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Kenyan President William Ruto arrives in China for Belt and Road Forum

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Kenyan President William Ruto arrives in China for Belt and Road Forum

Kenyan President William Ruto has arrived in Beijing to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, scheduled for two days in the Chinese capital.

This forum holds great diplomatic significance for China, as it’s the most important event of the year and a notable celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Over 140 countries and 30 international organizations, including leaders, officials, and representatives from various sectors, have confirmed their participation.

The Belt and Road Initiative, initiated by China in 2013, aims to create trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond along the historic Silk Road trade routes.

In the past decade, over 150 countries and 30 international organizations have engaged with the BRI framework, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation.

William Ruto intends to ask China for a $1 billion loan and a debt repayment restructuring plan, the country’s vice-president said on Friday.

According to Rigathi Gachagua, the head of state, who criticized his predecessor’s heavy borrowing from Beijing, will visit China at an unspecified date. He will ask for “more time to slowly repay the debt”, as well as a billion dollars to complete road projects delayed by lack of funding.

Kenya, one of East Africa’s largest economies, has accumulated more than $68 billion in debt, equivalent to 67% of its gross domestic product.

“We are a responsible government, we can’t say we won’t pay the debt,” Rigathi Gachagua told a local radio station.

China, which William Ruto has not visited since his election in August 2022, is the country’s second-largest creditor, after the World Bank.

In Mombasa, East Africa’s largest port on the Kenyan coast, it is financing the construction of a new terminal.

Beijing has also lent $5 billion (€4.7 billion) for the realization of the most expensive infrastructure project since the country’s independence in 1963: the train line that since 2017 has linked the port city of Mombasa to Naivasha, in the Rift Valley, via the capital Nairobi.

During the election campaign, William Ruto had denounced the loans of his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, pledging to find other ways of stimulating development to build the country’s necessary infrastructure.

China has rejected criticism that its lavish loans are plunging some countries, particularly in Africa, into debt overload.

During a visit to Kenya in July, Beijing’s head of diplomacy, Wang Yi, praised bilateral cooperation and a “win-win” partnership.

Despite a dynamic economy, around a third of Kenya’s population lives in poverty.

Economic growth slowed to 4.8% last year, from 7.6% in 2021, hit by the global fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a devastating regional drought that hit the country’s vital agricultural sector.

Inflation remained high, at an annual rate of 6.8% last month.

In July, global ratings’ agency Fitch Ratings downgraded Kenya’s ability to repay international lenders from “stable to negative”, citing tax hikes and social unrest.

SADC Throws Chamisa Under The Bus

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SADC Throws Chamisa Under The Bus

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observer mission (SEOM) has ignored fresh election calls by the opposition CCC and urged the political outfit to approach courts to resolve disputes from the August 2023 elections.

Zanu PF controls courts in Zimbabwe, and it would be a waste of time for the opposition to approach them with such issues.

In its final report on Zimbabwe’s August elections released on Thursday, 12 October 2023, the bloc said:

The SEOM calls for all concerned parties to ensure that any grievances with respect to the election results are channelled through the appropriate legal processes to ensure exhaustation of domestic legal remedies.

In terms of Section 11.8.2 of the Sadc guidelines, when SEOM publishes and officially submits the election reports, member States which held the elections may consider the recommendations advanced by the SEOM for improving the conduct of elections and submit to the chair of the organ, a response to the SEOM report.

Zanu PF accused Nevers Mumba, the head of the Sadc Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), of being biased and sympathetic towards the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). This accusation came after an initial report by SEOM criticised the elections for lacking credibility and fairness. However, the final report from Sadc observers praised political parties for maintaining peace despite the disputed nature of the election. Read the report:

The SEOM noted that … some aspects of the Harmonised Elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).

The SEOM commends political leaders for spreading the messages of peace and non-violence throughout the electoral cycle.

The recommendation is a blow to the CCC, which has been advocating for fresh elections overseen by an impartial organisation such as SADC, the African Union, or the United Nations, instead of the perceived biased Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). The party points to irregularities observed by local and international observers as the reason for calling for fresh elections. The CCC contends that ZANU PF, in collaboration with ZEC, manipulated the results, particularly in the presidential election, to favour President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chamisa ally sounds alarm bells

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Chamisa ally sounds alarm bells

A recent tweet by Zimbabwean political activist Freeman Chari, currently based in the United States, has highlighted significant shortcomings in the leadership of Nelson Chamisa within the country’s opposition movement. Chari’s comments provide a critical evaluation of Chamisa’s leadership of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), raising concerns about the movement’s internal dynamics and its approach to challenging the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Chari’s critique begins by examining the opposition landscape before the elections, identifying three key groups of supporters namely Chamisa loyalists who back both him and the CCC, CCC supporters who have reservations about Chamisa’s leadership and those who support Chamisa, despite their concerns about CCC’s effectiveness, as CCC represents the remnants of the MDC.:

All these groups share the common goal of removing Zanu-PF from power. However, Chari argues that the formation of the CCC was rushed and lacked a clear consensus on its structure, operations, and leadership. He believes this lack of clarity has resulted in significant problems within the movement.

Chari’s critique primarily centers on the transition of leadership from the MDC-A to CCC. He contends that this transition created a formless entity marked by a lack of clear responsibilities and accountability. Consequently, decision-making became centralized and inefficient, leading to a decline in the movement’s overall functionality.

Furthermore, Chari emphasizes the concentration of decision-making power in the hands of Nelson Chamisa, which he views as detrimental to the movement. Many leaders within CCC prioritize their own parliamentary ambitions over challenging Chamisa publicly, fostering a culture of sycophancy and questionable decision-making.

This lack of clarity, along with the so-called “strategic ambiguity” within CCC, has alienated supporters, prompting some to disengage entirely. Chari also raises concerns about the candidate selection process, which deviated from traditional member voting and resulted in flawed elections that endorsed candidates based on questionable criteria.

Chari’s critique also touches on the double standards within CCC, with some MPs rejecting the Presidential election outcome while accepting the parliamentary and local government results. He argues that these double standards harm the movement’s integrity.

According to Chari, CCC’s present state is marked by confusion and uncertainty. With traditional leaders now occupying positions as mayors, MPs, or councillors, the movement lacks continuity and institutional memory, making it vulnerable to critics of Chamisa’s leadership.

Chari acknowledges that those opposing Chamisa do not present a significantly different alternative. However, he questions whether Chamisa has the capacity to lead the effort to rebuild CCC and restore faith in the opposition. He emphasizes the need for a departure from established methods and the inclusion of new voices in leadership.

In conclusion, Chari’s critique underscores the increasing demand among opposition supporters for clear direction and reassurance that their investment in the CCC is worthwhile. Chamisa faces the challenging task of addressing these concerns if CCC is to effectively challenge the formidable Zanu-PF party in the future.

Unfortunately for opposition supporters, Chamisa’s leadership is criticized for alienating experienced figures like Tendai Biti, Charlton Hwende, and Welshman Ncube in favor of relatively inexperienced individuals like Pashor Sibanda, Takudzwa Ngadziore, and Gift Siziva. This is seen as a loss of intellectual and emotional intelligence needed to unite and grow the party.

Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico to displace UK, France out of top 10 largest economies

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Emerging economies of Nigeria, Indonesia and Mexico could push the UK and France out of the top ten economies of the world by 2050 provided they are able to build their institutions to global standards, diversify their economies and sustain growth friendly policies. This is one of the key findings of the global report from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) economists titled ‘‘The World in 2050:


Will the shift in global economic power continue?’’ This presents long-term projections of potential GDP growth up to 2050 for 32 of the largest economies in the world, covering 84 per cent of total global GDP.

According to the report, the current global economic power shift away from the established advanced economies in North America, Western Europe and Japan will continue over the next 35 years, despite a projected slowdown in Chinese growth after around 2020.

The world economy is projected to grow at an average of just over 3 per cent per annum from 2014-50, doubling in size by 2037 and nearly tripling by 2050. But there’s likely to be a slowdown in global growth after 2020, as the rate of expansion in China and some other major emerging economies moderates to a more sustainable long-term rate, and as working age population growth slows in many large economies.

Nigeria, Vietnam and the Philippines are notable risers in the global GDP rankings in the long term, reflecting relatively high projected average growth rates of around 4.5-5.5 per cent per annum over the period to 2050. According to Mr Andrew S. Nevin, PwC Nigeria’s Chief Economist and co-author of the report, “Over the past decade, Nigeria has boasted superior economic growth and, with the right reforms and investments, Nigeria could become one of the world’s leading economies by 2030, with further progress by 2050.

Nigeria’s potential advantages for future growth include a large consumer market, a strategic geographic location, and a young and highly entrepreneurial population’’. He continued, ‘‘however, at the same time, we are all aware of the significant headwinds (adverse trends) created by the rapid drop in the oil price, putting pressure on the fiscal and monetary systems, as well as reducing economic growth in the short term.

To achieve its long-term economic potential, Nigeria will need to manage the oil price decline effectively at all levels of government and create a sustainable platform for diversification into the sectors that we know will drive the economy in the future – including power, agriculture, manufacturing, telecoms, hospitality and real estate’’.

Nevin concludes, “according to our long term projections, Nigeria could sustain average growth of around 5-6 per cent per annum in the long run, following projected growth of around 6-7 per cent in the rest of this decade, assuming broadly growth-friendly policies are pursued. While foreign investment has in absolute terms long been focused on the oil sector, portfolios are becoming increasingly diversified, moving towards the power, agriculture and mining areas of the economy that have demonstrated a comparative advantage in emerging markets vis-à-vis the West’’.

Recent experience has however underlined that relatively rapid growth is not guaranteed for emerging economies, as indicated by recent problems in Russia and Brazil. It requires sustained and effective investment in infrastructure and improving political, economic, legal and social institutions. Overdependence on natural resources, according to the analyst, could impede long-term growth in countries such as Nigeria, Russia, and Saudi Arabia unless they can diversify their economies over time.

Nevin further concludes that ‘‘while our analysis confirms that emerging markets have huge potential, they can also be an institutional minefield – both managers and investors need to tread carefully. Overall, Nigeria continues to be an attractive place to invest not because it is an oil producer, but because of the immense size of its domestic market and the extraordinary commercial energy of its people, which remains largely untapped.”

Beyond Nigeria, the PwC Report projects that China will be the largest economy by 2030 on any measure. However, it also expects its growth rate to slow markedly after around 2020 as its population ages, its high investment rate runs into diminishing marginal returns and it needs to rely more on innovation than copying to boost productivity. Eventual reversion to the global average has been common for past high growth economies such as Japan and South Korea and we expect China to follow suit.”

The report also contains projections based on GDP at market exchange rates, without this relative price adjustment. On that basis, China is projected to overtake the US in around 2028, while India would clearly be the third largest economy in the world in 2050, but still some way behind the US.

Other highlights from PwC’s projections are: India has the potential to sustain its higher growth rate for longer and become a $10 trillion economy by around 2020 in purchasing power (PPP) terms, or around 2035 at market exchange rates. But this relies on India making sustained progress on infrastructure investment, institutional reforms and boosting education levels across the whole population.

Emerging economies like Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico have the potential to be larger than the UK and France by 2030, with Indonesia possibly rising as high as 4th place in the world rankings by 2050 if it can sustain growth-friendly policies. Malaysia is also projected to grow at around 4% per annum on average in the period to 2050, which is higher than China’s projected average growth rate of around 3.5% per annum over this period, and an impressive performance for what is already a middle income country.

Colombia is also an economy that PwC projects to grow at a relatively healthy long term rate of around 4% per annum over the period to 2050, noticeably faster than its larger Southern American neighbours like Brazil and Argentina. Japanese growth is projected to be the slowest of all 32 countries covered in total terms, driven in part by a steadily declining population; as a result Japan is projected to fall from 4th to 7th place in the global GDP rankings over the period to 2050.

European economies tend to slide down the rankings, with growth rates in the major Eurozone economies projected to average only around 1.5-2% per annum to 2050. Poland is projected to have the highest average growth rate of the large EU economies, and also to outperform Russia in terms of long-run growth.

These projections assume, however, that emerging markets will follow broadly growth-friendly policies. In practice, not all may do so and therefore not all of these economies will fulfil the potential indicated by the PwC growth projections, although some could also exceed the projections if they can accelerate their investment rates and institutional reforms.

HICHILEMA MUST APOLOGIZE TO LUAPULA OVER SIAKALIMA’S INSULTS- Fred M’membe

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HICHILEMA MUST APOLOGIZE TO LUAPULA OVER SIAKALIMA’S INSULTS- Fred M’membe

HICHILEMA MUST APOLOGIZE TO LUAPULA OVER SIAKALIMA’S INSULTS

Mr Hakainde Hichilema has chosen to publicly say nothing about education minister Mr Douglas Siakalima’s derogatory remarks against the people of Luapula Province. But this is not surprising at all – it is very much in line with his outlook and character.

There has been a chorus of condemnation from various groups in the country, with 15 members of parliament from Luapula Province petitioning the Speaker of the National Assembly over Mr Siakalima’s insulting comments during a parliamentary committee meeting recently.

According to the audio recording that has gone viral, Mr Siakalima repeatedly referred to the people of Luapula as suffering from both physical poverty and “poverty of the mind”.

Whatever the context or circumstances of the situation, it is highly offensive, reckless and inexcusable for Mr Siakalima to utter the words that he said in the committee meeting.

There can be no compelling reason why Mr Siakalima should be allowed to speak in such a derogatory and dangerous manner and get away with it.

But what is even worse is Mr Hichilema’s deliberate silence over these derogatory remarks against the people of Luapula by his own Minister of Education. That said, we would like to ask the following questions:

1) Why is Mr Hichilema quiet on this highly sensitive and divisive matter?

2) Is what Mr Siakalima said to the parliament committee about the people of Luapula an official government position hence the silence of Mr Hichilema?

3) Should the citizens take it that Mr Siakalima’s insulting remarks are central to the politics of the UPND and Mr Hichilema in particular?

4) Could this be the reason why Luapula Province appears not to be a priority for Mr Hichilema’s corrupt puppet regime as shown by the recent delays we witnessed in the appointment a provincial minister to replace Mr Derricky Chilundika?

5) Why is Mr Hichilema allowing Mr Siakalima to insult the people of Luapula rather than understanding and engaging them, considering the economic hardships and suffering they have caused in this country?

We would appreciate it if the questions above were addressed with utmost sincerity and respect for the people of Luapula province.

Mr Hichilema must know that his silence on this matter speaks volumes about his commitment to curb such divisive rhetoric in the country. He must also know that keeping quiet in such moments makes one to become or look like an enabler especially if the person is a leader.

So if Mr Hichilema is as outraged and offended by Mr Siakalima’s derogatory comments like all of us, let him take full responsibility and publicly apologize and censure Mr Siakalima.

Otherwise, anything short of a public apology and censure of Mr Siakalima from Mr Hichilema will mean that he is agreeable with Mr Siakalima’s insults and he too has no respect or regard for the people of Luapula Province.

We await Mr Hichilema’s response on this important matter.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Truth Be Told: Everyone Needs A Hakainde When Faced With Challenges

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Truth Be Told: Everyone Needs A Hakainde When Faced With Challenges

TRUTH BE TOLD: EVERYONE NEEDS A HAKAINDE WHEN FACED WITH CHALLENGES

The quality of a leader is tested when you are faced with challenges and this starts from your individual home.

If your father or mother is daily telling people that he or she has no plans on how to fix your home grown problems including homework from school then as a child you must get worried and actually question how they managed to obtain that degree or else, your friends will think that it was obtained through the “REPLENISH YOURSELF BEFORE WE MEET APPROACH AS PROCLAIMED BY ONE CBU STUDENT”

And this is why we say you need a HAKAINDE in your life when in times of challenges.

This HAKAINDE is bold enough to listen to you when faced with challenges and he faces the challenges heads on because he is the Head of the house.

In like terms. Zambia amidst these challenges, needed a sober leader in the name of HAKAINDE because currently, there is no opposition offering solutions on how to fix the past, present and future problems of this country except for those who are just saying: This and that.

In fact, we appeal to Zambian voters to ask these opposition members how they will solve or were to solve these problems as opposed to being taken for granted by empty tins.

We have seen that the elected UPND government has engaged Zambia National Service (ZNS) through its leadership led by General Maliti Solochi to offload affordable mealie meal across the country.

For a start, ZNS is selling its mealie meal at K230 per 25kg of breakfast. Just days ago, this commodity was costing K320. ZNS is doing this together with other government and private agencies.

But typical of directionless opposition. Emmanuel Mwamba whose real name is Henry MWENJENGA as he is from Tanzania and his parents are hidden in Matero, showed the highest level of ignorance when he saw ZNS vehicles taking maize and collecting mealie meal from Superior Milling company.

Who owns Superior Milling company? It is government through IDC and by the way, government owns over 70% shares in that company including in Mushe Milling. So, what is sinister about such?

Maybe MWENJENGA wanted those vehicles to drive into his yard!!!

With this move taken, the much needed mealie meal prices will at least begin dropping.

Another opposition ignoramus opposition is seen wondering what will be happening in places where there are no ShopRite stores. Again, this is lack of reasoning because ZNS has transport and we are told that even other outlets will be engaged to supply. Just as well, every district in this country has FRA storages and what will stop ZNS or indeed government from engaging local millers to pound maize and sell mealie meal at cheaper prices?

MWENJENGA must think but perhaps this is the more reason why he needs a HAKAINDE in his life.

There is no better way to state that the opposition especially PF needs a HAKAINDE in their life with Solochi as front liner while many troops work in the background considering that the man has proved to be stronger than they thought.

Chris Rock Reacts to Jada Pinkett Smith Exposing Their Past Relationship After Infamous Rivalry With Will Smith

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Chris Rock Reacts to Jada Pinkett Smith Exposing Their Past Relationship After Infamous Rivalry With Will Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has been busy sharing the most shocking secrets from her life, including the difficulties of married life, her struggles with self-acceptance, and the infamous 2022 Academy Awards incident involving Chris Rock and Will Smith. Her memoir Worthy is set to hit shelves this month.

The actress has revealed in recent interviews that she initially believed the entire Oscars incident between the comedian and the actor was a joke until she realized it wasn’t. Additionally, she disclosed a very particular fact involving Chris Rock and her, and now Chris Rock has decided to discuss it.

Jada Pinkett Smith says Chris Rock asked her out
In her interview with People magazine, actress Jada Pinkett Smith shared that she has not spoken to Chris Rock since March, after the 2022 Oscars fiasco which involved Rock cracking a joke about Jada’s shaved head and Will Smith walking up to him and slapping him in front of everyone. The actress said that she wished Chris Rock and her husband, Will Smith, could find peace.

Jada Pinkett Smith also revealed that years ago, during a summer when there were rumors about her and Will Smith heading for a divorce, Chris Rock had asked her out. She said,

“This particular summer, Chris, he thought that we were getting a divorce. So he called me and basically he was like, ‘I’d love to take you out.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ He was like, ‘Well, aren’t you and Will getting a divorce?’ I was like, ‘No. Chris, those are just rumors.’ He was appalled. And he profusely apologized and that was that.”

However, Jada Pinkett Smith shared with Today’s Hoda Kotb for NBC that she and Will Smith have been separated for almost seven years now. She clarified that it’s not a divorce on paper but they have been living separate lives since 2016.

Chris Rock reacts to Jada Pinkett Smith talking about their past relationship
According to reports by the Daily Mail, comedian-actor Chris Rock feels frustrated over the actress’ recent comments on their past relationship and would not like to be dragged into this. An insider shared with the Daily Mail,

“Chris has said his piece on the entire Will Smith, slap, but now with these new revelations from Jada that her and Will have been living separate lives, it is just another WTF moment in the whole saga from these past few years between Chris, her, and Will. Chris hates that she keeps bringing it up and bringing up the other revelations about Chris asking her on a date and all of that.”

Chris Rock has reacted to Jada Pinkett Smith talking about their past relationship
The insider further shared that the comedian is a private person and was just getting to a point where he thought people might have moved on from the 2022 Academy Award scene, but now talking about it again is simply frustrating to him as it brings everything back to the forefront.

They concluded, “Chris is over it and would actually love for her to keep his name out of her damn mouth.” The insider used similar words like the ones Will Smith used for Rock to make it stern.

Jada Pinkett Smith reveals whether she was offended by Chris Rock’s joke
The actress who lives with alopecia was asked during the interview with People if she was offended by the joke that Chris Rock made at the 2022 Oscars for which he was slapped. Jada Pinkett Smith said,

“I mean, that’s what comedians do. I would just have to say that I am not really here to make any judgment on how people decide to express themselves and express their art. I’ll say that several times I’ve had my feelings hurt, for sure. I’ve had my feelings hurt a lot by Chris. But at the end of the day, too, being in the spotlight, comes with the territory.”


She later clarified that she was not quite sure what was going on when she saw Will Smith walk back to his seat but said she knew one thing she needed: to stay calm and stay clear.

The actress made it clear in her interview that she is going to be by Will Smith’s side but also allow him to figure this out for himself, adding that she is finding a way to support him without trying to take away or deal with it for him.

OPPOSITION MPs TO REMAIN VIGILANT ON POSSIBLE FLOODING OF ZAMBIAN MARKET WITH MEALIE MEAL CONTAINING GMOs.

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OPPOSITION MPs TO REMAIN VIGILANT ON POSSIBLE FLOODING OF ZAMBIAN MARKET WITH MEALIE MEAL CONTAINING GMOs.

OPPOSITION MPs TO REMAIN VIGILANT ON POSSIBLE FLOODING OF ZAMBIAN MARKET WITH MEALIE MEAL CONTAINING GMOs.

………..as Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile says the CDF has failed because of Governnent failure to fund it.

Lusaka………..Saturday, October 14, 2023.[Smart Eagles[

Leader of Opposition Hon Brian Mundubile says Parliamentarians will remain vigilant to ensure that Mealie Meal containing GMOs from South Africa does not find itself in Zambia’s Shoprite Outlets.

This follows the disclosure by Government that Zambia National Service Eagle one will be supplying mealie meal to Shoprite stores countrywide at K230.

The move comes barely few months after Eagle one had been given a permit to import Mealie Meal containing GMOs from South Africa and Export it to Democratic Republic of Congo, a move which was opposed by certain quarters.

Speaking to the Media Friday, Hon Mundubile Said MPs will take keen interest to completely eliminate the possibility of GMO mealie meal finding itself on the Zambian Market.

“We all appreciate the dangers of going that route, from time immemorial from the Mwanawasa Government, people that have been there before have refused for the importation of GMO products”

“As Members of Parliament, we will take it upon ourselves. We have different skills within our members, to be on the look out because ours is to ensure that we protect the people that voted for us. If our questions are not properly answered in parliament, we will report back to the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon Mundubile has bemoaned the lethargic disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund.

He said MPs are unable to implement their projects which had been lined up for the year 2023.

Hon Mundubile wondered why Most Constituencies have received less than 25% of the money allocated under CDF.

He said the Programme is failing because the Government has failed to fund CDF.

“I want to ensure that these MPs should be able to go back to their constituencies freely because it is not their fault that there is no funding. There is a tendency by our friends on the right to try and pit our members against their constituents by saying your MPs are not representing you well nowonder you are not being funded,” he said.

NEWLY APPOINTED AUDITOR GENERAL REPORTED FOR PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT

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DR. RON MWAMBWA HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR PARTICIPATING IN ABROGATION OF THE ZAMBIAN CONSTITUTION-HON. EMMANUEL TEMBO

ZAMBIAINSTITUTE
OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
13 OCT 2023
P.O.BOX 32005,
LUSAKA.
12th October, 2023

The President
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
Head Office, Accountants Park
Plot No.2374/a
Thabo Mbeki Road
PO Box 32005
LUSAKA

Dear Sir/Madam

RE: PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT BY A MEMBER (DR RONNIE MWAMBWA)

The above subject matter refers.

My name is Hon. Emmanuel Tembo, Member of Parliament for Feira Constituency
in Zambia.

At the time of taking my seat at Parliament, I took two (02) oaths:

  1. to defend and protect the Zambian Constitution; and
  2. to give allegiance to the Republican President.

These two (02) oaths placed upon me the obligation to ensure that all decisions
in relation to the implementation of the Constitution are made in strict
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

I have recently learnt that Dr Ronnie Mwambwa, aged 64 years, a member of
your Institution and who is subject to regulation by your Institution has been
nominated for appointment o the position of Auditor-General by the Republican President in abrogation of the provisions of the Constitution.

More particular, the Constitution places an age limit for the person to hold the
Office of Auditor-General. It is provided under Article 252(1) that the Auditor-
General shall retire from Office on attaining the age of 60 years.

Clearly from this provision, this nomination for appointment is unconstitutional
and the nominee is aware because 4 years ago, he acted in the same capacity
as Auditor-General but he could not be appointed on account of age because
he had reached retirement age.

Based on what has been highlighted above, I am of the firm view that by the nominee accepting this nomination, he has not only participated in the abrogation of the Constitution, but he has also conducted himselt in breach of your Institution’s Regulations and Code of Ethics which require your member to comply with the following principles as provided for in the Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Account is, namely:

  1. Integrity – which requires an Accountant to be straight forward and honest in all professional and business relationships; and
  2. Professional Behaviour – which requires an Accountant to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any conduct that the
    Accountant knows or should know might discredit the profession.

I am of the firm belief that the violations of the above stated Constitutional
Provision and Code of Ethics render this nominee incapable of exercising the
independence expected of the person to occupy the Office of the Auditor–
General.

I submit for your professional consideration and taking necessary action against
the above nominee.

Yours faithfully
Hon Emmanuel Tembo, MP
FEIRA CONSTITUTENCY
0977 775030

CC!
The Director
International Federation of Accountant (IFAC)
529, 5th Avenue
New York
New York 10017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Chief Executive Officer
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
Head Office, Accountants Park
Plot No. 2374/a
Thabo Mbeki Road
PO Box 32005
LUSAKA

Ne-yo wins the hearts of Zambians with his humility…a lesson to local artistes

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Ne-yo wins the hearts of Zambians with his humility…a lesson to local artistes

#GUEST ARTICLE: Ne-yo wins the hearts of Zambians with his humility…a lesson to local artistes

NE-YO, original name Shaffer Chimere Smith, known professionally as Ne-Yo, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer.

He gained recognition for his songwriting abilities when he wrote Mario’s 2004 hit “Let Me Love You”.

The origin of the name Ne-Yo was given by a mutual friend in 1999 who called him Neo because he could ‘see’ music akin to the character Neo from The Matrix trilogy.

He altered the ‘-yo’ part as an homage to his hip hop roots.

The Miss independence hit maker was born on October 18,1979.

Besides writing for other artistes, three of Ne-yo’s albums — 2006’s “In My Own Words,” 2007’s “Because of You,” 2008’s “Year of the Gentleman” – have gone RIAA Platinum and produced several popular hits, including “Miss Independent,” “Sexy Love,” “Because of You,” “Mad” and “Closer.” NE-YO has also appeared in several films including Stomp The Yard.

Neyo arrived in the country on Thursday 12 October, 2023 for the annual Stambic Music Festival slated for Friday 13 and Saturday 14, 2023 at the Polo Grounds in Lusaka

Apart from his good live music performance, Ne-yo will leave something for Zambians to talk about- his humility despite being a star.

The behavior of Ne-yo should not only be exemplary to Zambian musicians alone but the whole Africa.

We had Davido from Nigeria, who came to perfom for the same festival after another American music star Brandy(My darling my crush for years)failed to show up for some reasons.

Despite many describing Davido’,s performance as below par, his behavior towards his Zambian fans and fellow musicians leaves much to be desired.

Information indicated that the Nigerian singer even refused to have audience with some Zambian musicians.

I will not even waste time to talk about Kizz Daniel who also exhibited some arrogant behaviour when he came to Zambia, even refusing flowers from the self proclaimed Zambian sweetheart – to Kiss Daniel she was bitter heart.

Let me end here…

Kalemba

Zambia Agrees Memorandum Of Understanding With Official Creditor Committee Paving Way For Debt Treatment Completion

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Zambia Agrees Memorandum Of Understanding With Official Creditor Committee Paving Way For Debt Treatment Completion

ZAMBIA AGREES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OFFICIAL CREDITOR COMMITTEE PAVING WAY
FOR DEBT TREATMENT COMPLETION

Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, 14th October, 2023 –

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia is pleased to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC) on the comprehensive debt treatment agreed in June 2023. Zambia’s OCCis co-chaired by China and France, and Vice-Chaired by South Africa.

The MoU formalises the agreement reached in June with official creditors and represents an important milestone in Zambia achieving long-term debt sustainability.

Each official creditor will now begin their internal process to sign the MoU.

Following the signing of the MoU, the terms will be implemented through bilateral agreements with each member of the OCC.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning is hopeful that the formalisation of the OCC agreement will further support the progress Zambia is making in achieving a comparable agreement with its private creditors to resolve the debt
overhang.

Zambia is continuing its good faith engagement with all its commercial external creditors and hopes to conclude
restructuring agreements that would both respect Zambia’s need for debt relief and the comparability of treatment principle.

Zambia also reiterates its firm commitment to remain in arrears with its external commercial creditors until agreements compatible with thecomparability of treatment principle are reached.

Related to the development, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, says:

“We are grateful to all our official creditors, especially the co-chairs of the committee, China and France, and vice-chair South Africa, for their commitment to help resolve Zambia’s debt overhang. We are also thankful to our multilateral partners, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African Development Bank,for their continuous support and substantial financial contribution to our development agenda.”

The next step is to secure a comparable agreement with our private creditors.”

“Our government committed to resolve the mounting debt suffocating our economy and we are proud of the immense progress we have made. Once completed, debt restructuring will free up resources vital for this government to invest in our development agenda: first generation reforms, investment in human capital and job generation to reinvigorate our economy and create opportunities for the Zambian people.”

CHINESE DELEGATION EXPLORES POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIPS AT MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES

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CHINESE DELEGATION EXPLORES POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIPS AT MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES

CHINESE DELEGATION EXPLORES POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIPS AT MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES

A Chinese delegation is in Zambia to explore possibilities for a partnership to revamp Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe district of Central province.

The delegation will be meeting with various Zambian officials to establish the best ways to implement the 15 agreements that were signed when President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA visited China.

The UPND New Dawn Government is pursuing a foreign policy focused primarily on economic cooperation, trade and investment.

The government has enhanced economic diplomacy and is committed to promoting open and cordial relations with Zambia’s neighbours and countries on the continent and beyond.

(C) THE FALCON

Brian Mwenda Njagi: Fake Kenyan lawyer who is trending over alleged wins in court

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Brian Mwenda Njagi: Fake Kenyan lawyer who is trending over alleged wins in court

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has released a blow-by-blow account of how busted fake advocate Brian Mwenda Njagi was able to criminally access the LSK portal, identify an account with a name corresponding to his, tamper with the details, and upload his own photo in a bid to infiltrate Kenya’s legal profession.

According to LSK, an emergency meeting was convened from around 5 pm to 8 pm Wednesday evening to urgently investigate how Brian Mwenda was able to breach the LSK security and steal the identity of an actual lawyer.

The firm says that Brian Mwenda stole the identity of a lawyer with a name that is similar to his – Brian Mwenda Ntwiga – after the legitimate lawyer reached out to the Secretariat after realising that he could no longer log into the system.

On 28th September, after alerting the ICT personnel of his tribulations, they quickly noticed that the details in the system, particularly his email address, did not belong to him thus why he could not access his Membership portal.

“On the 5th Day of August 2022, Brian Mwenda Ntwiga was admitted to the Bar and his correct email address was captured and an Account opened for him in the Advocates portal,” the statement said.

“We reached out to Advocate Brian Mwenda Ntwiga who confirmed that he had not applied for a practicing certificate since his admission, reason being that he had been working at the Office of the Attorney General and did not require a Practising Certificate,” it continued.

“It was only until sometime in September 2023 when he attempted to login into the system and activate his profile with the intention of applying for his Practising Certificate that he realized he could not access his LSK Portal.”

LSK further says that an internal investigation was commissioned to determine how the email address could have been changed, breaching protocols.

“The preliminary findings indicate that the masquerader applied the use of a common international fraud scheme known as Business Email Compromise (BEC) where a criminal in this case Brian Mwenda identified a genuine advocate status as being inactive, made contact to the secretariat to make an application for payment of his PC but which he couldn’t because his email credentials are incorrect,” the statement revealed.

LSK went on to divulge that once Brian Mwenda was allowed access into the portal, he changed his profile picture, applied and paid for his practising certificate.

“Upon being allowed access to the account, he took control of the portal and changed his profile picture, the workplace and applied and paid for the practicing certificate. However, his application was not processed since he was required to provide documents including the certificate of business incorporation,” LSK said.

While reiterating that their portal was not compromised and that member’s data was safe and protected, LSK further said that they had invited the DCI to launch a manhunt for Brian Mwenda.

“We have invited the DCI to send their investigators to launch a massive manhunt and the immediate arrest of the masquerader, (Brian Mwenda) and all his accomplices. The Council of the Law Society recognizes that masqueraders pose a serious threat to the practice of law and is determined to take decisive action to deal with this issue,” they said.

French forces depart Niger

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French soldiers have started to withdraw from their bases in Niger, with the first convoy of troops escorted out of the country by Niger’s military as it travelled in the “direction of Chad”, authorities in the capital Niamey said.

Pick-up trucks and armoured personnel carriers laden with French soldiers drove through the dusty outskirts of Niamey on Tuesday, marking a departure demanded by Niger’s military rulers who seized power in July.

In a statement read on state television, Niger’s military called on citizens to cooperate with the troop movements, which it said would involve some of the 1,500 French soldiers leaving Niger by road to Chad, a journey of hundreds of kilometres through sometimes insecure territory.

“The troops based in Ouallam have left their base today. These are the operations for the departure of the first ground convoy in the direction of Chad, escorted by our defence and security forces,” the military said.

In addition to the departure by land, “three special flights” have been registered at the airport in Niamey, two for the departure of “97 special forces elements” and one “dedicated to logistics”.

The withdrawal of French forces was swiftly demanded by Niger’s new ruling generals after they took power on July 26, with French President Emmanuel Macron then confirming their departure at the end of September.

Approximately 1,000 French troops were stationed in Niamey, with another 400 deployed at two forward bases in the northwest, near Mali and Burkina Faso, a hotbed of rebel activity.

Niger’s military rulers, which assured the withdrawal will take place in “complete safety”, said remaining French forces would continue to leave on “a timetable agreed to by both parties”.

The United States on Tuesday also formally declared that Niger’s democratically-elected president was removed in a military coup, which results in officially suspending assistance to Niger. Though there are no plans to change the US troop presence in the country, senior administration officials said.

The decision, which limits what assistance Washington can provide to Niger, was made after it became clear the military government did not want to abide by constitutional guidelines to restore civilian and democratic rule, a senior official said.

“We’re taking this action because, over the last two months, we’ve exhausted all available avenues to preserve constitutional order in Niger,” a senior US official said, speaking to reporters.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that some $200m in foreign assistance temporarily paused to Niger in August had now been officially suspended.

“Any resumption of US assistance will require action… to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe,” Miller said in a statement.

Despite the coup designation and aid suspension, the US at this time has no plans to change its troop presence in the country, another official said.

Over the past decade, US troops have trained Nigerien forces in counterterrorism and operated two military bases, including one that conducts drone missions against rebel fighters affiliated with ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda.

There are now about 1,000 US defence department personnel in Niger, according to the officials.

Prince Harry reportedly ‘wants his old life back’; Meghan allegedly ‘frustrated’

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Prince Harry reportedly ‘wants his old life back’; Meghan allegedly ‘frustrated’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may no longer be in alignment regarding their departure from the United Kingdom.

Recent reports suggest that the Duke of Sussex, who celebrated his 39th birthday last month, desires a return to his previous life, while the Duchess of Sussex, aged 42, appears content with their new life in Montecito, California.

Entertainment commentator Mark Boardman disclosed to Ok! that Prince Harry longs to reconnect with aspects of his former life and notably misses his estranged friends.

This year, he missed out on Jack Mann’s wedding, which is seen as an indication of his disconnection from friends in the United States, as he doesn’t view them as his close friends.

“London is where all of Harry’s real friends are. Everyone they know in Hollywood, they aren’t his friends,” Boardman said.

“Prince Harry’s social life has notably shifted over the past decade,” Boardman told the pub.

Boardman also pointed out that the situation is further complicated by Prince Harry being evicted from Frogmore Cottage and no longer possessing a residence in the United Kingdom.

“He appears to have distanced himself from his college friends and lacks a permanent U.K. residence,” he continued. “During his visits to London, he typically resides in hotels and avoids public appearances. Undoubtedly, Prince Harry longs for his old friendships.”

Nevertheless, as per Boardman’s account, the former Suits actress is less than enthusiastic about her husband’s sentiments regarding the United Kingdom, particularly as she believes it may not positively impact his public image.

“Meghan is frustrated that Harry wants his old life back,” he claimed. “Meghan loves Harry, but she wants to bring out the better side in him. And she’s quite clear on the roles that they should take together and they are trying to work better together on projects. People are eager to witness a transformed Harry, rather than a return to his previous partying lifestyle, which could lead to undesirable media attention.”

Speaking of his pre-Meghan lifestyle, Boardman suggested that Prince Harry may want to return to the U.K. from time to time because of his “strong relationships with childhood friends,” although he doesn’t think his wife will be too happy with his suggestion of “a boys’ weekend in London meeting up with some old Eton buddies.” He added: “He’s young at heart but he’s got someone to keep him in check and remind him who he is and what he’s supposed to be doing.”

And according to Boardman, Meghan thinks that Prince Harry is “supposed” to be there for her and their two children – Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2. He said: “Ultimately, Meghan wants Harry to be by her side to support her, to look after the kids and to get his life back on track. And anything going backwards is going to take away from that.”

KABUSHI, KWACHA SEATS HANGS IN BALANCE, IT CREATED A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS- HON CHISANGA

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KABUSHI, KWACHA SEATS HANGS IN BALANCE, IT CREATED A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS- HON CHISANGA

KABUSHI, KWACHA SEATS HANGS IN BALANCE, IT CREATED A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS- HON CHISANGA
…………Concerned that five Judges have recused themselves from hearing Malanji, Lusambo appeal case.

LUSAKA……….FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023[SMART EAGLES]

Patriotic Front Chairman Legal Hon George Chisanga is concerned over the decision by five Constitutional Court Judges to recuse themselves from hearing the Kwacha and Kabushi appeal case.

In this matter, the Kabushi and Kwacha Parliamentary seats have been petitioned after a judgement by the Constitutional Court that Hon. Bowman Lusambo and Hon. Joseph Malanji were eligible to recontest the election but were instead barred by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Hon Chisanga said the country is now faced with a crisis the court is asked to make a similar decision.

He said when a matter is determined in the courts of law, it sets a precedence.

He is of the view that the judges should not have recused themselves but rather returned and reprononunced themselves on the basis of consistency, Judicial precedence and for the sake of justice..

“We don’t want to apportion any blame on the judges but register our concern because justice is only justice if it finds vigilantes who are prepared to entrench it as a system. We respect the fact that these judges may possibly be the ones that sat in the previous case between Hon Lusambo and Malanji and the state, and made a decision these two individuals were eligible to recontest the elections. They find their hands tied to be asked to reconsider the same case they had made the decision. This is why we said Government must be seen to be in the forefront to ensure that the law is respected,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon Chisanga said the matter has returned to court because there is need for certainty in the law.

He said the appeal has arrived in court arising from the misdeeds of the UPND Government.

Hon Chisanga explained He said the election of two individuals hangs in balance because it created a constitutional crisis.

“The court decided that they were eligible to contest by elections. The UPND challenged the nomination in Court. Even in the midst of the decision by the constitutional court that Hon Lusambo and Hon Malanji were eligible to recontest, the Electoral Commission of Zambia acting in collaboration with the UPND decided not to allow our nominees to file for nomination nowonder we have that sham of elections in Kabushi and kwacha..We had pleaded with the UPND Government, while the court had not made the decision, the President was busy campaigning…..Lusambo and Malanji were elected by the masses in kabushi and Kwacha who were looking for the continuation of their leadership,” he said.

President HH must fire Douglas Siakalima for the insult on the collective People of Luapula Province- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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President HH must fire Douglas Siakalima for the insult on the collective People of Luapula Province- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

President Hakainde Hichilema must fire Siakalima for the insult on the collective People of Luapula Province

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

“Luapula People are suffering from two types of poverty. There is physical poverty and their poverty of the mind-Minister of Education”, Hon. Douglas Siakalima.

When I heard about these dangerous remarks allegedly made by the Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Siakalima stoking ethnic tensions, I was reluctant to comment until I gathered sufficient information on the matter.

I have since established that Hon. Siakalima made these remarks during his appearance before the Parliamentary Orders Committee dealing with Education, chaired by Milanzi MP, Hon. Melesiana Phiri Chibwe.

The Committee was interrogating the impact of the free education policy in schools and communities.

Unbenkown to the Minister his data-set was false and Infact, Luapula Province has made tremendous progress dropping from 81.1% ten years ago to now 77.3%.

This is according to the recently issued report by the Zambia Statistics Agency -Highlights of the 2022 Poverty Assessment in Zambia.

The results show that poverty levels have gone slightly down in North-western (61.6% from 66.4%), Luapula (77.3% from 81.1%), Western (78.6% from 82.6%) and Northern (78.0% from 79.7%) provinces.

Muchinga province has the highest proportion of the population that is poor at 82.6 percent, followed by Western and Northern provinces.

Lusaka (27%) and Copperbelt (35.9%), had the least poverty levels though higher than in 2015.

The remarks by Siakalima are extremely dangerous and insensitive.

Tribal and discriminatory remarks stoke unecessary ethnic tensions and Zambia is already struggling with the issue of tribalism as the nation struggles with holding together national unity through the One Zambia, One Nation principal.

Since this development occurred, Members of Parliament from Luapula Province have signed a petition against Siakalima and the document has been submitted to the Speaker.

President Hakainde Hichilema has a duty to act and must immediately fire this reckless Minister who has displayed dangerous personal traits and beliefs against a group of people.

Angola opposition files motion to remove President Joao Lourenço from office

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Angola opposition files motion to remove President Joao Lourenço from office

Angola’s main opposition party the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita) on Thursday filed a motion in parliament to begin an impeachment process to remove the country’s President Joao Lourenço from office in an unprecedented move.

The initiative had been publicly announced in July, but it was only on Thursday that Unita publicized its reasons for impeachment in a 100-page document signed by all its 90 MPs.

The documents contain 200 pleadings, more than 200 pieces of documentary evidence, and 40 citizens as witnesses in support of the Unita parliamentary group.

Unita accuses Lourenço of being responsible for food shortage, unemployment, jailing demonstrators, and being authoritarian.

The parliament speaker called an extraordinary meeting for Friday to analyse the opposition petition.

Unita’s parliamentary group head said that the next step is the courts to verify the legality of the acts.

“The court will verify the legality of the process and it is the parliament that will remove the president,” Liberty Chiaka said.

“Angolan democracy will free itself from the bonds of authoritarianism and will consolidate the democratic state and the rule of law,” he added.

“Angola will never be the same”.

The opposition further rejected accusations that the process to impeach Lourenço is a coup attempt.

Lourenco,69, and his ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won a disputed election last year with 124 parliamentary seats, but Unita doubled the seats they had won in the 2017 polls.

The initiative is being received with some skepticism due to the MPLA’s parliamentary majority. An impeachment needs a two-thirds majority or more of sitting MPs to pass. It has never been done in Angola before, mostly because MPLA was always the majority party and because Angola spent more than three decades at war after independence.

Nonetheless, it’s now up to the president of the National Assembly to take the next steps in this process.

However, it is not the first time that the opposition has expressed its desire to remove Lourenço from office.

In August, thousands rallied in Angola calling for his removal in an act organised by Unita to commemorate its late leader.

In June, the oil-rich nation has experienced a wave of protests since the government cut subsidies for petrol.

Analysts have different views on the process.

Rosado de Carvalho, a local political analyst, told a local radio that he believes that Angola is now moving to a different stage of its democracy and the ruling MPLA will test its popularity and its willingness to obey the constitution.

But one professor in Luanda told the Nation he thought Unita was wasting its time as the government machinery is likely to come down hard on the masterminds. He asked not to be named as he teaches in a public university, fearing government reprisals.

Niger: Uncertain future for deposed president Bazoum after 80 days in detention

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Niger: Uncertain future for deposed president Bazoum after 80 days in detention

Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, overthrown in a coup on July 26, enters his 80th day in detention with his wife and son on Friday. He still refuses to resign and hopes to win his case in court.

While many countries and organizations continue to call for his release, the ruling military regime remains adamant for the time being.

– Nearly three months in detention –

Since the coup on July 26, Mohamed Bazoum has been held prisoner in his residence in the presidential palace, along with his wife Haziza and son Salem.

“His situation has not changed,” says his Senegalese lawyer Mohamed Seydou Diagne.

According to members of his entourage interviewed by AFP, he is still “sequestered without electricity”, and with intermittent access to water.

“He receives fresh food supplies every other day and regular visits from his doctor,” says one of these sources, who adds that he is doing well, as are his wife and son.

“He’s as strong as ever. He’s not going to resign,” insists another source close to him.

In early August, Mohamed Bazoum described himself as a “hostage” in an article for the Washington Post, and described his family’s treatment as “inhuman and cruel” to the NGO Human Rights Watch.

– Referral to the courts –

On September 18, Mohamed Bazoum decided to refer his case to the West African courts to demand his release and the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.

“When you file a petition, the opposing party has one month to respond. At the end of this period, the Ecowas Court of Justice sets a date for the hearing,” explained Me Diagne to AFP.

“There is a main petition accompanied by an accelerated petition so that the Court can schedule a hearing within a few weeks”, he continued.

A group of lawyers mandated by one of Mohamed Bazoum’s daughters had announced in early October their intention to lodge a complaint against the military regime in Niamey, but this has still not been filed, according to one of the lawyers.

– International support –

The coup d’état was swiftly condemned by Niger’s Western partners, such as France and the United States, and by the UN, which expressed its support for Mohamed Bazoum and demanded his release.

A few days later, ECOWAS adopted the same position and threatened Niger with armed intervention.

Although this option is officially still on the table, it has not yet been implemented.

France, one of Mohamed Bazoum’s most fervent supporters, began withdrawing its 1,400 or so soldiers from the anti-jihadist campaign on October 9, and sent its ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itté, back to Paris at the end of September, two demands made by the regime.

“The issue remains the release of Bazoum and the restoration of civilian power in Niger. And so the need also remains for coordinated pressure with partners in the region on the de facto authorities”, asserts a French diplomatic source.

On the US side, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on the phone to Mr. Bazoum on Monday to reaffirm his support for his return to power, and the US suspended aid to Niger the following day.

Mohamed Bazoum is the fifth Nigerien president to be overthrown by a putsch since the country gained independence from France in 1960.

The first president, Hamani Diori, overthrown in 1974, was imprisoned and then placed under house arrest for several years before being released in 1987 and leaving the country for Morocco.

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Source: Africanews

US Embassy in Kenya issues terror alert

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US Embassy in Kenya issues terror alert

The US Embassy in Kenya has issued a terror alert in Nairobi, warning Americans to review their personal security plans.

In a statement published on its official website on Friday 13, 2023, the embassy said there are high risks of terrorism activities targeting areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya.

“Locations frequented by US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks,” the embassy said.

As a precaution, the US Embassy asked citizens to be vigilant at locations frequented by tourists or foreigners and review their personal security plans.

American nationals have also been urged to be aware of their surroundings, especially while in hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.

The embassy also shared phone numbers which the citizens may use to contact them when in need of any assistance.

The US Embassy also noted that the government of Kenya has heightened its counterterrorism patrols in response to the increased threat of terrorism.

There has been no major attack in Nairobi since the DusitD2 complex attack on January 15, 2019, which left 21 people dead and dozens others injured.

In January 2020, Al Shabaab attacked the Manda Bay airbase, a military facility in Lamu manned by Kenyan and American forces which left three Americans, a soldier, and two US Department of Defence (DoD) contractors dead. Two other US service members and a third DoD contractor were injured.

In February 2023, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revealed that the government forces disrupted many terror plots at source, and neutralised or arrested dozens of suspected terrorists.

Kindiki further said a huge cache of weapons and explosives had been intercepted and destroyed.

“The current crackdown on Al-Shabaab terror cells in Somalia which is spearheaded by local community leaders with the support of the Federal Government of Somalia has tremendously weakened this militant group,” Kindiki said.

He also said the government has also stepped up border patrols and upped surveillance to thwart any attacks.

“The nearly 6,000 new police officers who have joined the National Police Service in the last 100 days guarantees us sustainability of the fight against crime. The new officers will be deployed to security hotspots across the Country immediately to further buttress the security of our people and their property,” Kindiki said.

The alert comes a day after police in the United Kingdom intercepted a KQ flight from Nairobi that was diverted from Heathrow to Stansted Airport in London.

Kenya Airways flight KQ100 was diverted to London Stansted Airport, the designated alternate airport for security incidents.

The reason for the diversion was said to be a potential security threat, with local press reporting that bomb squads were seen rushing to the scene.

“We are currently attending an incident at #Stansted Airport. A flight from Nairobi to Heathrow has been diverted to Stansted this afternoon (October 12). The airport remains open,” Essex Police said on X.

In a statement, the national airline confirmed that its KQ100 flight from Nairobi to London Heathrow “received an alert of a potential security threat”.

“KQ management in conjunction with the security authorities of the government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat. The crew onboard were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board,” the KQ statement read in part.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE AT CHIBOMBO JIANGXI ECONOMIC FACILITY

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LOCAL BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE AT CHIBOMBO JIANGXI ECONOMIC FACILITY

LOCAL BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE AT CHIBOMBO JIANGXI ECONOMIC FACILITY

October 13, 2023

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says government wants the Chibombo Jiangxi Economic Cooperation Zone to be available for the local people around.

President Hichilema says the economic zone should not be for large economic business only but also for small enterprises.

President Hichilema said this today when he commissioned the Chibombo Jiangxi Economic Cooperation Zone where he also attended the Zambia-China Jiangxi Investment and Trade Cooperation Promotion Conference, in Chibombo District, Central Province.

“Local businesses are encouraged to take part in the opportunities in this facility as your government have many initiatives for citizens’ access to credit facilities as well as incentives such as tax holidays for local investors,” President Hichilema said.

The Head of State said that the UPND New Dawn Government is committed to promoting special economic zones and industrial parks to leverage on the centrality of Zambia’s location to accelerate the country’s industrial development and achieve the goal of becoming the regional manufacturing and processing powerhouse.

The conference, follows only one month after President Hichilema’s successful State Visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he signed several MOUs among them to consolidate the sister relationship between Zambia’s Central Province and Jiangxi Province.

President Hichilema lauded Jiangxi United for their efforts in attracting a range of companies to this facility including medical equipment manufacturers, steel processing plant, electrical insulator factory and many more.

The President further said that the Road and Belt Initiative is another example of the longstanding all-weather relationship between Zambia and China forged over decades.

The UPND Party Manifesto targets policy incentives which attract large capital inflows with required Zambian equity participation.

(C) THE FALCON

Foreign students and academics who praise Hamas risk expulsion from UK

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Foreign students and academics who praise Hamas risk expulsion from UK

Foreign students, academics, and workers who commit anti-Semitic acts or praise Hamas face being expelled from the United Kingdom under plans being drawn up by the Home Office.

Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, has commissioned officials in the department to consider how they could revoke visas on national security grounds where there is evidence of discrimination or support for the terror group in the wake of its attack on Israel.

It follows a similar move by Gérald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, who has ordered that all foreigners who commit anti-Semitic acts be expelled from the country immediately. Three have already been thrown out of France.

The UK can revoke visas for students, workers, and visitors on national security grounds or if it is judged conducive to the public good to do so, provided there is “proportionate” evidence.

Vice-chancellors have already warned students that they face criminal investigations if they express support for Hamas terrorists following Saturday’s incursion.

Students are understood to have been reported to the police after Palestine societies at some universities praised Hamas on social media after the attack, in which hundreds of civilians were killed.

Academics have also been accused of justifying the attacks by Hamas militants on civilians in online posts, including one that said the killings were a “consequence” for “partying on stolen land”.

University College London confirmed that it was investigating an academic for reposting a comment made on Oct 7 saying that Palestinian “retaliation” had been “entirely justifiable”.

A Home Office source told The Telegraph: “We’ve seen some sickening displays of anti-Semitism and glorification for the terrorism of Hamas.

“If those in the UK on visas behave in this manner, it is clearly conducive to the public good that they have their visa revoked and be removed, as the law permits.

“It’s important that the British Jewish community know that they are protected and we establish basic norms of conduct for those staying in the UK.”

It is understood some of the comments by students are already being reviewed by Home Office officials to establish whether and how they could take action to terminate their visas.

Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, has written to university vice-chancellors asking them to act “swiftly and decisively” to stamp out “implicit or explicit” threats to Jewish students.

“We have seen evidence of a number of student societies that support Palestinians sending out inflammatory messages that show support for Hamas, which is, as you know, a proscribed terrorist organisation,” wrote Ms Keegan.

CCC report Sengezo Tshabangu to police over ‘fraudulent’ recall of MPs

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CCC report Sengezo Tshabangu to police over ‘fraudulent’ recall of MPs

Zimbabwe’s main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party has “reported and filed a criminal case” to the police against Sengezo Tshabangu, a former MDC-T and PDP member who styled himself as the party’s Interim Secretary General and recalled 15 CCC MPs and 17 councillors.

Tshabangu’s letter directing the recalls was endorsed by the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda who has since declared vacancies in the affected constituencies.

The CCC however argue that Tshabangu is a political impostor being fronted by Zanu-PF in its quest for a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Against this background, the CCC has reported the case at Milton Park Police station, under RRB number SSS1290.

“Our team successfully implemented the resolutions of the Citizens National Assembly, which included taking action against an imposter who illegally and fraudulently recalled our MPs, Senators, and Councilors through impersonation and misrepresentation.

“We have reported and filed a criminal case at Milton Park Police station, under RRB number SSS1290,” the party confirmed.

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has since directed his MPs, Senators and councillors to disengage from government business to force the Speaker of Parliament to reverse his decision.

But Tshabangu shot back and threatened to recall all MPs, Senators and councillors failing to report for duty.

“And now that our political party is cleansing itself of all mala fides and chicanery that are foreign and injurious to our people and their aspirations, we hereby advise and direct all our deployees as follows:

“All CCC councillors must report for work on time and be prepared to serve and to be of service to all our people without fail, save in circumstances seeking or requiring verifiable medical attention or compassionate leave,” he said.

“According to the Parliament Hansard, CCC Members of the National Assembly were as a matter of fact and law suspended for six (6) sittings with immediate effect, which equates to two weeks of sittings.

“Once this suspension has been served, all CCC Members of the National Assembly as well as Members of the Senate must attend all parliamentary programmes, activities and sittings without fail, save in circumstances seeking or requiring verifiable medical attention or compassionate leave.

“Members of the Senate should continue to attend all Parliamentary programmes, activities and sittings without fail.”

Meanwhile, the recalled lawmakers have since dragged Mudenda and Tshabangu to the High Court seeking an order declaring their removal from the National Assembly invalid.

15 MP’S FROM LUAPULA PROTEST AGAINST MINISTER’S “POVERTY OF MIND” REMARKS

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15 MP’S FROM LUAPULA PROTEST AGAINST MINISTER’S “POVERTY OF MIND” REMARKS

15 MP’S FROM LUAPULA PROTEST AGAINST MINISTER’S “POVERTY OF MIND” REMARKS

By Fox Reporter
MEMBERS of Parliament from Luapula Province have protested to Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti against Education Minister Douglas Siakalima for suggesting that people from the region are poor because of poverty of the mind.

In a petition submitted to the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Luapula MPs are alleging hate speech against Siakalima who is also Chirundu UPND member of parliament.

The petition comes after Siakalima made derogatory comments against people of Luapula Province during a Committee on Education meeting on October 11, 2023.

During the meeting, chaired by Melesiana Phiri, the Minister was recorded making highly inflammatory and demeaning statements about the people of Luapula Province.

According to radio clips collected from the broadcast, he referred to the people of Luapula as suffering from both “poverty of the mind and poverty as a physical being,” as he repeated these remarks four times.

According to Members of Parliament from Luapula Province, they received numerous calls from their constituents who expressed deep disappointment for the insults and offense from Siakalima.

The MPs are now arguing that these inflammatory statements constitute hate speech against the inhabitants of Luapula Province.

They assert that the role of the government and its ministries should be to serve and uplift all citizens, striving to alleviate poverty levels rather than demeaning and maligning them based on their circumstances, which they may not be responsible for.

The petitioners are urging the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly to take decisive action against the Minister to address the negative effects caused by his remarks and to restore order, confidence, and decorum in the House.

The Speaker’s office is expected to review the petition and determine the appropriate actions to be taken in response to the concerns raised by the Luapula Province Members of Parliament.

HH AND THE UPND GOVERNMENT ARE A PROPER DEFINITION OF AMATEURS- Edwin Lifwekelo

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HH AND THE UPND GOVERNMENT ARE A PROPER DEFINITION OF AMATEURS- Edwin Lifwekelo

HH AND THE UPND GOVERNMENT ARE A PROPER DEFINITION OF AMATEURS

A Shift Towards Double Standards

Lusaka….at PF Secretariat…13th October 2023

The election of Hakainde Hichilema, commonly known as HH, and the United Party for National Development (UPND) into power was met with great expectations from the Zambian people.The UPND government promised a fresh start and a commitment to good governance. However, as time has progressed, HH and the UPND government are falling short of their promises and, in some cases, playing double standards.

During the election campaign, HH and the UPND promised economic revitalization and job creation. They highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline and transparency in managing the nation’s finances. However, the reality on the ground is different. Economic challenges persist, and the promised job creation has not materialized as anticipated. There’s a growing sense that the government is not effectively managing the country’s finances, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

One of the key pillars of the UPND’s campaign was its commitment to fighting corruption. While this stance resonated with the public, the government’s anti-corruption efforts have become selective, politically motivated while investigations and prosecutions are been used to target political opponents rather than promoting a fair and impartial anti-corruption crusade .

The UPND government pledged to uphold democratic principles, including freedom of speech and a free press. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about the state of press freedom. Reports of intimidation of journalists and the shutting down of media outlets have sparked fears that the government is limiting the space for open dialogue and criticism. These actions are seen as contradictory to the principles the UPND espoused during their campaign.

The UPND government made promises to safeguard human rights and ensure the security of all Zambian citizens. Unfortunately, most actions are undermining their commitments. We have seen how they have responded to protests and to those intending to hold rallies . Unfortunately these activities have met the full wrath of the Zambia Police Service who have pounced on innocent Zambians without regrade to the rule of law.

While the election of HH and the UPND government brought hope and optimism to Zambia, it is important to critically assess their performance in office. It is essential to hold leaders accountable and demand transparency, consistency, and adherence to the principles and promises they made during their campaign.

Two years old the line they are emerging double standards and the apparent gap between campaign promises and actions while in office. We call upon the Zambian citizens, civil society organizations, and the international community to continue to monitor the government in order ensure that they live up to the expectations they set during for themselves during the election campaign. This vigilance is essential to maintain the integrity of Zambia’s democracy and good governance.

ZAMBIA DESERVES BETTER

Edwin Lifwekelo
PF Acting Media Director

16 Year Old Boy Attempts To Commit Suicide By Setting Himself Ablaze

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16 Year Old Boy Attempts To Commit Suicide By Setting Himself Ablaze

16 YEAR OLD BOY ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT SUICIDE BY SETTING HIMSELF ABLAZE

A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY of Luanshya district on the Copperbelt allegedly tried to commit suicide by setting himself ablaze.

The motive behind the boy’s actions is believed to be that his grandfather used money left for him by his late father who used to work for the Zambia Army.

The boy further alleged that his action was because he asked his grandfather for money to buy a phone but for the past three years the grandfather has failed to do so.

Copperbelt Province commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba said the incident occurred on October 10 around 13:00 hours at Ndeke Extension in Luanshya.

Mr Mweemba said the report was lodged by the boys grandfather Thomas Kombe aged 64-years-old.

“Brief facts of the matter are that on the fateful day, Mr Kombe ,the complainant was outside the house cooking when his wife Scholastic Mulenga came from inside the house and informed him that there was smoke coming out of Chimuka Moonga, the grandson’s bedroom,” he said.

He said when he rushed there he found that the door was locked from inside and he then pushed the door by force and it opened.

Mr Mweemba said Mr Kombe found his grandson standing near the door and two mattresses and a pillow were on fire.

“With the help of his wife and daughter, they managed to quench the fire. An Inquiry File has been opened, and the boy has been picked for possible counselling by the Child Protection Unit,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said when the child was interviewed in order to know the motive, he stated that his father who was working for Zambia Army died when he was very young and he left some money which his grandfather used on his other children.

He said that being older, he demanded that the money which his father left be used to buy him a cell phone, but for the past three years it’s just been stories.

Mr Mweemba added that the Juvenile felt neglected and this prompted him to attempt to commit suicide.

Further added that arrangements are being made to take the child to social welfare by the child protection unit and also have him under go counseling.

Mwebantu

Insulting Luapula: Minister’s Remarks on Poverty Are Offensive and Misguided- Dr Mwelwa

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Insulting Luapula: Minister’s Remarks on Poverty Are Offensive and Misguided- Dr Mwelwa

Insulting Luapula: Minister’s Remarks on Poverty Are Offensive and Misguided

By Dr Mwelwa

Recently, Hon. Douglas Siakalima, the Minister of Education, made a statement that has left the people of Luapula Province stunned and insulted. In his remark, he claimed that the poverty in the region is a result of the “poverty of the minds” of its people. This has sparked outrage and disbelief among the residents, who view the statement as a blatant insult to their intelligence and capabilities.

It is indeed distressing to witness a public figure, especially one holding a position of authority in the field of education, making such derogatory and baseless remarks. The people of Luapula Province are hardworking and resilient, despite the numerous challenges they face. To attribute their poverty solely to a supposed lack of mental capacity is not only demeaning but also unfair.

The minister’s statement is a clear reflection of a mindset that fails to understand the intricate complexities of poverty. Poverty is not a simple matter that can be solely attributed to the minds of individuals. It is a result of numerous factors, including the systemic issues that plague the region, such as underdevelopment, lack of access to resources, and limited opportunities for growth.

To pass judgment and lay blame on the people of Luapula Province without considering these underlying factors is an insult to their struggles and a gross oversimplification of the issue. It disregards the historical and socio-economic context in which they find themselves, and it undermines their efforts to overcome adversity on a daily basis.

Moreover, the minister’s comments highlight a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding from someone in a position of power. It is disheartening to witness a leader who should be championing inclusivity and equal opportunities resorting to such offensive and divisive rhetoric. Rather than addressing the root causes of poverty and advocating for policies that uplift the marginalized, the minister’s statement only serves to further marginalize and stigmatize the people of Luapula Province.

It is crucial for leaders to be mindful of their words and actions, as they have a significant impact on the lives of those they serve. The responsibility that comes with holding public office should never be taken lightly, as it requires individuals to act with integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all citizens.

In the wake of this controversial statement, it is essential for the minister to reflect upon the impact of his words and issue a sincere apology to the people of Luapula Province. Furthermore, he should take this opportunity to engage in open dialogue with the community, seeking to understand the challenges they face and working collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions.

The people of Luapula Province deserve respect and support, not condescending remarks that perpetuate stereotypes and deepen their hardships. It is high time that leaders prioritize the needs of the marginalized and work towards creating an inclusive society where opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all.

In conclusion, the comments made by Hon. Douglas Siakalima, the Minister of Education, regarding the people of Luapula Province and their supposed “poverty of the minds,” are not only insulting but also demonstrate a lack of understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by the region. It is imperative for leaders to demonstrate empathy, humility, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty rather than blaming individuals for their circumstances. The people of Luapula Province deserve better, and it is the responsibility of leaders to ensure that their voices are heard and their struggles are acknowledged.

LUSAKA LAWYER SLAMS UPND OVER COMPENSATING THOSE SITTING ON NOLLE PROSEQUI

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LUSAKA LAWYER SLAMS UPND OVER COMPENSATING THOSE SITTING ON NOLLE PROSEQUI

LUSAKA LAWYER SLAMS UPND OVER COMPENSATING THOSE SITTING ON NOLLE PROSEQUI

…describes the abrogation of the law as daylight robbery

Lusaka, Thursday, October 12, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

Patriotic Front (PF) member Celestine Mambula Mukandila has fumed at the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) for allowing those inclined to the party to get state compensation while on nolle prosequi.

Mukandila, a Lawyer and Good Governance Activist based in Lusaka said when he featured on 5FM’s Burning Issues, “a person can only claim compensation if they have been acquitted.”

He explained that a nolle prosequi is NOT an acquittal.

This comes amid several cases that the country has witnessed where those inclined to the party have been getting compensations despite them being freed on nolle.

And the Mr Mukandila said the UPND government is keen on abrogating the law.

“The current government in its current form is keen on abrogating the law day in day out. The provisions of the criminal procedure code on nolle indicate that a nolle is not an acquittal. A nolle is a mere discharge and the law has provided that you can be rearrested at any time,” he said.

“Now, where you are just discharged, the question is what would warrant you to sue government for compensation? And we are guided by many precedents, the case is not closed. Because today government can just wake up and say ah mumangeni uyu, kuliko evidence ya new.”

He wondered if every single politician sitting on nolle could be compensated if they applied for it.

“Statistically speaking, 84.3% of politicians are seated on nolles. Now, are we telling the Zambian people that Chilufya Tayali who is today seated on the nolle can go to court, apply for compensation?” he asked.

“Are we telling the Zambian people that today mama Mumbi Phiri can go to court and seek for compensation against government? Are we telling the Zambian people today that GBM should go to court and seek compensation…? Are we telling the Zambian people that all these politicians we see, Kang’ombe in Sesheke, can go to court and seek compensation? Because he is sitted on a nolle.”

Mr Mukandila described the abrogation of the law in question as daylight robbery from public coffers.

“You know, these are the things we talk about, Constitutional abrogation, daylight robbery…this is daylight robbery, this is theft of the highest order using institutions of government. We are using institutions of government to steal from the Zambian people,” he said.

“Ma K5 million yamene bazilipila ayo, by now we would have used the same money to buy medicines in hospitals. Ma K5 million yamene bazilipila we would have put up a subsidy on fuel. Fuel would have started going down.”

Zambia begins the exporting of home made fertilizer to Botswana

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Zambia begins the exporting of home made fertilizer to Botswana

Zambia on Thursday started the export of 15,000 metric tons of fertilizer to Botswana, the first of its kind for Zambia which has always been a net importer of fertilizer.

The fertilizer was produced by United Capital Fertilizer Limited, a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate Wonderful Group of Companies Limited after it was given a contract to supply D-compound fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture of Botswana for the 2023/2024 farming season.

Addressing a ceremony to flag off the dispatch of 30 trucks delivering fertilizer — 900 metric tons — to Botswana, Chipoka Mulenga, the Zambian minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said the export of fertilizer was a milestone for the country known to be a net importer of the commodity.

“Zambia has always been known to be a country that is a net importer of anything. But what we are seeing is the beginning of the country becoming part of countries of net exporters,” he said.

He commended the Chinese firm for responding to the government’s calls for investment in the manufacturing sector, stressing that this was the only way the country was going to grow the economy and create jobs.

He said the company’s plans to commence the manufacturing of D-compound and urea fertilizer at the new plant under construction next year will make Zambia fertilizer secure.

He said the production of D-compound fertilizer at the company entails that Zambia will not import the commodity hence saving money which will be channeled to other needy areas. He also commended Botswana over its decision to purchase fertilizer from Zambia, adding that this was what Africa needed if economies were to grow.

Chance Kabaghe, the chairman of the fertilizer firm, said the decision by Botswana to contract the company to produce and deliver the fertilizer was a mark of confidence in the quality of the company’s fertilizer.

He said the Botswana government decided to contract the company following stringent tests conducted by officials from that country on the quality of the fertilizer, adding that the company’s fertilizer has met international standards.

He expressed happiness that the company has commenced manufacturing fertilizer at a time when the region was facing a crisis in accessing fertilizer due to a disruption in supply caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The company was ready to contribute to the southern African region becoming fertilizer secure, he added.

Alpheus Matlhaku, the Botswana high commissioner to Zambia, commended the company for the speedy delivery of the fertilizer at short notice.

He said the fertilizer was meant for small-scale farmers in Botswana but noted that there was still a huge demand for fertilizer by commercial farmers which the company should take advantage of.

The envoy said Botswana and Zambia have cooperated over the years, a situation that has resulted in cooperation in various economic sectors of the two countries.

The government, he said, decided to give the contract to the company, after a stringent inspection of its production and quality control process.- Xinhua

THERE’S NO CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST AMOS CHANDA BEFORE ANY COURT —DEC

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THERE’S NO CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST AMOS CHANDA BEFORE ANY COURT —DEC

THERE’S NO CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST AMOS CHANDA BEFORE ANY COURT —DEC

Lusaka, (12 October 2023) — A senior DEC investigations officer has told the Lusaka magistrates court that Amos Chanda is not facing any case of corruption or money laundering before any court in the Republic of Zambia.

Boyd Munalula (48) of plot number 2469A Kwamwena-Meanwood, Lusaka, told Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga that the only case the DEC had before court against Mr Chanda is that of the alleged missing court record.

And Munalula, the arresting officer and prosecution witness number 10, revealed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed DEC to reopen a matter that was closed via a prosecui prosecui on 12 May 2020 by adding new issues but leaving out Walid El Nanus, the Lebanese national who the prime suspect in the case. Zindaba Soko was accused number two whilst Amos Chanda was accused number three.

“The DPP has guided us to reopen the case but with new issues added. I have not summoned Walid El Nanus but Zindaba Soko and Amos Chanda are under investigations. I released Walid’s passport and I don’t know where he is now,” Munalula said.

Asked by defence counsel Timmy Munalula whether he, Munalula the DEC arresting officer in both cases was ever in possession of Walid’s passport, the witness answered in the affirmative but said he did not remember when.

Lawyer:“Was this the same man who was deemed a flight risk during the trial and investigations in the now closed matter?”

Witness: “Yes this is the same person but I am not investigating him in this case.”

Lawyer: “He is now a special case when in fact you arrested people including a lawyer who you accused of attempting to get Walid’s passport released? If you are reopening the case where he was accused number one, how is he not of interest to you?”

Witness: “There are further investigations that are ongoing.”

He insisted that with regard to the alleged missing court record, it was not necessary to interview Walid or Zindaba Soko because he was only focused of Amos Chanda.

Another defence lawyer Benjamin Mwelwa put it to the witness that the last and only person to have ever done a search on the court record was the same Walid El Nanus but the witness said he was not aware of that.

Lawyer: “The Court Registry is a public place with a well documented system of records showing who searched on a particular record. I therefore put it to you Walid is the only person to have done a search on the record you are alleging has been stolen.”

Witness: remains silent

Defence lawyer Munalula asked witness Munalula why it was only he in the entire DEC with the expertise to investigate Mr Chanda because he has summoned him on more than six times and arrested him three times between 2016 and now.

The witness admitted that he has “interacted alot” with Mr Chanda but only from 2019 and now.

Lawyer: “Who is Mary Sikazwe?”

Witness: “She was director-general at FIC.”

Lawyer: “Ok is she, in her trajectory of frequent name change, the same person who became Mary Tshuma?

Witness: “She is Mary Chirwa, the former director-general of the DEC.”

Lawyer:Ok this the same person on whose superior orders you detained Mr Chanda for six long days on a simple bondable offence?

Witness: “No we bonded him after two or three days.”

Magistrate intervenes: “Oh, ok, you bonded him?

Witness:“I can’t remember but it was for a few days. I don’t know how many days he stayed in police cells.”

Lawyer: “But you are the arresting officer who detained him right?”

Witness: “Yes.”

Lawyer:“Witness, Mr Munalula, be fair to others and to yourself. The only privilege that puts you where you are is simply that you are a public officer and so act with fairness and not with malice. This court, this same court granted bail to Mr Chanda after you denied him bond despite having met all the requirements. And you want this court to believe you on other things you have said when you can tell lie like that?”

Witness: “No, we did not give him bond. This court granted him bail.”

So, added defence counsel Munalula, it explains why this arresting officer, and Mary Chirwa’s personal vendetta against Amos Chanda is so extreme that it led them into a wild goose chase to go and dig up an entire floor of an entertainment chalet at 23B Serval Road Kabulonga in search of a fictitious $20 million that was supposed to have been buried there.

Lawyer:“In February this year whilst this case was ongoing, acting on a social media story and false informants you led a team six DEC officers and 13 prisoners to the former residence of Mr Chanda who left that place more two years ago to go and ransack a property in search of $20 million and evidence of 48 houses you alleged he owned in Chalala.”

Witness: (Smiles broadly and answers) “I can’t say anything about that.”

Lawyer: “May the court take judicial notice of the demeanour of this witness.”

Lawyer: “Tell me about the superior orders upon which you declined to give bond to Mr. Chanda. Whose orders were they?”

Witness: “I don’t know anything about that.”

Lawyer: Be truthful and avoid pushing us towards making necessary applications. I don’t want to give evidence from the bar but I was there. I was in the room when you said this to Mr Chanda.

Witness: Remains silent

After a short break, prosecutors begged for some comfort for their witness asking the court to allow him to sit down as he endured the remainder of the nearly three hours of cross-examination.

Magistrate: “Is he unwell?”

Prosecutor: “No Your Worship, it is hot.”

Lawyer: We are still a long way to go!

The court sat for four hours from 10:00 hours throughout lunchtime until 14:30 when the State applied for an adjournment to call one more witness despite having dispensed with Munalula the arresting officer who had summed up the evidence of nine other witnesses ahead of him.

The court adjourned the matter to 15 December 2023 but excused Mr Chanda from appearing for mention on 10 November 2023.
Ends…

HICHILEMA’S COCOON OF INSECURITY- Fred M’membe

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HICHILEMA’S COCOON OF INSECURITY- Fred M’membe

HICHILEMA’S COCOON OF INSECURITY

The opposition leaders, with the great love and patriotism they have for Zambia, met and addressed key issues the country is faced with and proposed a way forward.

But what did Mr Hakainde Hichilema through his newly installed mouthpiece, vuvuzela, Mr Cornelius Mweetwa do? They handled a serious national matter with infantile disorder and without regard to the issues raised.

Mr Hichilema, through Mr Mweetwa, reduced all the sensible and pressing concerns plus the hard effort put together by the opposition, with a response characteristic of or befitting an infant.

And going by the regular standards of ignorant, poorly researched and often contradictory press emanating from the Ministry of Information lately, it seems this is the adopted style of governance by Mr Hichilema and his corrupt puppet regime.

But this too shall fail. It will backfire and become a huge political and administrative disaster. To think that Mr Mweetwa’s regular infantile tantrums and delusional views will make a difference or make this regime acceptable in the eyes of the citizens is another sign of how much of a failure this untried and untested regime led by Mr Hichilema is.

In case they don’t know, the Zambians are already aware that it’s the responsibility of politicians, especially those in government, to run the country, manage foreign affairs, provide security, as well as a credible legal system. So these constant blame games and rants about the opposition as if they’re the ones in the driving seat are just annoying people and raising the temperatures even more.

What this country faces today is a crisis. And the attitude of the political leadership, especially those in government, should be based on empathy, compassion, respect and a general realisation that there is no future for them aside practical solutions to the poverty and squalor facing the people today.

Mr Hichilema and his minions must realise and acknowledge the deep divisions between themselves and the people. Their arrogance, pomposity and reckless bravado are all breeding nothing but paranoia, uncertainty and fear in the masses.

This country is in a cash crunch. The politics of the ruling elite are also in total collision with the suffering majority of our people, and the best response this government can give to these hair raising concerns is a defiant and combative response. What type of recklessness is this?

Why does Mr Hichilema always miss moments? Why is it that every time wrongs about his regime are highlighted, he quickly retreats into a cell or cocoon of insecurity? Why doesn’t he seize the opportunity and make significant changes to calm the situation?

We would like to strongly advise Mr Hichilema that Zambia’s unique economic and political problems will not be solved by people who don’t understand nor care about the future of our country and it’s people.

What we need now is a unified and increased citizen and opposition political party participation in the affairs of the country before we drift into deep poverty and desperation.

Let them not cheat or comfort themselves, the reality on the ground is that the current hunger or economic hardship in general, is slowly becoming a national security issue.

There is tension in the country, the ground is boiling and an infantile, arrogant and combative attitude towards the people is not the best way to deal with the situation.

It is time for a sober, rational, honest and mature leadership.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Government takes action to stabilize meali-meal prices

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Government takes action to stabilize meali-meal prices

Government takes action to stabilize meali-meal prices

TO address the rising cost of living, the Zambian government announced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing Meali-meal prices.

In a press briefing, Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa provided crucial insights into the government’s strategy to ensure the availability and affordability of essential food items.

Mweetwa who is also the governments spokesperson said starting early next week, Zambian citizens should expect adjustments in the cost of living, particularly concerning mealie-meal prices.

The government’s decision comes in response to the unexplained increase in mealie-meal prices, despite no reported maize shortage in the country.

Minister Mweetwa emphasized that there is no shortage of maize and mealie-meal in Zambia, debunking rumors of scarcity.

Instead, the government has identified price increases as a pressing issue, prompting a proactive response.

He explained that the Zambia National Service (ZNS) will play a pivotal role. Starting next week as it’s produced Mealie-meal will be available at ShopRite outlets nationwide.

“Breakfast Mealie-meal will be priced at K230, with roller Meal at K190,” he disclosed.

“However, for those purchasing mealie-meal at ZNS outlets, the prices will be slightly reduced, with Breakfast mealie-meal priced at K220.”

Mweetwa elaborated that the reduced prices do not imply subsidies.

The government insists that it is rationalizing prices while preserving a free-market economy.

He said the prices have been calculated based on the cost of production, ensuring fairness for both consumers and producers.

And in the wake of the development, several milling companies are partnering with ZNS to ensure a consistent supply of mealie-meal to ShopRite.

This collaboration aims to stabilize the market and make Mealie-meal more accessible to the public.

The government has assured citizens that the supply of Mealie-meal to ShopRite will be sustainable, eliminating the need for panic buying.

To ensure fair pricing, Mweetwa urged consumers to report any unscrupulous sellers who charge higher prices than the government’s set rates to the nearest authorities.

Meanwhile government has taken a firm stance against allowing the export of maize, a crucial step to stabilize prices in the domestic market.

It is reported that the unstable mealie-meal pricing is influenced by regional demands, with neighboring countries such as Kenya and Tanzania turning to Zambia for their maize needs.

Mweetwa reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the availability and affordability of essential food items.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba

Zambia Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Commends President HH For Urging A Careful Review Of The Fuel Pricing Cycle

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Zambia Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Commends President HH For Urging A Careful Review Of The Fuel Pricing Cycle

ZAMBIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY COMMENDS PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA FOR URGING A CAREFUL REVIEW OF THE FUEL PRICING CYCLE

Lusaka, Wednesday, 12th October 2023

In January 2022, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) implemented the monthly review of the fuel pricing index in Zambia.

This measure was necessitated by the high fuel debt and constrained fiscal space that continues to impact government social spending.

While taking cognizance of the necessitating factors, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (ZACCI) has, from the onset, expressed concern about the economic implications of this measure, especially for businesses.

Currently, the global economy is under serious macro-economic turbulence, which haveimpacted the prices of major commodities such as crude oil.

Being an import-dependent
country, Zambia has witnessed frequent fluctuations in fuel prices.

The monthly pricing index has created uncertainty and made it challenging for businesses to plan and project their cashflows.

In light of this, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has and
continues to advocate for adjusting the fuel price review cycle to every three months.

Transitioning to a quarterly review cycle will undoubtedly offer businesses a more conducive environment for financial planning, pricing strategies, and investment
decisions.

This move is of paramount importance for the economic stability and growth of our nation.

Furthermore, The Zambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry believes that having predictable fuel prices will empower businesses to make well-informed decisions, reduce
operational risks, and bolster the prospects for economic growth.

This transformation will foster a more stable business environment, attract investments, and promote sustainable economic development.

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauds President Hichilema for instructing the Ministry of Energy’s Permanent Secretary, Peter Mumba, to conduct a comprehensive review of the monthly fuel pump pricing system.

This directive demonstrates a sincere dedication to tackling the challenges arising from fluctuating fuel prices, which have had a destabilizing impact on the economy.

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry eagerly anticipates engaging with the relevant authorities, including the Energy Regulation Board, to discuss and implement this recommendation in the best interests of our nation’s economy.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: +260211253020 or email
secretariat@zacci.co.zm

Issued by:
The Zambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry Secretariat

Secretary to the Cabinet praises Government’s Improved Financial Management

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Secretary to the Cabinet praises Government’s Improved Financial Management

Secretary to the Cabinet praises Government’s Improved Financial Management

SECRETARY to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has commended the administration’s remarkable strides in financial management as revealed in the Auditor General’s report.

Kangwa’s remarks came as he discussed the findings of the latest Auditor General’s report in Lusaka this morning, which showcased a positive trajectory in the government’s handling of finances for the year ending in December 2022.

Kangwa began his speech by acknowledging the collective effort of the government and its commitment to reducing audit queries to zero, a goal that President Hakainde Hichilema has been relentlessly advocating for.

He emphasized that the Auditor General’s report highlighted substantial improvements in the financial management of the government, setting a new standard for accountability.

“This report presents a positive trajectory in our financial management,” Kangwa noted, emphasizing that it’s a significant achievement considering the challenges of transitioning from the previous government’s management in August 2021.

He praised the current team’s dedication and teamwork, underscoring that the report reflects their hard work.

One of the highlights of Kangwa’s address was the revelation that the number of ministries and provinces not cited in the Auditor General’s report had doubled, from seven in 2021 to 14 in 2022.

This achievement indicated a clear improvement in public financial management.

Kangwa also recognized ministries and provinces that received zero audit queries, an accomplishment he encouraged others to strive for.

The heartening aspect was the year-on-year reduction of irregularities reported by the Auditor General.

Of the 37 types of irregularities, 25 had seen a substantial reduction, equating to a remarkable 70% decrease.

“In short, we only had 11 that went up,” Kangwa highlighted, adding that the drop in misappropriation of funds, from 5 million to 135,000 kwacha, was a significant 97% reduction.

Kangwa expressed his gratitude to the President, Cabinet Ministers, and the Internal Audit Oversight Committee for their support and dedication in achieving these milestones.

The Secretary to the Cabinet also praised the open-door policy of the Cabinet Office, which facilitated close communication with the Auditor General and led to a better understanding of audit queries and their resolution.

Kangwa also underscored that these achievements were a testament to the government’s ability to work as a team and its commitment to improving financial management.

He urged all government officials to continue their efforts and maintain the momentum in managing public finances.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba

Chris Rock asked me out after divorce rumors – Jada Pinkett Smith

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Chris Rock asked me out after divorce rumors – Jada Pinkett Smith

The seeming frosty relationship between Will Smith, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett Smith now appears to predate the 2022 Oscars incident.

In her new memoir “Worthy,” Pinkett Smith disclosed that Chris Rock had asked her out on a date a few years ago, during a period when rumors of her potential divorce from Will Smith were circulating. Pinkett Smith, 52, revealed that reports about her and Will Smith’s marriage issues would often emerge each summer.

She continued that during a specific summer, Rock believed that Pinkett Smith and Will Smith were headed for divorce. He therefore reached out to Pinkett Smith and expressed his interest in taking her out.

“And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ He was like, ‘Well, aren’t you and Will getting a divorce?’ I was like, ‘No. Chris, those are just rumors.’ He was appalled,” Pinkett Smith recalled. “And he profusely apologized and that was that,” Pinket Smith told People.

Rock is yet to comment on the revelation. But, the last time the two were in the presence of each other was at the Oscars when the comedian passed a joke about Pinkett Smith’s clean-shaven head at the Oscars.

During the awards ceremony, Rock after presenting an award humorously said he anticipated seeing Pinkett Smith in a hypothetical movie sequel, “G.I. Jane 2,” which elicited laughter from the audience.

Will Smith, the “Summertime” singer, who did not take the joke lightly, physically confronted Rock, the creator of “Everybody Hates Chris,” on stage by slapping him during the Oscars broadcast. He has since been slapped with a 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards.

Commenting on the incident, Pinkett Smith revealed that she has not engaged Rock since the controversy.

“[Do I have] any desire to talk to Chris? Here’s my desire: I just hope that all the misunderstanding around this can be cleared up and that there can be peace,” she explained.

She indicated that people hurting her feelings is a reality she has become accustomed to, but, she has learned to take it in good faith, especially from comedians.

“I mean, that’s what comedians do,” she stated. “I would just have to say that I am not really here to make any judgment on how people decide to express themselves and express their art.”

Mnangagwa accepts Chamisa’s request for dialogue

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Mnangagwa accepts Chamisa’s request for dialogue

President Mnangagwa has extended an invitation for dialogue to CCC leader Mr. Nelson Chamisa and is open to engaging in discussions. However, Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Christopher Mutsvangwa, stressed that this dialogue should not be used as a means to outmaneuver political rivals.

The offer for dialogue comes in the wake of CCC’s interim secretary-general, Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, recalling 15 CCC Members of Parliament (MPs) and 17 councillors, alleging that they were no longer members of the opposition party.

During a press briefing held at the party headquarters in Harare, Mutsvangwa asserted that President Mnangagwa is committed to transparent dialogue. He emphasized that CCC leader Mr. Chamisa should avoid using this platform to settle scores and gain an advantage over his rivals within the CCC.

Mutsvangwa pointed out that Mr. Chamisa faces strong competition for power within his party, with contenders emerging from all provinces and ranks. Attempting to outmaneuver rivals within the CCC through dialogue with President Mnangagwa is not conducive to productive bilateral party engagement and could introduce chaos into both Zanu-PF and national politics.

Zanu-PF advocates for an open and transparent democracy, where everyone can witness proceedings and hold leaders accountable. Mutsvangwa stressed that engaging in conspiratorial tactics that sideline fellow Zimbabweans with equal standing in the political landscape would lead to national disunity and disaster. Such practices are not present within Zanu-PF.

Mutsvangwa highlighted the importance of transparently addressing all issues on the table so that it is clear to all, including MDC-T’s Douglas Mwonzora, CCC’s vice presidents Tendai Biti and Professor Welshman Ncube, and Chalton Hwende, among others. This approach ensures public buy-in and accountability in the democratic process, which aligns with President Mnangagwa’s goals. In contrast, Chamisa appears to favor a more conspiratorial approach, which is not acceptable to President Mnangagwa.

Mutsvangwa confirmed that Mr. Chamisa has dispatched representatives to Zanu-PF to seek dialogue. President Mnangagwa received these envoys and designated his own representatives for interactions. However, Mr. Chamisa seems hesitant to allow figures like Ncube, Biti, and Hwende to be informed about these engagements, opting for a less transparent approach.

On Wednesday, Mr. Chamisa acknowledged sending emissaries to President Mnangagwa.

Source – The Herald

CCC Rebel Threatens To Fire More Chamisa MPs

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CCC Rebel Threatens To Fire More Chamisa MPs

Self-imposed Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu says he can’t rule out more recalls as he targets getting rid of what he says are *people abusing their proximity to the party leader Mr Nelson Chamisa.”

Mr Tshabangu, who says he is the party’s acting secretary general, speaking through his spokesperson Mr Khaliphani Phugeni said the whole recall process was meant to cleanse the opposition party of individuals who are going against the ethos and values of the party. He said the process is never targeted at eventually removing Mr Chamisa from the leadership position, a gospel being pushed by those opposed to the recalls.


On Monday, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s chief elections officer, advising that in terms of Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) vacancies had arisen in parliament after 15 opposition members ceased to be CCC party members on October 4.


This followed a letter to Adv Mudenda by Mr Tshabangu advising that the 15 national assembly members and 17 councillors had ceased to be party members. The 15 recalled national assembly representatives are, Mr Ereck Gono (Lobengula-Magwegwe), Mr Nicola Watson (Bulawayo South), Mr Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Mr Bright Vanya (Lupane), Mr Desmond Makaza (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi), Mr Obert Manduna (Nketa), Mr Morgan Ncube (Beitbridge West), Mr Pastor Raphael Sibanda (Cowdray Park), Mr Febian Kufahakutizwi (Mabvuku-Tafara)


Mr Evidence Zana (Youth Representation), Ms Janeth Dube, Ms Sitabile Mlilo, Ms Nomathemba Sibanda, Ms Jasmine Toffa and Ms Velisizwe Nkomo (all Proportional Representation).


Mr Phugeni said they were seized with presentations from different parts of the country where people are expressing their unhappiness over self-imposed candidates.


“We are getting a lot of presentations from different parts of the entire country, people are not happy about persons who either imposed themselves by name dropping or abuse. Others went as far as faking conversations where they created false impressions that they are in charge just by some social media conversations with president Chamisa and that he has ordered that so and so must go and contest here and there, so those are all the issues that we are attending to. If there is a veracity to any of those claims, then yes indeed you can expect more action,” said Mr Phugeni.


Asked in what capacity was Mr Tshabangu making the recalls since the party had no structures, Mr Phugeni said the actions were being taken by an interim secretary general, in the same manner that Mr Chamisa in his capacity as the party interim president, has been.
He said there is no dispute that there are no structures as yet in the CCC.
MR Khaliphani Phugeni


“As has been made clear that the office is that of the interim secretary general, there is no dispute that there are no structures as yet but just as much as we do have the office of the interim leader right now in the form of our president, the change champion in chief, there is the office of the interim secretary general to do the day to day communications and administration of the party and it is in that capacity that we have acted, having travelled throughout the country where we met party cadres and this is their decision by the way that the party can not afford to veer off the correct path. If we are going to democratise Zimbabwe, we must start within ourselves and we frown upon imposition issues. Undermining local people who must have a right to choose their representatives must not be allowed, no amount of manipulation will be tolerated,” said Mr Phugeni.


Mr Phugeni rubbished insinuations that the real target in all this was Mr Chamisa, with the plan being to recall him and then call for an elective congress before the end of the year.


“This(recall of Mr Chamisa) is all meant to create a wedge between the president and the acting secretary general. There is no intention whatsoever, the president is not the target of this action. We even believe that he is the right person to lead us, in line with our founding values, principles, character and nature. Of course, those who want to survive by name-dropping, abusing access and proximity to him would want to characterize this citizens’ backed action as a target on his back., not at all, the president is very safe. This move, if anything, strengthens the party, its office bearers and in the long run as people will see it will put the president in good light and standing before the community and in line with the objectives of the citizens’ movement,” said Mr Phugeni.

SADC raises red flag over involvement of VP Kembo Mohadi’s daughter in Zimbabwe Electoral Commission

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SADC raises red flag over involvement of VP Kembo Mohadi’s daughter in Zimbabwe Electoral Commission

The appointment of Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s daughter into the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has been cited by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission (SEOM) as one of the factors that undermined the credibility of the recently held harmonised general elections.

SADC’s final report released on Thursday maintained its earlier position that some aspects of the 23 and 24 August election “fell short of the requirements of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.”

In July last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Mohadi’s daughter Abigail Millicent Ambrose into ZEC, a decision that caused public outcry with observers claiming the President was installing cronies to manipulate the 2023 plebiscite.

Without mentioning names, SADC said the development, “if found to be true”, undermined the independence of ZEC.

“In the event that the concerns from stakeholders that some ZEC Commissioners are closely related to the senior members of the ruling party are found to be true, there is a risk of violation of Section 11(2) of the Electoral Act and Section 4.1.9 of the SADC Principles and Guidelines.

“SEOM, therefore, recommends that such practice be considered as one of the disqualification criteria in recruitment of ZEC officials,” read part of the report.

Mnangagwa won the plebiscite with 52,6% against opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa’s 44%.

Chamisa has refused to endorse the results claiming he was rigged. He is calling for fresh polls supervised by SADC.

In its conclusion, SADC commended the people of Zimbabwe for conducting “themselves in a peaceful, orderly and exemplary manner during the pre-election phase, voting days, and the immediate post-election period.

“The SEOM commends the political leaders for spreading the message of peace and non-violence throughout the electoral cycle.”

SADC further urged the parties involved in the post election disputes to seek domestic legal remedies.

“The SEOM noted that, as detailed in sections 6 and 7 of this report, some aspects of the Harmonised Elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).

“The SEOM calls for all concerned parties to ensure that any grievances with respect to the election results are channeled through the appropriate legal processes to ensure the exhaustion of domestic legal remedies.

“In terms of Section 11.8.2 of the SADC Principles and Guidelines, when SEOM publishes and officially submits the election reports, Member States which held elections, may: (a) consider the recommendations advanced by the SEOM for improving the conduct of elections; and (b) submit to the Chair of the Organ, a response to the SEOM report.”

Hichilema Is Facing Numerous National Crises But His Handlers Are Making It Worse- Fred M’membe

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Hichilema Is Facing Numerous National Crises But His Handlers Are Making It Worse- Fred M’membe

HICHILEMA IS FACING NUMEROUS NATIONAL CRISES BUT HIS HANDLERS ARE MAKING IT WORSE

The opposition leaders, with the great love and patriotism they have for Zambia, met and addressed key issues the country is faced with and proposed a way forward.

But what did Mr Hakainde Hichilema through his newly installed mouthpiece, vuvuzela, Mr Cornelius Mweetwa do? They handled a serious national matter with infantile disorder and without regard to the issues raised.

Mr Hichilema, through Mr Mweetwa, reduced all the sensible and pressing concerns plus the hard effort put together by the opposition, with a response characteristic of or befitting an infant.

And going by the regular standards of ignorant, poorly researched and often contradictory press emanating from the Ministry of Information lately, it seems this is the adopted style of governance by Mr Hichilema and his corrupt puppet regime.

But this too shall fail. It will backfire and become a huge political and administrative disaster. To think that Mr Mweetwa’s regular infantile tantrums and delusional views will make a difference or make this regime acceptable in the eyes of the citizens is another sign of how much of a failure this untried and untested regime led by Mr Hichilema is.

In case they don’t know, the Zambians are already aware that it’s the responsibility of politicians, especially those in government, to run the country, manage foreign affairs, provide security, as well as a credible legal system. So these constant blame games and rants about the opposition as if they’re the ones in the driving seat are just annoying people and raising the temperatures even more.

What this country faces today is a crisis. And the attitude of the political leadership, especially those in government, should be based on empathy, compassion, respect and a general realisation that there is no future for them aside practical solutions to the poverty and squalor facing the people today.

Mr Hichilema and his minions must realise and acknowledge the deep divisions between themselves and the people. Their arrogance, pomposity and reckless bravado are all breeding nothing but paranoia, uncertainty and fear in the masses.

This country is in a cash crunch. The politics of the ruling elite are also in total collision with the suffering majority of our people, and the best response this government can give to these hair raising concerns is a defiant and combative response. What type of recklessness is this?

Why does Mr Hichilema always miss moments? Why is it that every time wrongs about his regime are highlighted, he quickly retreats into a cell or cocoon of insecurity? Why doesn’t he seize the opportunity and make significant changes to calm the situation?

We would like to strongly advise Mr Hichilema that Zambia’s unique economic and political problems will not be solved by people who don’t understand nor care about the future of our country and it’s people.

What we need now is a unified and increased citizen and opposition political party participation in the affairs of the country before we drift into deep poverty and desperation.

Let them not cheat or comfort themselves, the reality on the ground is that the current hunger or economic hardship in general, is slowly becoming a national security issue.

There is tension in the country, the ground is boiling and an infantile, arrogant and combative attitude towards the people is not the best way to deal with the situation.

It is time for a sober, rational, honest and mature leadership.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Second Deputy Speaker Moyo Behaves Like A Sponsored Political Cadre- Hon Musukwa

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Second Deputy Speaker Moyo Behaves Like A Sponsored Political Cadre- Hon Musukwa

SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER MOYO BEHAVES LIKE A SPONSORED POLITICAL CADRE- HON MUSUKWA.

………his barbaric behavior towards leader of Opposition, opposition MPs cannot go unnoticed.

LUSAKA……..Thursday, October 12, 2023 [Smart Eagles].

Former Government Chief Whip Richard Musukwa has slammed Parliament Presiding Officers particularly second Deputy Speaker Moses Moyo for behaving like a sponsored political Cadre.

This is in relation to the alleged injustices in the house on Independent and Opposition Members of Parliament most notably Mr Moyo’s recent actions on Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile.

Speaking in an interview, Hon Musukwa said the behaviour of Presiding officers such as the one exhibited by Moyo towards Hon Mundubile is regrettable and must have never been allowed to see the light of Parliament.

Hon Musukwa said Moyo is a hired mercenary who wants to act more than UPND members to please his masters.

He said It is regrettable that the people’s Parley is being destroyed by a surrogate UPND Presiding officer who is implementing the script which they discuss in dark corners without editing.

“To see that level of incompetence been discharged by a Presiding Officer is unacceptable. That barbaric Act, on Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile who must be held in very high esteem by virtue of him being leader of Opposition cannot go unnoticed. His office is a bridge between Government, the Opposition and Parliament. It can not unnoticed. In the past we have noted this drama against several members of Opposition in Parliament. We have ignored him as an amateur of being an MP, and a Presiding Officer. He has extended his poor decorum to the leader of Opposition. And sadly degenerating Parliament into a chaotic institution,” he said.

Hon Musukwa said it is also disappointing that the international Community is painting a blind eye on what is transpiring in Parliament.

“Proponents of democracy and increased democratic space, the sponsors of this government, the Americans, EU, Britain, are conspicuously quiet by this level of mediocrity being exercised on the floor of the house including hired diplomats who have always spoken the loudest in the past want to play a blind eye at this eroding level of discourse at Parliament.

Hon Brian Mundubile is leader of Opposition who when he stands up to speak in parlaiment must be accorded a lot of respect and given prominence by Presiding officers by virtue of the office he occupies,” he said.

Hon Musukwa has chastised Government Chief Whip Stafford Mulusa for failing to harmonise deliberations in Parliament.

He said the Government Chief Whip must ensure that parliament is harmonised in a conduicive atmosphere despite the differences on the political front.

He said promotion of coexistence in enhancing dialogue on key issues encourage consensus on a variety of matters.

“I am surprised that an exposed person like Govt Chief Whip Stafford Mulusa can allow the house to degenerate in such an awkward situation. It is a huge shame to the citizenry and the international world, it is an embarrassment. As former Government Chief Whip I am aware that among the roles of a Government Chief Whip is to galvanise parliament by ensuring a smooth deliberation. I am surprised that Government want to use power in Parliament using presiding officers who are supposed to be a referee during parliamentary debates,” he said.

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