4. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we are very confident that what is currently happening to Mr. Cedrick Kasanda is a gross injustice. It is a blatant abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert Phiri SC. It is for this reason that we would like to advise the DPP to use his powers in a just, fair and equitable manner.
5. Mr. Gilbert Phiri must be reminded that he is not going to be the DPP of Zambia forever. One day when he is an ordinary citizen, he is going to need to be treated with fairness, justice and equity from the people. The DPP must therefore treat others with the same virtues that he would like to be treated with one day.
6. Given the fact that all the other suspects in the Gold Scandal have been released, and all the exhibits including the money and the aircraft have been given back to the alleged owners, it is evident that the State has no desire to prosecute this matter. Therefore there is no justifiable cause; moral, legal or otherwise, why Mr. Cedrick Kasanda should continue to be detained. We therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Kasanda so that he can be re-united with his family. Let us espouse to create a just, fair and equitable nation. Those with power should not abuse it by harassing those who are powerless.
ISSUED BY:
SEAN E. TEMBO (SET) PARTY PRESIDENT PATRIOTS FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS (PeP) LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
IN the latest April-May 2024 issue of Forbes Africa magazine, Zimbabwean Vimbai Masiyiwa, who is the chief executive officer of Batoka Hospitality, is on the 30 Under 30 list.
The list, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, essentially uncovers “some of the most influential and iconic young people on the continent”.
Commenting on the latest list, Forbes said: “The 10th anniversary of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list is testament to the unmistakable potential and talent pool that exists on a continent boasting the world’s youngest population, and their role in crafting Africa’s growth story. Building a business and consistently creating change on the continent, as a 20-something, is no mean feat.”
What makes Vimbai’s story unique is the fact that she is a cancer survivor.
Although she is the daughter of Strive Masiyiwa, a businessman whose net worth has since swelled to US$1,9 billion, according to Forbes, 29-year-old Vimbai has distinguished herself in business.
Below we reproduce the citation from Forbes.
“Entrepreneurship is in my blood,” Vimbai Masiyiwa tells Forbes Africa.
“I grew up watching my parents work hard to build their businesses, and I knew that it was something I intrinsically wanted to do.”
As the daughter of African billionaire Strive Masiyiwa (with a real-time net worth of US$1,9 billion as per Forbes on March 22, 2024) and Tsitsi Masiyiwa, she knew that there would be pressure on her to succeed.
Diagnosed with cancer at “a pivotal stage” of her education made her re-evaluate what she really wanted to do with her life and career.
“This moment catalysed me to change direction with a focus on creating a meaningful business of my own,” says the cancer survivor today.
Determination helped Vimbai launch Batoka Africa, which, for her, is the culmination of four years of ideating, fundraising, building and growing.
In 2019, she had the vision to turn Batoka into a successful social enterprise tourism business with an entirely new property component, which she spearheaded. Vimbai required a US$4 million capital investment to build the property and while she could leverage on existing staff and resources, a significant component required fundraising.
From 2019 to 2021, it was one of her biggest challenges.
“I am a believer in building great agile teams that have the ability to succeed, no matter the hurdles.
“Working with my incredible team on the ground and collaborators from all over the continent (with the majority of them being women) meant that we pulled together in the worst of times,” says the young Zimbabwean entrepreneur.
President Biden is marking Earth Day by announcing a $7 billion government initiative to provide solar power to low-income communities.Over 900,000 households will benefit from this. He also wants to grow the American Climate Corps program, which helps people get trained for green jobs, like the New Deal did in the past.
The Environmental Protection Agency is giving money to 60 recipients, which they announced on Monday. According to senior officials, the projects are expected to reduce emissions by the same as 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households $350 million every year.
Biden recently shared some new plans for helping the environment while also trying to get more young people excited to vote for him again. Young people were an important part of a big group that helped him win against Donald Trump in 2020. Some people have joined protests in different parts of the country to show their disagreement with how the government is dealing with Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
High-ranking government officials said that young Americans are very interested in and supportive of President Biden’s plans for the environment, and they want to help make it happen. The Climate Corps program is a way for them to help, the officials said.
Sun power is becoming more popular as a type of renewable energy that could help lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, which release harmful gases that warm the planet. Solar energy not only keeps the environment clean but also helps make the electric grid more reliable.
Solar energy can be expensive to set up at first, so many people in the US might not be able to use it. This could lead to a mix of environmental rules and politics during an election year.
Forty-nine grants are for states, six are for Native American tribes, and five are for multiple states. These can be used to invest in things like solar panels on the roof and shared solar gardens.
Biden is telling people the news at Prince William Forest Park in northern Virginia, which is about 30 miles southwest of Washington. Roosevelt’s New Deal program. The camp provided opportunities for young people from struggling families to enjoy outdoor activities and learn new skills. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps helped people get jobs during a bad time in history called the Great Depression.
Jean Su, who leads the Energy Justice program at the Center for Biological Diversity, believes that solar power in local communities is the best way to keep people safe and protect the environment from the harmful effects of fossil fuels. “These investments help poor families get clean energy that is affordable, strong, and protects our environment. ” “It’s really good to see President Biden start this very important program. ”
Biden, a member of the Democrat party, used his power to create the American Climate Corps, which was inspired by Roosevelt’s New Deal, through executive action last year. On Monday, he’s saying that there are almost 2,000 jobs available in 36 states. Some of these jobs are being offered with the help of the North American Building Trades Unions.
The president has frequently used Earth Day to support his administration’s efforts to address climate change. Last year, he made a new rule to help protect poor and non-white people from being exposed to pollution and harm from the environment.
He has tried to show how he is different from GOP congressional leaders. They want to have fewer rules for oil production to make energy prices lower. Biden’s team says that Republican policies help big oil companies make a lot of money and could make it hard for the US to keep up with China in making renewable energy.
Biden is talking in Virginia about how the climate crisis affects communities all over the country. He also says it’s a chance for us to work together. This is what White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi said.
He said the programs can help people find good jobs, save money, and have a better life.
The awards were given from the Solar for All program, which is a part of a $27 billion “green bank” created as part of a big climate law passed in 2022. The bank wants to make the air cleaner by giving money to the neighborhoods that need it the most, especially those that are affected a lot by climate change and are not very rich.
Janet McCabe from the EPA is excited to give money to the community. This will help people learn new skills, find jobs, and save money on their energy bills. It will also help them to spend money on other things they need.
Some projects in different states are getting money to put solar panels on homes, college housing, and community buildings. There’s also a program in Mississippi that helps people lease solar panels, and a project in South Carolina to train people to work with solar panels.
The green bank, which is funded by taxpayers, has been opposed by Republicans. They are worried about how the money is being used and want more accountability. The EPA gave $20 billion to nonprofits and community banks for clean energy projects, like heat pumps, home improvements, electric vehicle charging stations, and community cooling centers.
Ukrainian and Western leaders were happy that the US House of Representatives passed a much-needed aid package. But the Kremlin warned that this could make things worse for Ukraine and lead to more deaths.
Ukrainian leaders and experts say that the long-awaited $61 billion military aid package from the US will help Ukraine to buy weapons and slow down Russia’s advances in the war. However, they think that more help will be needed for Ukraine to start fighting back.
The House quickly agreed to give $95 billion in help to Ukraine, Israel, and other US friends. Both Democrats and Republicans worked together to support this, even though some Republicans had been against it for a long time. This aid will help these countries defend themselves from Russia’s big attack.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was thankful for the decision of US lawmakers. He had previously said that Ukraine would not be able to win the war without US funding.
Zelenskyy said on a TV show that the aid would show Russia that Ukraine won’t be like Afghanistan.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine will focus on getting far-reaching weapons and air defenses to stop Russia’s plans for a big attack. Ukrainian forces are getting ready for this.
The help money will go to the US Senate, and they might make it a law by Tuesday. The US President, Joe Biden, said he would sign it right away.
It might still be a few weeks before it gets to the front line, where it’s really needed.
“In this way, we can prevent (Russian troops) from advancing and decrease the number of our casualties,” said infantry soldier Oleksandr. He has been battling in Avdiivka, a city in Donetsk that Ukraine lost to Russia in February after a lot of fighting.
Ammunition is running out for the Ukrainian military because aid has been delayed. This has made it harder for them to fight, and Russia has used this to their advantage by taking over cities in Ukraine.
“The Russians attack us repeatedly and we get tired, so we have to retreat from our positions. ” Oleksandr told The Associated Press that this has been said many times. He didn’t share his complete name to stay safe. “We don’t have enough bullets to protect the area we need to when attackers come at us. ”
In Kyiv, a lot of people were happy about the US vote because it brought some good news after a difficult time. Russia has been making progress on the front line and increasing attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and other infrastructure.
Our president said we might not win the war without this help. Kateryna Ruda, 43, said, “Thank you very much and yesterday’s event was great. ”
Tatyana Ryavchenuk, the wife of a Ukrainian soldier, said that soldiers need more weapons because they don’t have enough to protect themselves.
“They want to have weapons and equipment, they really want it. ” We always need to get help. The 26-year-old said that if we don’t get help, our enemy could move closer and reach the center of our city.
Other leaders from Western countries, who have been rushing to find ways to make up for the stopped US military help, also praised Congress’ choice.
Ukraine is using weapons given by NATO countries to attack Russian military power. “This helps all of us be more secure in Europe and North America,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on X.
Ursula von der Leyen, who is the President of the European Commission, said that Ukraine should get a lot of support against Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the vote a strong message in these difficult times.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said thanks to House Speaker Mike Johnson and mentioned the delay in Congress. It’s better to be late than to be too late. “I hope Ukraine can still be helped,” he wrote on X.
In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was not surprising that aid to Ukraine was approved.
Peskov said that the decision will make America richer, but it will also make Ukraine worse off and could lead to more Ukrainian people dying. He blamed the government in Kyiv for this.
“The new aid package will not help, but instead, it will cause more deaths, make the conflict last longer, and bring more suffering and destruction,” said Leonid Slutsky, who leads the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, in a message on Telegram.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington said it would be difficult to get US help to the front lines in Ukraine. This could cause more problems for Ukrainian forces as they wait for the help to arrive.
“They think they can stop the Russian attack if they get help from the US quickly,” said the report about the ongoing conflict.
Olexiy Haran, who is a professor at a university in Kyiv, said that Ukraine appreciates help from the US and other Western countries. But, honestly, it’s too late and not enough.
“This is the war’s third year and we still don’t have new airplanes. ” We can’t block the sky because we don’t have enough missiles. He also said that we didn’t even have artillery shells recently.
That’s why things were very hard, and the Russians used it to start attacking. That’s why it’s really important for us. And for sure, if we had gotten it six months earlier, we could have saved the lives of many Ukrainians, including civilians.
Matthew Savill, who is in charge of military studies at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, said that the help is good, but it can only make Ukraine’s situation better for now and get them ready to do things in 2025.
“Having stable funding until 2024 and possibly 2025 will make it easier for Ukrainians to make defense plans this year. They’ll also need more plans and money for 2025, especially with the upcoming US election. ”
Zelenskyy said on NBC that Ukraine will need aid packages until they get weapons on the ground.
“We made the decision to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine one year ago,” he said. “We don’t have the jets in Ukraine yet. “
Former manager of Manchester United, José Mourinho, has lamented the lack of support he received during his tenure at the club, suggesting that better results could have been achieved with greater trust and backing, similar to what Erik ten Hag is currently experiencing.
Mourinho, who led United from 2016 to 2018 and secured Europa League and Carabao Cup victories during his tenure, expressed his sentiments in an interview with The Telegraph.
He attributed the challenges he faced in achieving results to his strained relationship with then-chief executive Ed Woodward.
“My relationship with [former chief executive] Ed Woodward was good. Good as in the personal point of view,” Mourinho said. “Even now, we send an SMS. But from a professional point of view, it was not the best. I am who I am. I am a football man. Ed comes from a different background and what Ten Hag had in his time at Manchester United, I didn’t have.
“I didn’t have that level of support. I didn’t have that level of trust. So I left sad, because I felt I was at the beginning of the process. In some moments, I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.”
Mourinho added that there are members of United’s squad now that he wanted to get rid of during his tenure owing to their lack of professionalism.
“There are still a couple of players still there that I didn’t want five or six years ago,” he said. “I think they represent a little bit of what I consider not the best professional profile for a club of a certain dimension.
But I did my job there. Time always tells the truth. I would love Manchester United to succeed.”
During his tenure at United, Mourinho experienced conflicts with key players like Paul Pogba and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger recently revealed that Mourinho unjustly ostracised him from the dressing room. In an interview with The Telegraph, Mourinho shared his empathy for Pogba’s predicament regarding a four-year suspension for a doping violation.
“I am not enjoying Paul’s situation at all,” he said. “The only thing I say is that it happens to almost everybody in some moments of your career: you lose a little bit of the sense of who you are and what you have to be.
“The season after France won the World Cup, I think Paul came back different. The World Cup brought him into a dimension where football was not the most important thing for him.”
Ten Hag’s position at United is uncertain after Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and the club’s subsequent restructuring.
Despite reaching the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season, their victory over Coventry City required penalties after squandering a 3-0 lead against the lower-tier team.
South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has lost a legal bid to stop a new party from using the name and logo of its former armed wing.
The governing ANC had argued that uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), headed by ex-President Jacob Zuma, had breached trademark law.
But the Durban High Court disagreed, allowing the use of the name, which translates as Spear of the Nation.
It is a significant victory for MK ahead the 29 May general election.
Mr Zuma’s supporters cheered and chanted in court after the judgement was delivered.
The ANC has said it will appeal against the ruling.
Last month, the ANC suffered another legal blow in its attempt to stop MK from running in the election, saying it had not met the official registration criteria.
The MK name and logo holds huge political symbolism because of the now-defunct armed wing’s role in fighting for the end of white-minority rule in South Africa.
The new MK party may have no chance of winning the election, but it likely to bruise the ANC, which, for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, could lose its outright majority in parliament.
Mr Zuma, a former stalwart of the ANC who once served in its armed wing, was South Africa’s president for nine years from 2009.
He was forced from power and replaced by current President Cyril Ramaphosa in part over corruption allegations, which Mr Zuma denies.
Visvin Reddy – the provincial leader of MK in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Zuma’s home province where he enjoys considerable support – said it was the best possible news for the party that was launched in December.
He told the TV channel Newsroom Afrika from outside the courtroom in Durban that the ANC’s legal challenges to the party’s existence showed it was running scared.
In a 42-page ruling, Judge Mahendra Chetty said the ANC’s case was really a matter for an electoral court, not the high court.
He added that the high court was also not the forum to “settle a dispute where there are competing historical accounts of events which took place almost 60 years ago, as to who may rightfully lay claim to the name uMkhonto we Sizwe”.
When it came to the symbols confronting voters on the ballot paper, the judge said he was of the view that there would be no confusion.
The ANC’s trademark over the MK symbol was registered for “education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities”, he said.
“It was not entirely clear to me how the use of the mark in political activities” would fall under that category, he added.
But ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the trademark was “about legacy” and the party would appeal against the ruling “to stop and prohibit the unlawful use of the ANC’s trademarks, symbols, and heritage by Mr Zuma’s party”.
Earlier this month, an electoral court overturned an electoral commission ban on the 82-year-old former president’s candidacy for a parliamentary seat.
The constitution bars people from holding public office if convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.
Mr Zuma had been sentenced to 15 months in jail in 2021 for failing to testify in a corruption investigation, though he only served three months on health grounds and was given a remission of sentence by Mr Ramaphosa.
The electoral court has not yet given a reason for its ruling, but Mr Zuma’s lawyers argued that the remission meant that his sentence had been “cancelled”.
The electoral commission has now lodged an urgent appeal with the highest court, the Constitutional Court, in a bid to overturn the electoral court’s verdict.
A new report has claimed that Kanye West actually punched the wrong man days after the rapper was named a battery suspect after an incident in Los Angeles.
The 46-year-old rapper was at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where he got into an altercation with a man his girlfriend Bianca Censori claims assaulted her.
The new report surfaced on TMZ, claiming West punched one half of a set of twins who own numerous L.A. bars and restaurants… adding West actually punched the wrong one.
Kanye West punched wrong twin brother after Bianca Censori was allegedly assaulted at the�Chateau�Marmont
The twins are Mark and Jonnie Houston, who own L.A. hotspots such as No Vacancy, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, Black Rabbit Rose, and Break Room 86.
West and Censori are claiming that Censori bumped into one of the brothers and that he proceeded to assault her.
However, sources are claiming there is no evidence to back up those claims, with TMZ’s sources calling Censori’s allegations, ‘totally off base and simply not accurate.’
Sources claim that a man bumped into Censori in the Chateau Marmont lobby, which was said to be quite busy at that time.
The incident happened quickly and the man went on his way, heading outside to sit with some friends.
Shortly thereafter, West came up to the table to confront the man, ultimately punching the man in the face.
However, West apparently hit the wrong man – the other twin and not the one who bumped into his girlfriend in the lobby.
It isn’t clear at this time which of the twins ran into Censori and which one was ultimately punched by West.
The Houston twins are said to frequent the Chateau Marmont quite a bit though it’s unclear if they’ve interacted with West before.
The rapper left the hotel after the incident, long before police arrived, with cops reportedly wanting to talk to West after the altercation.
West reportedly punched the wrong brother two times, with law enforcement sources failing to find any evidence that one of the brothers assaulted Censori in any way.
An investigation is underway, and it will be sent to the City Attorney for review to see if any official charges will be filed.
Despite no evidence being found, West’s team is adamant that Censori was assaulted that night.
‘This was a physical, sexual assault and any attempt to undermine the seriousness of what happened is repellent and vile,’ one of Kanye’s reps said in a statement.
The leader of Israel’s military intelligence quit on Monday because of the mistakes in dealing with Hamas’ big attack on October 7. This is the first important person to leave their job because of their part in the worst attack ever in Israel.
Maj Gen Aharon Haliva resigned because of Hamas’ attack. More top security officials in Israel might also resign. The attack by militants breached Israel’s border defences, and they went through Israeli communities without being stopped for hours. They killed 1,200 people, most of them were civilians, and took about 250 hostages into Gaza. The attack started the war with Hamas in Gaza, which has been going on for seven months.
“My team didn’t do a good job on the task we were given. ” I cannot forget that bad day. I think about it every day and every night. “I will always have the terrible pain from the war with me,” Haliva wrote in his resignation letter from the military.
Haliva, along with other military and security leaders, were expected to quit because of the big mistakes that happened on Oct 7 and how intense it was.
But it’s not clear when the resignations will happen because Israel is still fighting with Hamas in Gaza and battling with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in the north. Relations are very tense between Iran and its enemy after they attacked each other. Some military experts believe that quitting when Israel is fighting on different fronts is not a good decision and could make Israel look weak.
Soon after the attack, Haliva said that he takes responsibility for not stopping the assault because he is in charge of giving the government and military important information to keep them safe.
Haliva and others have taken responsibility for not stopping the attack, but others like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not fully admitted their role in allowing the attack to happen. He said he will answer tough questions but has not directly accepted responsibility. He hasn’t said he will resign, even though people are protesting for elections to happen soon.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said he’s glad the person resigned and thinks it was the right thing to do.
“He said Prime Minister Netanyahu should also do that,” he wrote on X, which used to be called Twitter.
Hamas surprised Israel and its strong security by attacking on a Jewish holiday. Most Jews in Israel trust their military, but that trust was broken when Hamas attacked. The resignation might help build back some of the trust.
The attack started a really bad war that has killed over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by the local health ministry. The government’s report doesn’t separate fighters from non-fighters, but it says at least two-thirds of the people who died are children and women.
The war has caused a lot of damage in Gaza’s two biggest cities. 80% of the people there have had to leave and go to other parts of the area. The fighting has led to a big problem with people not having enough food, and people are saying that a famine might happen soon.
The attack also caused a lot of fear and concern in the area. Apart from Hezbollah and Iran, there is also tension in the area controlled by Israel in the West Bank, as well as in cities and towns within Israel.
Israeli police said a car hit people in Jerusalem on Monday and injured three lightly. A security camera showed two men leaving the car with a rifle before running away. The police said they took the two men into custody.
The man who set himself on fire outside Donald Trump’s criminal trial has donated his kidneys to ‘save two people’s lives’ after he died from his burns.
Conspiracy theorist and researcher Maxwell Azzarello, 37, doused himself in fluid and lit his clothes on fire near the Manhattan criminal court last week Friday.
The flames were extinguished by NYPD officers and he was rushed to hospital but died later that day.
Now nonprofit organ donation group LiveOnNY has revealed that Azzarello was a donor and that both of his kidneys were transplanted, allowing him to ‘save two people’s lives on the national waitlist.’
President Leonard Achan said: ‘The 37-year-old man who tragically passed away after succumbing to injuries from self-inflicted burns while across from the Manhattan courthouse on Friday, was a registered organ donor.’
The Florida native was a graduate of Rutgers University, where he received a master’s degree in city and regional planning in 2012.
Friend and neighbour Bob Warren, 62, who lived next door to Azzarello in Saint Augustine, Florida revealed: ‘It was just a few days before he went to New York, we were sitting around in the back there, drinking beers and he was playing his guitar, and we were talking.
Man who set himself on fire outside Donald Trump
‘He had some extreme views, some extreme ideology and he just said, “I think I’m going to have to just go be a martyr.”’
Warren said: ‘He just moved into the apartment next door about three weeks ago, but he’d been coming over to hang out for about six, seven months before that.
‘He was a great guy. We used to chat. I’m a Trump supporter. He thought everyone was involved in some conspiracy so we would just stay away from some subjects. We got along fine.’
According to Warren, Azzarello had looked at the move as a positive change as, though his father, Richard, 71, lives locally, he had been living in a halfway house.
Warren described himself as, ‘completely shocked’ to learn that his friend had followed through on his threat.
He said: ‘I just keep thinking he probably changed his mind four or five seconds after he lit himself up.’
Azzarello pulled a bunch of pamphlets out of his backpack and threw them up in the air before dousing himself with fuel and accelerant at 1.39pm Friday afternoon.
He died of his injuries shortly before 11pm that night.
His white Toyota 4Runner truck sits where he left it outside his apartment building. ‘Trump is with Hillary, And they’re about to fascist coup us up,’ is written in permanent marker across the back.
John Terry and Andrew Cole were honoured with induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame on Monday, marking their status as the 23rd and 24th former players to receive this prestigious recognition.
Both players boast remarkable achievements, having clinched the Premier League title on five occasions.
Cole secured three consecutive titles with Manchester United from 1999 to 2001, in addition to triumphs in 1996 and 1997.
Meanwhile, Terry achieved back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, with additional victories in 2010, 2015, and 2017.
Cole’s prolific goal-scoring prowess is evident, as he ranks as the fourth-highest goal scorer in Premier League history, netting an impressive 187 goals in 414 appearances.
His standout performance earned him the Golden Boot accolade during the 1993–94 season while playing for Newcastle.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved in football, which is thanks to my family, my coaches and my team-mates, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame makes me very proud,” Cole said.
“Football is a game of ups and downs, but I enjoyed every single minute of my career. My dad wanted me to play cricket, but I said, ‘No, dad, I think I’m good at football.’ Looking back at my career always fills me with great pride and puts a smile on my face.”
John Terry, Chelsea’s most successful captain, also boasts the record for the most clean sheets as a defender. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the Premier League’s all-time top-scoring defender, having netted an impressive 41 goals throughout his illustrious career.
“I’m very grateful to have been voted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. I’m a player who certainly gave my all whenever I stepped out on the pitch and to be recognised in this way makes me really proud.
“It’s great to have joined my former team-mates who have already been inducted and to be inducted in the same year as Ashley Cole, who was an incredible player and a close friend.
“I was lucky to share a dressing room with so many top players. To captain a club like Chelsea and achieve what we did as a team is so special to me.
The Premier League is the best league in the world, which every player hopes to play in, and I’m very proud to have won it five times.”
Former Spanish FA president, Luis Rubiales is set to face trial for the World Cup kiss-gate scandal.
Rubiales, 46, kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she stepped up to receive her medal after her side’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in August last year.
He was subsequently charged and investigated, before resigning from his position after facing heavy pressure to quit.
Luis Rubiales to face trial for World Cup kiss-gate as prosecutors push for 2-and-half-year prison sentence and a restraining order over�Jenni�Hermoso Last month, public prosecutors involved in the case said they were seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for Rubiales, who has continued to claim his innocence over the event.
According to Marca, he will now be tried over the events, as well as for subsequent coercion, alongside former Spain manager Jorge Vilda.
The outlet reports that the third section of the Criminal Court has taken the decision by rejecting the appeals against the order of the judge in the case, Francisco de Jorge, which were filed by Rubiales and Vilda, as well as former director Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, who worked in marketing.
The Chamber is said to have considered that the details of the appeal contain evidence that fit the description of a crime against sexual freedom and another of coercion.
The court reportedly indicated that the legal consequences ‘of the kiss and consent cannot be assessed at this time’.
Public prosecutors had said, in an indictment sent to the judge, that they wanted Rubiales jailed for a year if he was found guilty at trial of sexual assault and another 18 months for coercion linked to his alleged attempts to get the footballer to speak out in his defence following his World Cup kiss.
They are also reportedly asking for Rubiales to be disqualified from working in sports during the sentence and be banned of communication with Hermoso or communicating with her for four years.
Rubiales has claimed innocence ever since the event, opening up in an interview with broadcaster La Sexta at the start of the month.
‘I have a clear conscience. Things have become crazy. A small thing has gone on to devour a person,’ he said.
‘I wanted to be calm and get out of the spotlight. False feminism? What I said is said.
‘I defend egalitarianism. Feminism advocates supporting women to achieve equality.’
He added: ‘For me, there is no crime. It’s my opinion. I asked her the question [over the kiss] and she said: “Okay”.
‘You can’t question Hermoso. I can. Is it because I’m a man? They want to curtail freedom of thought.’
In a subsequent clip he said of his infamous kiss: ‘I cannot understand that anyone could think this was a sexual assault’ before rejecting any coercion by saying: ‘I only spoke 10 or 15 seconds with Miss Hermoso.’
A Georgia man, Jeremy Williams, has been given four death sentences for paying a mother, Kristen Siple, $2,500 to rape her 5-year-old daughter, Kamarie Holland, before murdering the child.
The horrific details of the case sparked widespread outrage.
The emotional trial saw jurors reportedly shed tears upon viewing videos of Williams’ actions.
Williams was convicted of paying Kristen Siple $2,500 to rape and sodomize her daughter.
Georgia man sentenced to death after he paid mother $2,500 to rape her 5-year-old daughter before killing her
He filmed the sexual assault and then killed little Kamarie Holland.
On Dec. 13, 2021, the girl was snatched from her Columbus, Georgia home.
Williams took her to an abandoned ramshackle home where he once lived across the state line in Phenix City, Alabama, and raped, tortured and strangled the child to death.
Siple initially claimed she woke up that day to discover her daughter missing and the front door open.
Georgia man sentenced to death after he paid mother $2,500 to rape her 5-year-old daughter before killing her
However, last month, she confessed to selling her daughter to Williams for an hour to sate his sickening desires.
The mum now faces 20 years in prison for sex trafficking.
“If there’s ever been somebody that’s deserving of the death penalty, it’s Jeremy Williams,” Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor told reporters.
Georgia man sentenced to death after he paid mother $2,500 to rape her 5-year-old daughter before killing her
“He’s another type of evil that we in society just don’t need walking around.”
According to reports, at points during the trial, jurors were sobbing as they watched bodycam footage of cops finding Kamarie’s body in the filthy basement.
They also had to endure videos of the little girl being raped.
Williams is a serial child abuser. He is also a suspect in the brutal murder of an Alabama toddler.
Georgia man sentenced to death after he paid mother $2,500 to rape her 5-year-old daughter before killing her
In 2009, he was acquitted of lowering a little boy, aged three, into a bowl of boiling water.
His ex-wife called him a “soulless” man who was “no longer worth her tears.”
A woman who was four when she was raped by Williams called him a “monster.”
As the child killer heard the four death sentences pronounced, he was utterly without emotion.
“You don’t deserve life yourself,” Kamarie’s father, Corey Holland, told him at the sentencing. “We don’t have Kamarie and you don’t deserve to see your kids or life.”
The little girl’s sister added: “I don’t understand why someone would hurt her – she was so sweet and caring.”
Williams was also sentenced to life for the production of obscene material of a child and human trafficking, 20 years for conspiracy of human trafficking, and 10 years for abuse of a corpse.
“There’s no reason that baby should be in the ground. I want to remember her, not this joker. Jeremy is not somebody I want to remember in life,” DA Rick Chancey said.
Man Utd fans are increasingly vocal about their desire to see Erik ten Hag sacked following a narrow victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup on penalties.
Despite securing a three-goal lead within the first hour, the Red Devils were unable to maintain their advantage as the Championship side fought back to level the score to 3-3 by the end of regular time.
The match ultimately went to penalties, with United prevailing 4-2 in the shootout.
Nevertheless, many supporters are becoming disillusioned with the direction of the team under the Dutch manager. There is a growing sentiment among fans that Ten Hag, the former Ajax boss, may not be the right person to lead the club forward.
Kobbie Mainoo fans tweeted: “Manchester United were this close of getting knocked out by Coventry despite being 3 nil up in 70 min. Sack ten Hag tonight.”
Sam Pilger wrote: “Erik ten Hag cannot survive this embarrassment. An implosion at 3-0 up and should have lost to a Championship side. It’s over.”
One X user commented: “Fire Erik ten Hag TODAY. It’s over. It’s finished,” and Ste added: “There’s never been a more stonewall excuse to sack a manager in United history before. It wasn’t this embarrassing under Moyes. Ten Hag and the squad he assembled have made a mockery of the badge.”
Finally, Alex put: “Do you reckon there are people out there who think Ten Hag is a great coach and if you just get rid of all the ‘bad individuals’ then they’ll suddenly become a really good, functional football team?”
Manchester United have secured a spot in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season, setting up a showdown against Manchester City. However, their performance in the semi-final victory was far from convincing.
The uncertain future of manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford is increasingly apparent, and it appears that his tenure with the club may be nearing its end this summer.
Before facing Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley next month, United will first host relegation-threatened Sheffield United and Burnley in their upcoming Premier League fixtures. This will be followed by a trip to Crystal Palace at the beginning of May.
Donald Trump “orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election” a prosecutor said in his opening statement in a New York courtroom as the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president got under way.
“This case is about conspiracy of fraud,” prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told 12 jurors and six alternates. Colangelo said they would hear Trump working out the details of a scheme to pay and hide hush money payments in his own voice on recorded conversations.
Colangelo told jurors that Trump engaged in a “catch and kill” conspiracy with his former lawyer Michael Cohen and David Pecker, then the publisher of the National Enquirer, to cover up unflattering information about Trump and help him defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.
That included payments to women who said they had sexual encounters with Trump, including a $130,000 US payment to Stephanie Clifford, known as the porn performer Stormy Daniels, at a time when he was facing other revelations of sexual misbehaviour.
In the New York trial, Trump is charged by the Manhattan District Attorney with falsely recording his 2017 reimbursement of Cohen for the Daniels payment as a legal expense in his real estate company’s books. Prosecutors say he did so to conceal the fact that Cohen’s payment exceeded the $2,700 limit on individual campaign contributions at the time.
Colangelo said Trump disguised his reimbursements to Cohen as legal expenses through 11 falsified invoices, 12 falsified ledger entries, and 11 falsified cheques.
“Those were lies. There was no retainer agreement. Cohen was not being paid for legal services,” Colangelo said. “The defendant falsified those business records because he wanted to conceal his and others’ criminal conduct.”
Lawyers for the Republican presidential candidate began their opening statement in what may be the only one of Trump’s four criminal prosecutions to go to trial before an expected Nov. 5 election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, said the former president was “innocent” of all charges and “had nothing to do with the invoice.” It is expected the defence will impugn the character of Cohen, who served a prison sentence not only for his involvement in the hush money scheme, but for tax offences that had nothing to do with Trump.
“There’s nothing wrong with trying to influence an election. It’s called democracy. They put something sinister on this idea, as if it’s a crime,” Blanche said.
A Secret Service agent wearing an earpiece sat directly behind Trump as the opening statements began.
Pecker, 72, was the first witness called to the stand. He explained the basics of tabloid journalism and said his company often paid for stories. He did not discuss his interactions with Trump, as court was adjourned early for Passover.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsification of business records. He at first denied knowledge of the payment to Daniels from Cohen, but then later backtracked, saying it was meant to make a false allegation disappear.
A guilty verdict in the case would not bar Trump from taking office, but it could hurt his candidacy.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has called for a potential replay of Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid if it is confirmed that a VAR error resulted in Lamine Yamal’s disallowed goal at the Bernabéu.
Yamal’s shot, which occurred at 1-1 in the first half, was cleared off the line by Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. However, without goal-line technology in LaLiga, VAR determined that the ball did not fully cross the line.
Despite Barcelona’s appeals, Madrid ultimately secured a 3-2 victory, extending their lead to 11 points over Barça in the league standings with only six matches remaining.
“There were several debatable incidents in the match, but amongst all of them, there is one that is crucial and can change the result of the game,” Laporta said in a statement on Monday.
“I am referring to the ‘phantom goal’ by Lamine Yamal. As a club, we want to be sure about what happened. For that reason we will make an immediate request for a comprehensive collection of footage and audio from the incident.
“If once this documentation has been analysed, the club understands that an error was made in the revision of the incident, we will take all available measures to reverse the situation, without discounting, obviously, any necessary legal action.
“If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, we will move ahead and request that the game be replayed, just as has happened in another game in Europe due to a VAR error.”
Earlier this season, a match between Anderlecht and Genk in the top tier of Belgian football was replayed in its entirety due to a VAR error, which resulted in a misapplication of the laws of the game.
However, this incident involved encroachment before a penalty kick was taken, rather than a disputed goal.
Similarly, in Spain, a judge ruled last year that VAR failed to provide the referee with all available images of a goal awarded to Atlético Madrid in their 3-3 draw against Espanyol.
Despite the goal being allowed to stand, additional footage suggesting that the ball did not cross the line was not presented to the match official.
This decision had significant consequences for Espanyol, who were ultimately relegated from the league.
Laporta also said there were “various other incidents” during the game that Barça disagreed with and “could have been reviewed by VAR.”
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen expressed their dismay at the absence of goal-line technology in Spain, labelling it “embarrassing” following their team’s defeat.
Xavi further remarked that since the beginning of the season, particularly in their away match against Getafe, he has noticed a pattern of significant decisions going against Barcelona.
As their LaLiga title hopes dwindle, these sentiments underscore the frustration felt within the club.
Laporta took a similar view, adding: “We are forced into [this action] after having suffered various incidents on the pitch that have damaged us and others that have benefited our rival.
“Added together, those incidents reflect the difference in points that there is at the top of the table in La Liga.“
Laporta’s statement has been met with “astonishment” and “surprise” by Madrid, according to a source, who adds that Los Blancos believe the Barça president is just going on the attack to appease supporters.
EFF Condemns IHR’s K600 salary Offer to Suffering MOPANI Miners- Kasonde Mwenda C -EFF President
22nd April, 2024
As the Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF, we stand in staunch condemnation of the insulting and demeaning K600 offer presented by IHR, the Dubai-based investor, to the suffering miners of MOPANI Copper Mines. This offer, representing a mere 10% salary increment, is a slap in the face of hardworking Zambian miners who have endured deplorable working conditions for far too long.
We demand that the UPND government under President Hakainde Hichilema immediately intervenes and compels IHR to honor the promised 25% salary increment, as well as to address the abhorrent working conditions at MOPANI Copper Mines. The promise of improved conditions and fair compensation was the beacon of hope for these miners, yet it has been callously disregarded by IHR.
It is unacceptable that Zambian miners are now among the lowest-paid in the region, with counterparts in the D.R. Congo and South Africa earning more than double their wages. The cost of living in Zambia has soared, yet the wages of these hardworking individuals remain stagnant and insufficient to support themselves and their families.
Therefore, we issue the following demands:
1. IHR must immediately honor the promised K2,500 salary increment and abandon the insulting offer of a mere K600 increase.
2. The UPND government must reject any offer by IHR to acquire 50% shares in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), as consolidating our major mines under one foreign investor poses significant risks to our national sovereignty and economic stability.
3. We call upon the Hakainde Hichilema administration to subject the sale of MOPANI Copper Mines to IHR to parliamentary approval, as it currently stands as an illegal transaction in violation of the Zambian Constitution.
The exploitation of Zambian miners by foreign investors cannot be tolerated any longer. The Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of our workers, and we expect nothing less than immediate action from the government to rectify this injustice.
Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.
Kasonde Mwenda C
Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF President.
…..as long as it is done within the confinement of the Laws, says Mines Minister
Lusaka… Monday April 22, 2024
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe says there is nothing wrong with Vedanta Resources trying to sale shares in Konkola Copper Mines Plc as long as it is done within the confinement of the Laws of Zambia.
Media reports indicate that Vedanta Resources has offered to sale 51 percent of its 80 percent newly acquired shares in Zambia’s Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to International Holding Company (IHC) of Abu Dhabi.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka this afternoon, Hon Kabuswe said those who are questioning this move do not understand how businesses are run.
“Any business that has shareholders can go to shareholders to raise money or can use their shares as long as it is within the confinement of the law. If you are as a Zambian has a business and you are shareholders with shareholder X, you can even take 5 percent of your shares and say I am offloading these shares if you have money bring your money and invest in my company, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
“If First Quantum Minerals wants to do that there is nothing wrong with that as long as it is within the confinement of the Laws of Zambia. So for someone to attack that Vedanta is selling its shares in KCM, that is just lack of understanding of how business is run. That’s why in business there is what is called shareholder loan and shareholder equity.”
Hon Kabuswe emphasized that if Vedanta is raising money through their shares within the confines of the law, there is nothing wrong with that.
He said what government wants is to have an asset that is functional and productive.
“We are following this matter closely to make sure that whatever transaction anybody goes into around these assets where we have interest are done within the confines of the law and done according to the implementation agreement and shareholders agreements,” he concluded.
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY IN K2.32 MILLION EMPOWERMENT GRANTS AND K7.85 MILLION SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARDING BURSARIES
Government hands over K2.32 million empowerment grants to 108 women and youth beneficiaries and K7.85 million bursaries for secondary boarding schools and skills development to 815 students under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at Lewis grounds in Nkolama ward 1, Chawama constituency.
In addition, K241,150.00 worth of secondary boarding school bursaries are being provided to 70 students under the 2024 CDF to beneficiaries in the aforementioned constituency.
Speaking during the event, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honorable Gary Nkombo , MP on Thursday, 18th April, 2024, emphasized that the handover signifies Government’s commitment to addressing challenges such as unemployment and limited access to quality education and skills training.
The Minister stated that the grants and the bursaries are not mere financial assistance but also a vote of confidence in the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of the people of Chawama.
He mentioned that the Government, through the leadership of His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, believes that by providing adequate support and resources can unlock the community’s potential to create sustainable businesses, generate employment opportunities and drive local economic growth.
“The bursaries represent hope, opportunity and the promise of a brighter future for the beneficiaries and their families.” He said.
Hon. Nkombo urged all beneficiaries to utilize the resources wisely and make the most of their educational opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the Nation’s development.
The Minister further encouraged active participation in various CDF programs and urged the youth in Chawama to seize the opportunity provided by CDF to transform their livelihoods and develop their community.
The Minister acknowledged the collective effort that made the milestone possible and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved.
“The commitment to inclusive and sustainable development remains steadfast, and together, we can overcome challenges and build a Zambia where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.” He stated.
Meanwhile, Lusaka District Commissioner, Mrs. Rosa Kayuni Zulu stated that the empowerment grants represent a tangible investment in the entrepreneurial potential of the youth and women groups and the skills development bursaries signify a commitment to investing in the education and future of the youth.
She further urged all beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities presented by CDF and harness collective talents and energies to build a brighter future for Chawama constituency residents and the country at large.
This is containednin a statement issued by Ministry of local government and rural development Public Relations officer, Veronica M. Katongo (Ms.) And made available.
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT NABS TWO ZAMBIANS FOR TRANSPORTING ETHIOPIAN IMMIGRANTS USING A SHOPRITE TRUCK
April 22nd, 2024
The Luangwa Immigration Office has nabbed 50 undocumented Ethiopians aged between 14 and 35 for illegal entry and unlawful stay and two Zambians Blessing Tembo (28) of Lusaka’s Garden House and Benson Mfula (32) of Petauke District for aiding and abetting the Ethiopians. They were nabbed at around 14:00 hours on Sunday, 21st April 2024 about one kilometre from the Luangwa Bridge. They were travelling in a Lusaka-bound UD Croner Truck Registration number CAA 4229 belonging to Freshmark, Shoprite Holding’s fruit and vegetable distribution arm. The Luangwa Office was acting on a tip-off from a concerned member of the public who reported having spotted a Shoprite-branded truck carrying suspected illegal immigrants accompanied by a Silver Toyota Corolla registration number ALE 5181.
Subsequently, the Officers found the truck parked and requested the driver Blessing Tembo to open the Truck’s container, which he eventually did after initially refusing to comply. The Officers found 50 Ethiopians and Benson Mfula inside the Container. There were no other items or goods in the truck and the Silver Toyota Corolla was not found at the scene.
All suspects are detained at Luangwa Police Station pending prosecution. The Department intends to charge the two Zambians with the offence of aiding and abetting and the Ethiopians with illegal entry and unlawful stay. Meanwhile, the UD Croner Truck has been impounded and is parked at Luangwa Police Station. The Luangwa operation brought the number of persons apprehended for various immigration offences countrywide between 18th and 21st April, 2024 to 142.
Further, the Department of Immigration between 18th and 21st April 2024 successfully removed 85 illegal immigrants from the Country, including 35 removed by the Kabwe Regional Immigration Office on 18th April 2024. During this period the Department secured 52 convictions and refused eight persons entry into Zambia for failing to meet entry requirements.
Namati H. Nshinka (Mr) PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER 255282/0977718155/pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
Former President Edgar Lungu has described malicious and utter lies reports alleging that he owns a luxurious property in the Kingdom of Eswatini and has challenged the UPND government to use State machinery to investigate and verify its information before slandering him.
A report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has purported that former President Lungu allegedly own a luxurious property in Eswatini and Charles Milupi, the Infrastructure Minister has gone to challenge the former head of State to explain the source of the money for the investment
Good Morning fellow Zambians.
A report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) titled: “Swazi Secrets – a glimpse inside the tiny Kingdom”, has been brought to my attention. Further, and following this report, the minister in charge of Housing and Infrastructure in Zambia, Mr Charles Milupi, is quoted in one of our local tabloids challenging me to explain the source of the money for my investment or properties in Eswatini.
A casual read of the ICIJ report shows that the report is based on unverified information, innuendos and in many cases, utter lies.
The report, inter alia, alleges that I own a luxurious property in Eswatini. The truth of the matter, however, is that I own NO property in Eswatini.
During my official visit to Eswatini as Head of State in 2018, the King – His Majesty Mswati III – during exchange of gifts, offered me a plot on which he proposed I could build a house. The empty plot was in a gated golf estate and architectural drawings of the proposed house were prepared.
I was extremely grateful for the offer from His Majesty, King Mswati III, but I chose not to take it up particularly after the hullabaloo in Zambia, alleging that the gift was not declared.
Therefore, it can clearly be seen that this is not a new allegation. It has been popping up occassionally, especially from malicious people whose fervent desire is to paint me black. I have elected to remain silent all this time out of deep respect for His Majesty, King Mswati III who made that offer in very good faith.
I have now been compelled to respond because I didn’t expect a senior minister in government to throw such a challenge at me when the government – using the state machinery – can easily establish the truth of the matter. I am not surprised, however, because this government has gone to great lengths in throwing all manner of baseless accusations at me.
Similarly, the attack on the Zambian businessman who has settled in Eswatini for decades and has made the Kingdom his home, is clearly malicious.
The Zambian Government offers business opportunities and construction jobs to many international companies from different nations such as China, Turkey, Japan, South Africans, to name but a few.
In this vein, Inyatsi company which is associated with Mr. Michelo Shakantu has enjoyed doing business in Zambia even before I became President. His company, to my knowledge, has had footprint of business since the days of President Levy Mwanawasa to date.
It is, therefore, malicious and mischievious to suggest or portray that Mr Shakantu conducted business with the Zambian Government only during my tenure as President.
Signed
Edgar C. Lungu Zambia’s 6th President And Patriotic Front President LUSAKA 22/04/2024
President Hichilema Must Apologise and Take Action Against Officers that have Contributed to this Crisis
…food security is national security…
By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
I have seen a statement or newspaper advert attributed to the Minister of Agriculture trending disclosing that President Hakainde Hichilema has authorized the importation of both white and yellow maize in the country.
This appears to be part of the measures of the declaration of the disaster and the begging bowl extended seeking $900million from the international community.
For the first time in 30 years, Zambians will be fed yellow nshima!
This matter is so serious that it requires an honest conversation.
1. Government has not officially disclosed that it has depleted the national strategic maize reserves held by the Food Reserve Agency.
2. Government lied that the 2023 harvest was 3.2 million metric tonnes.
Both millers and agro traders disputed the numbers from the Ministry of Agriculture accusing government of doctoring the 2022/2023 results from the crop forecast survey.
In addition, it was
established by the survey results that a total of 219,610 hectares of land under crop production was damaged by the dry spell.
The 2022/2023 season was also characterised by poor and chaotic fertiliser distribution, the outbreak of fall army worms and stalk borers that were reported damaged about 8,021 hectares of cropped land.
In some parts of Zambia, the cassava brown streak disease was reported to have affected
many fields.
In total, the damage caused by flash floods, dry spells and pests affected over 319,611 hectares of farmed land.
Hon. Mutolo Phiri informed Parliament that as at 1st May, 2023, the total carry-over stocks held by farmers, millers, grain traders and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) was 450,891 metric
tonnes with expected production of 3,261,686 metric tonnes of maize and that the total stocks of maize was standing at 3.7million metric tonnes.
3. The maize exports continued relentlessly despite the warnings from the sub-sector and associated industries. The accumulated national strategic maize reserves since 2019 was targeted and depleted.
4. In 2023, FEWS NET( the Famine Early Warning Systems Network) which monitors and forecasts acute food insecurity, warned about the impending El Niño weather phenomenon that would hit Southern Africa.
Even as late as November 2023, when Zambia was being warned about the impending dry spell in January and February, 2024, Government was wantonly exporting maize and defending the need for exports to the region.
5. The food prices reached an all time high and mealie-meal has been trading above K320.
6. Here we are now, with the population facing expensive food prices and over 6million people especially the rural population facing famine, President Hichilema has refused to take action against officers that brought us to this unmitigated disaster.
7. We had severe droughts in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
But because Government had adequate stocks in its national strategic reserves, there was no begging or food insecurity that rose. Government did not need to import maize,let alone, yellow maize.
7. Clearly, President Hichilema must take some blame, accept the mistakes made, apologise to the people, and fire those that have caused the food insecurity. It is at this stage that he may seek stakeholders cooperation and understanding.
Mr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II Paramount Chief of the Bemba Kingdom Kwisano Palace MUNGWI
Dear Sir, RE: UNILATERAL TERMINATION OF CHIMBUYA CONTRACT BETWEEN BEMBAS AND NGONIS – YOURSELF
We write on behalf of the Ngonis and Easterners in general. Kindly note our interest in the matter herein and we address you hereunder as such.
It has come to our attention that you unilaterally announced a new chimbuyaship with the Lozi speaking people of Western Province over the weekend when you attended the Kuomboka ceremony. Your unguided statement by implication means that you have also terminated the Chimbuya Contract with the Easterners without giving any notice whatsoever. This Contract is cast in stone and was consummated by your forefathers long before Zambia was born. Your action therefore is against the law, custom and traditional norms established since time immemorial by our forefathers. In short, this Contract cannot be terminated by either party for whatever reasons. Simply put, we are stuck together forever!
We have been asked to demand, which we hereby do, for you to rescind your decision within 48 hours. Should you fail to do so, we shall commence legal action against you at Mutenguleni Court (Chichele Tree) in Chipata, which Court has jurisdiction over you and all Bembas.
Kindly do the needful to avoid unnecessary legal costs and embarrassment as you will be required to stand in the dock. Further, take note that Bemba lawyers have no audience at this prestigious Mutenguleni Court of Justice.
By copy of this letter, we also warn the Litunga of the Lozi people to be careful when dealing with Bembas aka “masholi”. These people are very unstable and will dump you at any time like they have done to us. They just want to penetrate your Province and steal the cattle, cashew nuts and tasty fish, which they depleted in their land due to fishing with mosquito nets. They will also leave children there without child support like is the case in Chipata except for the Kaponya language on the streets.
Yours faithfully,
HRH Dickson Jere Prince of the Ngoni people and conqueror of the Bembas. Chimpinga and Tondweni Homesteads Fort Jameson
The Mambala of the Week Award goes to… Sean Tembo!
By Siphiwe Zulu
With a year between the next general elections, Zambian politicians seem to be in a hurry to outdo each other on social media – all in a quest for likes and sometimes meaningless engagements.
These people have become so desperate that even if it means telling lies, they will do it because to them, it appears, caution is secondary as long they get at President Hakainde Hichilema.
Characters who have never been known to support or play any sport are now posting pictures of themselves in national team replicas whenever Zambia is playing.
Then there are those who, seemingly drunk, made a Facebook live video to wish the Copper Queens luck before their last Olympic qualifier against Morocco.
Suddenly, the young ladies are their darlings—as if we have forgotten that when they held power, they paid the same players K50 as winning allowances compared to the $5,000 each the young queens now receive.
As if that’s not enough, we have seen all manner of Musisi dresses and skirts in the last few days, all because these politicians wanted to get political mileage on social media by associating with the Kuomboka ceremony and pretending to be the darling friends of the Lozi people.
Maybe someone needs to come up with a weekly award for our sometimes foolish politicians and call it the ‘Mambala of the Week Award’!
Surely, one Sean Tembo would immediately capture it for having told a lie that Chipolopolo legend Rainford Kalaba had died.
Without shame, this is what Tembo wrote when Kalaba was involved in an accident last week: “Government is saying he is still alive only because they want the Minister of Sports to be the one to announce his untimely demise so that they can look important. Anyway, May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Has Tembo seen the latest picture of Kalaba confirming that he’s alive or has he been following the expert updates indicating that the former TP Mazembe player is now able to talk and eat?
Will Tembo apologize for his careless excitement? What’s disgusting about this post is that clearly, Tembo didn’t or did very little background checks before his reckless post. It’s actually sad that people may mistakenly think he probably got information from someone very close to him like his wife who is medical doctor.
But I find it hard to believe she would be that reckless and unethical, given her medical ethics, to share such information. So I take it that Mrs Tembi is very, very innocent in this matter.
Whatever the case, for me, Tembo wins the most foolish politician’s award in this whole Kalaba debacle.
If he has any shame, may that egg stick on his face forever.
An epistle to Zambians: A Centennial Birthday Tribute to President Kenneth David Kaunda.
The Peacemaker
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
In life its edifying to remember those who have inspired us to be noble and President Kaunda was such an inspiration.
Sunday 28th April 2024 is the centennial birthday of President Kenneth David Buchizya Mutepa Kaunda, our Founding Father and First President of Zambia.
In celebrating the centennial of his birthday we thank God for the life and gifts He endowed President Kaunda with, making him a great statesman of our time who enriched Zambia, Africa, and the world, as a peacemaker.
A peacemaker who sought love where there was hatred; unity where there was division; and peace where there was war.
As a peacemaker he led Zambia’s struggle for independence. And on attaining independence, spearheaded our economic, educational, industrial, technical, and scientific development, that his name became synonymous with Zambia.
The Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1970 when President Kaunda received the Jawaharlal Nehru Award in New Delhi said of him:
“In the life of every nation, there are occasions when its ethos is identified with one man, who rises above oppression and degradation and wages a struggle against them, and by his suffering and sacrifices, inspires his fellowmen to liberate themselves. Such a man is Kenneth Kaunda, the founder of modern Zambia.”
President Kaunda was such a man. He was also a great pan Africanist. He morally, materially, financially, and militarily, supported the liberation movements of countries under colonial and apartheid oppression.
He gave refuge to the ANC and SACP of South Africa, FRELIMO of Mozambique, MPLA of Angola, SWAPO of Namibia, ZAPU and ZANU of Zimbabwe by making Zambia their home.
It was a great sacrifice for Zambia in the phrase of an English journalist it was the “high price of principles”. The support of the liberation movements cost Zambian lives, damaged infrastructures, and impacted the economy. Yet the sacrifice was morally the right thing to do in the spirit of pan – Africanism.
I recall President Kaunda’s reflection of Zambia’s sacrifice and the positive outcome it achieved. He told a story of his facilitation of the talks between the Portuguese government and Frelimo in Lusaka; which resulted in the Lusaka Accord also known as ‘Victory Day’; now a public holiday in Mozambique.
He said:
“At the meeting of the Portuguese government and Frelimo at our State House in Lusaka, when I called the meeting to order, I said, to both teams, “ Dear brothers and sisters, Zambia’s task is done. We have been instruments of bringing you here together. We thank God for this. Now, this matter is left in your hands. I beg to leave you to continue with the meeting.”
Samora Machel reacted quickly and said, “We want you to stay there.” And, indeed, the Portuguese delegation seconded that move. They wanted me to chair the Portuguese and Frelimo talks on the freedom of Mozambique. That is how Zambia was given the honour of presiding over that extremely important meeting. In the end, peace was agreed to by every body present.”
Such was President Kaunda the peacemaker.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan at the White House described President Kaunda as one of Africa’s senior and most respected statesmen who played an admirable role in international events and who’s counsel was highly valued.
Indeed, President Kaunda was one of the most admired and respected leaders of Africa in the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, SADC, and United Nations because he was a man of principles.
He spoke truth to power so if the action of any country violated a particular principle, Zambia condemned it or at the UN voted against that country, irrespective of who that country was.
President Kaunda was a man of honour, integrity, and truth, who strove for peace and human dignity in Zambia and abroad.
We celebrate his life on the occasion of his centennial. And as Zambians we need to pause and reflect on his life and the values that informed it.
We do so to learn, appreciate, and embrace what inspired him to be the great leader he was who put the welfare of the Zambian people first. A visionary who rendered selfless service and sacrifice to make Zambian lives better.
In pausing and reflecting we learn it was his belief in God that was the essence of his greatness and inspiration to serve the Zambian people.
His parents taught him about God whose love is the great force at work in our lives. President Kaunda believed in God as a Presence not a philosophical concept. He was aware of God’s Presence and that he was never alone.
President Kaunda knew too that he was a steward of the powers and talents he possessed; answerable for the use or abuse of them to God who had loaned them to him and would one day require a full account.
As a believer in Christ he knew his faith was politics in the sense the French poet and writer Charles Péguy perceived it:
“Everything begins in mysticism and ends in politics.”
True politics is faith in practice.
This was the core of President Kaunda’s politics which he often spoke about summed up in what Jesus Christ said:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” And “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
This inspired President Kaunda’s life in politics.
Its importance is reflected in his book, Letter To My Children, which of all his books, is a masterpiece in self-scrutiny.
He dedicated it to his children and the youth of Zambia teaching them values that matter and by which he lived.
Looking to the future he wrote, “When you grow up, you will hear and read a lot about Kaunda; what he did and didn’t do; his mistakes and weaknesses – and I hope you will hear a few good things as well.”
Its the “few good things” I highlight and impress on you my fellow Zambians especially the young generation in celebrating his centennial.
Of the “few good things” many of the young Zambians have no idea about is that Zambia was prosperous and had industries which were destroyed after President Kaunda left office.
Many young people think Zambia has always been poor as it is now. Not true. We had a robust agricultural programme with cooperatives and grain storage facilities across Zambia.
Many young Zambians think it’s impossible to have industries and a vibrant economy and that we can live in a corrupt free country because they have never experienced this.
Many young Zambians have no idea that we had the Livingstone Motor Assembly plant, Mulobezi Timber plant, Cashew nut farms in Western Province, Mwinilunga Pineapple canning factory, Kawambwa tea factory, Mansa battery factory, Munushi Banana, Chipata bicycle factory, Kapiri Mposhi glass factory, Pottery factory in Kitwe, clothing/blanket factories in Kabwe and Livingstone, respectively. All these were Zambian run factories besides the foreign owned factories such as Colgate factory, Dunlop (tyre) factory, and many more.
All these industries existed when Zambia was under great economic and political pressure and out of moral principle could not trade with the most vibrant economy in the region, South Africa.
It’s important we remember and learn of these “few good things” which UNIP led by President Kaunda built.
This was all possible because of discipline among all those who worked under President Kaunda as he himself was a disciplined and principled leader who did what he did for the benefit and interest of Zambians.
I hope the young Zambians will appreciate and embrace not only who we were but what we are capable of doing if we work together under the values that President Kaunda espoused.
I hope as Zambians we too can live out the values as its only a life informed by faith and moral values that has meaning and worth.
Values inspire us to live a good life. To do the right things. They are an essential moral compass that keep us from straying and losing ourselves in life. They make us better people.
Moral values live and can only be passed on to others if they live in our lives. That is, we must humanise and incarnate them in our lives only then can our legacy be assured.
President Kaunda humanised the values of love, justice, integrity, and peace, to pass on, in what he termed the philosophy of humanism.
He opposed injustice, racism and oppression as its contrary to our humanity made in God’s image.
We are all God’s children irrespective of religion, colour, creed, gender, tribe, or nationality. We are all one in God. We are all equal. We are all blessed to have a wholesome and fulfilling life. This is what moral values teach us.
In celebrating President Kaunda’s centennial we are acutely aware that Zambia seriously needs the ethical leadership he exemplified. It needs the moral values he lived by.
We are losing the moral values and we need to rededicated ourselves to them afresh; to be awakened and stirred anew to pursue love, peace, justice, unity, and the appreciation of our rich diversity.
In losing moral values Zambia is disintegrating as leaders deficient in ethical values are prey to arrogance, hubris, greed, hate, intolerance, tribalism and lies.
President Kaunda’s values inspired hope and building a better Zambia for all. In celebrating his centennial we honour the values of our founders and commit ourselves to also building a better Zambia united in peace, justice, and equitable economic prosperity.
This is possible by returning to spiritual values: that is, the love of God and each other which we have abandoned by deluding ourselves to be a Christian nation buried in the Constitution.
We need to return to ethical leadership anchored in truth, love, and inclusivity. Zambia needs honest men and women of integrity in the executive, judiciary, legislature, and fourth estate.
Integrity is rooted in vulnerability as we learn from President Kaunda life. He was not perfect. He himself acknowledged, “his mistakes and weaknesses”.
He was as President Nelson Mandela defined a saint “a sinner who keeps on trying.” Such was President Kaunda.
So, in spite of his vulnerabilities his leadership was of integrity, truth and love, in a Zambia proudly anchored on the solid foundation of inclusivity of: One Zambia One Nation.
In celebrating his centennial with hope and joy we fondly remember the significance of his white handkerchief which he waved at people everywhere he went in Zambia and abroad.
It signified a dove a symbol of peace and his waving of the white handkerchief was both a prayer for peace and a blessing of people to be wholesome.
The peace he sought for Zambia and the world is in Hebrew shalom this is richer and multifaceted in meaning than the English understanding of peace.
For shalom as peace speaks of complete well-being, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual; and flows from having a right relationship with God, with oneself, and with others.
This is peace or wholesomeness.
This is the peace as a peacemaker President Kaunda sought for Zambia to be a wholesome nation; and sought for Africa and the world to be wholesome too.
Finally, in his honour as we commemorate his centennial we recommend to the Bank of Zambia to print on our highest denomination the 100 Kwacha note a portrait of President Kaunda as befitting tribute to him.
President Kenneth David Kaunda was a great man and its befitting that UNESCO has included him on their list for the celebration of anniversaries for 2024 – 2025, for his 50 years contribution to peace in Southern African.
On his centennial we thank God for gifting Zambia and the world a peacemaker. May we as Zambians in commemorating his centennial be blessed by God to be in our time peacemakers at home and abroad.
“The Lord bless you� and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you� and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you� and give you peace.”
One Zambia One Nation.
God bless Zambia.
The Rt. Revd. Dr. Musonda Trevor Selwyn Mwamba President of the United National Independence Party (UNIP)
In Zambia, the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021 provides a legal framework for the protection of personal data, including health-related information. The Act requires that personal data be collected and processed in accordance with principles of fairness, lawfulness, and transparency.
Furthermore, the National Health Care Standards (NHCS) enshrine the right to informed consent, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality concerning patient information. Any breach of these rights, such as unauthorized sharing of a patient’s photo, could be subject to investigation and potential penalties under Zambian law.
The Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) also provides guidelines on informed consent, emphasizing the ethical obligation of health practitioners to uphold patient rights and address any unethical behavior.
In the case of Mr. Kalaba’s photo being shared on social media without consent, it appears to be a violation of these principles and rights. The hospital’s response, as noted in the statement by the Public Relations Officer Nzeba Chanda, is to conduct an investigation into the matter, which aligns with the legal and ethical standards set forth in Zambian law and healthcare regulations.
UTH will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
However, the leakage of Kalaba’s photo in the hospital is significant from a journalistic perspective for several reasons:
》Verification of Facts: In the age of social media and instant news, the spread of misinformation can be rapid. A leaked photo can serve as proof of the actual condition of a public figure like Kalaba, especially when there are conflicting reports about their health or situation.
》Public Trust: Journalism plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust. By providing verified visual evidence, journalists can calm the masses and prevent panic or rumors that may arise from unverified reports.
》Ethical Reporting: The incident also highlights the importance of ethical reporting. Journalists must balance the public’s right to information with respect for privacy and dignity. The decision to publish such a photo should be weighed carefully, considering its newsworthiness and potential impact on the individual and their family.
》Crisis Management: In times of crisis, accurate information is key to managing public reaction. A photo can help to clarify the situation, leading to a more informed and less speculative public discourse.
》Accountability: The media’s role includes holding entities accountable. If the photo was leaked due to a breach of privacy or security protocols within the hospital, it could prompt an investigation into how such a breach occurred and how to prevent it in the future.
In summary, while the leakage of such a photo raises questions about privacy and ethics, from a journalistic perspective, it can play a role in providing accurate information, maintaining public trust, and ensuring accountability, all of which are vital in calming the masses during uncertain times. It is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration by the media.
[Bangwe Naviley Chisenga] Freelance Journalist, Ex – Diplomat and Communications Consultant
…..as ANDD urges HH to ensure that govt injects US$24 million forteited from former KCM provisional liquidator into KCM
Lusaka… Monday April 22, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)
The Advocates For National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has called on government to save Konkola Copper Mines Plc from further deterioration saying this is a national strategic asset.
ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says it is important that the government concludes the transition process with Vedanta-Konkola Copper Mines. so that the investor begins to implement its investment commitments such as the injection of over US$1.5 billion in mine capitalization, increase of salaries for workers, settlement of arrears owed to contractors and suppliers among other commitments.
Mr Banda said the people are tired of waiting for the revamping of KCM which he believed will help in creating jobs and business opportunities as well as help addressing the economics shocks.
He has also maintained that the US$24 million forfeited by former KCM Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu is injected into the mine.
“Once again we wish to call upon the government to demonstrate commitment and integrity to resuscitate Konkola Copper Mines. The government should inject the US$24 million which was forfeited by former Konkola Copper Mines Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu. It is well known fact that KCM is on its knees due to the huge financial constraints that it has been going through,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of government and Zambians to protect and save KCM from further deterioration and avoid loosing the integrity of its operations. Therefore, the recovery of US$24 is an opportunity for government to save the asset from further damage. To help addressing financial constraints, critical mining operational means, paying of salaries and maintain the essential operational costs of the mine firm, it is our strong position to see KCM back to full capacity so that it can start restoring social economic developments on the country.”
He said Zambia is a mine dependent country, and the government should not allow KCM to die just like that.
“Let’s not allow KCM to die because it is our strategic asset that can benefit Zambians. Considering the huge global demand for Copper, we must ensure that we make KCM viable so that Zambians benefit in terms of jobs and business opportunities as it will help stabilize our kwacha,” he added.
“We plead with President Hakainde Hichilema to take profound interest in the US$24 recovered from Milingo Lungu to inject it in KCM. We also call on government to expedite transition process with Vedanta for it to fulfill its comments. We expect that these negotiations will be concluded within the second quarter of 2024.”
