Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba writes:
In My View Nothing will Change

Chushi Kasanda fired.

Cornelius Mweetwa comes in as Minister of Information and Media, and Chief Government Spokesperson.

Mweetwa’s name has always been proposed as suitable to be Chief Government Spokesperson since day 1!

There may be some marginal improvement because Mweetwa is forthcoming and media friendly but their communication strategy remains ineffective and wrong.

They have allowed too many Spokespersons and those holding critical positions can’t talk.

The guy for investments at State House poses as Spokesperson, the critical and powerful media persons at State House devote their time to running a rogue online media and issuing regular threats against personnel in public media.

Remember they had Anthony Bwalya who was articulate and media friendly but appeared to be a fish-out of water as he was clearly marginalized, never travelled with the President and over time, he became irrelevant and without authority.

Mweetwa may turned out to as powerless and blacked out as Chushi Kasanda or Anthony Bwalya were, despite their innovative and media availability.

Mweetwa may start by abolishing the position of Director-Spokesperson at the Ministry that has helped cause mass confusion, holds no job description and breaches civil service regulations!

But it’s irrelevant to propose the abolition of that position as it was a presidential creation offered to a specific person.

And because they are beaten at media battles, they resort to arrests, threats and intimidation, and draconian methods, a matter that has resulted in a shrinking democratic space.

But the biggest crisis is they have a President who speaks first and usually puts his own foot in the mouth..How do juniors clean up or correct the President or the mess?
Without a critical reflection and more changes, this may be a change of acog in the wheel.

Good luck to Mweetwa and Congratulations.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

MUMBA MALILA MUST VACATE HIS OFFICE AND JOIN THESE LAWYERS FOR ZAMBIA TO HAVE A FAIR AND JUST JUDICIARY THAT WILL UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION

There is a well-known scheme in Africa where international promoters of gay rights use court processes and court judgements to decriminalise homosexuality as it is recognised that amendments can never pass through normal legislative processes.

These promoters may have found a suitable person in Mumba Malila to promote this agenda.

It is for this reason that Chief Justice Mumba Malila SC must vacate his office so that he doesn’t pollute the Judiciary with his views or influence on this nefarious agenda.

Below is a statement from a few lawyers supporting gay rights and Hon. Mumba Malila.

Legal PractitionerJoint Statement by Zambian Human Rights Lawyers in Support of Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila SC’s position on the Rights of Gay Persons in Zambia

1.Dr. O’Brien Kaaba, University of Zambia
2. Ms. Linda Kasonde, Chapter One Foundation
3. Mr. Josiah Kalala, Chapter One Foundation
4. Prof. Evance Kalula, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Cape Town
5. Dr. Chanda Chungu, University of Zambia
6. Ms. Gracious Miti, University of Zambia
7. Mr. James Kayula, University of Zambia
8. Mrs. Chipo Mushota Nkhata, University of Zambia
9. Dr. Misozi Lwatula, University of Zambia
10. Mr. Bright Kaluba, Legal Practitioner
11. Mr. Daniel Libati, Legal Practitioner
12. Ms. Susan Clayton, Legal Practitioner
13. Mr. Landilani Banda, University of Zambia
14. Mr. Alfred Mumba, Legal Practitioner
15. Mr. Kangwa Chishimba, Legal Practitioner
16. Ms. Kafula Mwangilwa Kasonde, Legal Practitioner
17. Mr. Chilambe Mpanga, Legal Practitioner
18. Ms. Jean Couvaras,

Legal PractitionerJoint Statement by Zambian Human Rights Lawyers in Support of Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila SC’s position on the Rights of Gay Persons in Zambia.

We, the undersigned human rights lawyers, write to express our solidarity with Chief Justice Mumba Malila who has come under extensive attack following his remarks about the need to respect the human rights of gay
people in Zambia.

On 22nd September 2023, Justice Malila delivered a public lecture at the University of Zambia as part of the events to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Supreme Court.

During the lecture, he was asked a specific question about his view on the rights of gay people considering the national debate on the same.

It was in this context that he shared his view that it is
absolutely wrong to discriminate against gay persons and that they should not be afforded less rights as they do not lose their humanity by virtue of their sexuality.

Following this statement, News Diggers published a front-page story “Respect Gay Rights-Chief Justice” and an editorial “Chief Justice Malila’s defence of gay rights is confusing”, in which they criticize the Chief Justice.

This has been followed by several statements on social media calling for the Chief Justice to vacate his office for expressing such a view.

As lawyers with an interest in human rights, we support the Chief Justice’s view that gay people are entitled to all rights provided in the Constitution.

These include freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, privacy, equality and dignity. These fundamental freedoms are enjoyed by all people, grounded on the principle of equality and non-discrimination, and elevated above the capricious whims of the majority.

Therefore, gay people do not
enjoy these rights as a gift from the majority but rather by virtue of being human.

A few case examples can illustrate this point. The People v Paul Kasonkomona (2014) dealt with the prosecution of an activist for soliciting for immoral purposes, following his TV appearance where he urged decriminalization of homosexuality in Zambia.

Justice JZ Mulongoti, in the High Court, held that “the respondent’s conduct of participating in a debate advocating for gay
rights did not amount to soliciting for immoral purposes” and that “the respondent was exercising his right to freedom of expression …”.

The same approach was taken in Uganda in Kasha Jacqueline and others v Rolling Stone Ltd and Giles Muhame (2010), when a newspaper published a list of suspected gay people and their residential addresses as means of stigmatizing homosexuals in the country.

The Ugandan High Court
considered this as a violation of the dignity and privacy of gay people.

In light of these judicial precedents and our own Constitution, we believe the
Chief Justice simply stated the current position of constitutional rights in Zambia, echoing the basis on which rights are celebrated and enjoyed everywhere in the world.

Sishuwa must give empirical evidence of his allegations of sectarianism.

By Inutu Himanje

On Saturday, September 24th, 2023, I received a forwarded write-up discussing the five factors that could contribute to President Hichilema losing power in 2026. Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa purportedly authored this piece.

Among these factors, one notable point is “the failure to reflect adequate ethnic diversity in public appointments,” which has created a growing perception that President Hichilema primarily represents one half of the country, leading to the ongoing harassment of civil servants from the other half.

Upon reading this, I had a whirlwind of thoughts. This issue appears to be continually emphasized, but it may actually be detrimental to the very people it aims to assist.

Before the Patriotic Front (PF) came to power, I never felt acutely aware of my ethnicity. My tribe, background, or connections to the ruling elite didn’t determine my chances of success. Perhaps I was naive. I was just an ordinary individual who applied for a job, inspired by the women I saw on television. I had no connections. Back then, job notifications and acceptance letters arrived through the Post Office. I went through the application and interview process to secure a job.

I became part of a team of colleagues representing our diverse country. I mentioned that I wasn’t conscious of my ethnicity, but there were some warning signs I should have taken seriously. This was especially during Levy’s presidency. There were reports to the Office of the Investigator General from some Bemba-speaking colleagues, alleging that the HR office favored Lenjes, Lozis, and Tongas in their hiring practices. HR responded with a written explanation.

During RB’s presidency, I should have sensed that we were heading toward a significant ethnic divide. I was aware of exclusive groups formed around ethnic lines, working to support opposition leader Sata’s election bid. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big issue and didn’t bother many others or me. In hindsight, we should have been concerned.

When the PF came to power, it became evident that ethnicity would play a prominent role. Bemba quickly replaced Nyanja as the unofficial “official” language in meetings and corridors, even when an English channel was used for interpretation of local languages.

The mass retirement of civil and public servants in the first three months of the PF’s tenure was a significant topic. These retirements were often based on ethnic affiliations tied to a political party, categorizing individuals as either MMD or UPND supporters, leading to job loss. In the public service media, these retirements occurred under the oversight of Given Lubinda and the long-serving Unionist turned Permanent Secretary, Fackson Shamenda. Some of us were reinstated through legal channels, not necessarily because we were wanted or absolved of political affiliations.

This was particularly evident in my workplace, where discussions about promotions involved senior directors primarily from the North East region. The recurring message from these discussions was that I couldn’t be considered for promotion because of my tribe.

In fact, there was an attempt to transfer me to a non-existent office in Livingstone, which I challenged with the HR department. I made a case of discrimination based on ethnicity, where I was perceived to be from the wrong region. I requested clarification on what the “right” region was. Instead of addressing my concerns, the transfer was immediately canceled.

I recall the frequent use of the term “uwesu, abesu” in conversations among colleagues during meetings and casual discussions. There was a noticeable sense of entitlement, particularly concerning appointments, jobs, trips, and other opportunities, often to the exclusion of others.

Given this context, consider the ethnic representation in the public and civil service during the 10-year rule. We must acknowledge that some institutions may have conducted official meetings in only one vernacular language.

On what basis is Dr. Sishuwa and others championing the notion that the current government’s appointments represent only a certain segment of the country? Has it occurred to him that individuals who were given opportunities then, while others were labeled as being “from the wrong region or tribe”, could staff these institutions?

Has he questioned the trend where tribe becomes a prominent issue when an appointee from the Northern region is changed, but there’s silence when the same happens to someone else? For instance, when Dr. Mangwende (PS Health) and Mr. Lumbama (PS Mines) were replaced, there was no uproar, but when Mr. Anthony Bwalya was reassigned, not even dropped, discussions about his tribe arose from politicians who claim to want to lead and unite the country.

Similarly, the appointment of a Northerner goes unnoticed, while the appointment of someone from the Southern, Western, or North-Western regions leads to tribal allegations. If this isn’t a sense of entitlement, then what is it? Why should others be made to feel defensive and less deserving?

What Dr. Sishuwa and others are suggesting, in accusing this government of making tribal appointments is harming the very people who are supposed to be liberated from the shackles of tribal discrimination. We may be causing harm in inter regional marriages. If we do not confront this issue, we may be forcing children in such families to pick sides of regions. Is this the legacy we want to leave?

As a respected scholar, Dr. Sishuwa should understand that allegations should be supported by well-researched empirical data. Dr. Sishuwa and others interested in this matter should initiate research into the ethnic composition of staff in the civil and public service, including qualifications and entry methods. The results of such research could inform policy changes and legislation to establish credible systems for reemployment and promotions, potentially leading to a more professional civil service.

It was during the PF’s reign that I came to understand the significance of having connections within the ruling elite. Nevertheless, my circle of friends represented diversity, with most being from the North Eastern block. Many times, they sympathized with me and disapproved of the emerging trend. I don’t place blame on any specific individual, and I’m fully aware that it was their collective effort, among others, that put an end to the “uwesu and abesu” era in 2021. Without such bravery, we might still be trapped in ethnic divisions.

I’ve taken the unusual step of publicly sharing my experiences because I realize that silence only lends credibility to entrenched perceptions. I understand that many people suffer in silence due to fear of violating professional codes or being identified, which only empowers those responsible. If we don’t speak out, this cycle could persist under leaders who are unaware of their subordinates’ actions. I hope the government can create channels for people to share their experiences.

There’s much more I could write about how I personally felt discriminated against based on ethnicity, but that’s not my main purpose here. I know there are many who have suffered worse fates than me, never having the chance I did – at least I got my job back. Others may never have that opportunity. I encourage more people to share their stories and experiences so that we can address the significant issue at hand and begin the healing process.

HOMOSEXUALITY IS TECHNICALLY BEING INTRODUCED IN ZAMBIA – FORMER KASENENGWA LAWMAKER SENSIO BANDA

HE writes:-
GAY AGENDA IS BEEN TECHNICALLY ENTRENCHED IN ZAMBIA

If the statement attributed to the Chief Justice by News Diggers is true, then this statement doesn’t come as a surprise. We know for a fact that many avenues are been explored to push the LGBTQ agenda in Zambia.

The proponents and their agents of LGBTQ in Zambia have tried to use the other two wings of Government, the Executive, there is a huge political risk for the undertaking and the legislature, the risk of numbers in the house in passing relevant provisions in constitutional reform is apparent.

Conversely, the only available avenue is the judiciary, this government wing looks very promising towards entrenching the LGBTQ agenda. It’s possible because, firstly, it is one of the sources of law and secondly, if the agenda succeeds, the political order pushing the agenda will simply say, “It is not us who pushed the agenda but an apolitical government wing, the judiciary”. It’s well known that any related court precedents shall facilitate arguments for amendment of relevant provisions in the penal code and possibly the republican constitution. And it shall be game over.

Zambians and the church in particular must open their eyes and act accordingly. The route the Chief Justice is taking, is not new, in other jurisdictions where the LGBTQ agenda has been propagated, the success rate has been very high. It is a tried and successful route for entrenching LGBTQ in a country with dissenting views.

If it is true that the Chief Justice did issue that statement, it’s not a solo but a choir singing from the same hymn book. It is a coordinated approach to advance the LGBTQ agenda. The proxy indicators are there for one to see;

i. Flying rainbow flags at some known
foreign embassies.
ii. Fashion shows are now gay parades
iii. State House employing a technocrat for key
and vulnerable populations (prominently
including gay people) funded by USAID

The above milestone activities are opposed to the constitution and National Values and Principles. And yet the church, the Fathers of the Nation in faith, and the church mother bodies are not providing relevant guidance and a critical voice in this hour of need when God needs them to do so.

This battle is more spiritual than anything else, the body of Christ in Zambia needs to take a stand, without which, God will hold us accountable of what migh become of Zambia.

CHURCH SHOCKED BY CHIEF JUSTICE’S REMARKS

CHIEF JUSTICE MUST RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION, THE LAW, MUST RESPECT NATIONAL PRINCIPLES AND VALUES

Lusaka, Sept 25 – The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia is deeply disturbed by a newspaper story in today’s News Diggers that has been attributed to the Chief Justice, Mr. Mumba Malila, in which he is purported to be calling for the respect of Gay Rights in Zanbia.

We would like to place it on record that this is a matter of grave concern to the body of Christ in Zambia, as calling for the recognition of gay rights is unconstitutional and against our Christian heritage and values.

Even more worrying is that the Chief Justice, who is supposed to be the defender of the law of the land, is at the forefront of championing unconstitutional alien practices.

If the media report is true, then Zambians should realize that we could be a nation under siege by foreign forces. It must be noted that a number of seemingly isolated actions or statements have been observed coming from those entrusted with national leadership responsibility in what seems to be a deliberate ploy to try and sneak in an agenda contrary to our cherished national values.

We say so because only a few weeks ago, we challenged the Government not to accept a self-acclaimed gay person as Ambassador to Zambia from a foreign jurisdiction.

The Church in Zambia and the Zambian people strongly oppose sUch maneuvers, and we will not tolerate them in this land.We wish to remind the Chief Justice, or anyone, that the Constitution in Article 1(1) establishes that nothing in this land supersedes it, and anything contrary to it is null and void. The current legal regime does not recognize anything called “gay rights” but only recognizes “human rights.” the Penal Code still criminalizes sodomy and any
unnatural sexual relations.

God Bless Zambia
ISSUED BY:
EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP OF ZAMBIA

SISHUWA SISHUWA writes

Please learn to be sensitive to the plight of others, especially if you, like me, come from the one half of the country that is dominant in public appointments.

Under Hichilema, the leadership of all three arms of government, the majority in Cabinet, the leadership of the justice system, most of the leadership of security or defence forces, the leadership of the electoral commission, most parastatal boards and public universities, etc are Zambians from one half of the country, mainly from ethnic groups that have typically formed the core of Hichilema’s base. I do not need to assume the burden of providing the names of the appointed occupants of these public offices because they are familiar to any Zambians who follows current affairs.

The individuals appointed to the key diplomatic mission stations such as those in the US, Brazil, UK, China, Canada, and South Africa are all Tongas. If the list of Zambians appointed to the diplomatic service since August 2021 was to be published today, many will be shocked by the predominance of one half of the country. It is largely a reversal of what the situation was under the PF. This is, from all points of view, most unacceptable.

The key decision makers in government departments today are either Lozi or Tonga. They feel so at home whilst at work that even the general language spoken in the corridors of the civil service is now either Lozi or Tonga, unmindful of others from elsewhere around them.

“Until now , never ever have I ever reached a point in my public/ professional life where I had to chose between using my maiden name or my marriage name because the truth is, it matters these days where your name comes from”, one ethnic Bemba told me after reading my post.

Another, this time an ethnic Lozi, wrote:

“Nowadays, I get so embarrassed when I attend government department meetings. Many times, literally, the room is full of Tongas and Lozis”. For context: this person has been helping to build capacity in successive administrations since the early 2000s, so they have seen it all including when Bemba became the language of public service under PF.

Add to this the mainly Tonga and Lozi apologists of Hichilema, including many on social media, who bully, harass, and push to the wall anyone who criticises his leadership or the policies of his administration. Their typical response, like that of the officials they support to a point of worship, is often similar to the one that the PF deployed: ignore the message, attack the messenger!

As I did under the PF and Lungu, I remain opposed to ethnic-regional domination in government because it undermines national unity, cohesion, and development. The reality of today’s Zambia is that there has been a near complete inversion whereby yesterday’s victors have become today’s victims and vice versa. Among other things, this adds to the risk of a vicious cycle whereby each new leader continues this trend and makes it more likely that the next election will be driven by ethnic-regional rather than policy considerations.

In addition to the unpleasant experiences that many Zambians on the receiving end of such vices share with me, I would like to believe that I am qualified to comment on this subject because both my master’s and PhD theses were on ethnic politics in Zambia since independence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Preparing for fuel price escalations and shaping a sustainable Future.

September 23rd, 2023

LUSAKA – As we head towards 2024, there is need to acknowledge the formidable challenges the global fuel markets are experiencing and the cascading impacts on oil importing countries.

The situation is expected to intensify, hence the need for consumers to brace for difficulty time unless there is a de-escalation in the underlying shocks in the global markets.

The recent suspension of fuel exports by Russia, a leading exporter of fuel has further compounded the global inventory levels thus posing further predicament, presenting a dire challenge that is difficult to comprehend given Russia’s unprecedented policy direction. Additionally, the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine poses a significant threat to fuel prices, regardless of our local currency’s status, especially during our ongoing economic recovery efforts. To this end, policy makers are encouraged to analyze options.

It is worth noting that in response to these critical circumstances, the Government has continued to uphold a 25% Customs Duty waiver on fuel.

“This decision underscores Government’s unwavering commitment to alleviating the burden on our citizens. Without this proactive measure, fuel prices would have already surpassed the K30 mark.” Dr Johnstone Chikwanda said.

As part of short term measures the Zambian Government is encouraged to activate the bilateral agreements it has with Angola, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with a view to paving the way for Government-to-Government (G2G) facilitation of fuel procurement based on a mutually agreed price, with a clear framework for periodic price reviews and direct private sector to import from countries where Government has bilateral agreements.

Furthermore, we need to conclude and implement the biofuels policy by dealing with bottleneck issues which have prevented the implementation of biofuels for over 10 years.

In addition, I wish to call for the speedy conclusion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) policy to guide and mentor how the strategic fuel reserves will be managed and discharged in the market to mitigate short term challenges.
Going forward, our nation is firmly committed to embracing the burgeoning Electric Vehicle (EV) industry.

This strategic move signifies Zambia’s dedication to a sustainable and energy-efficient future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

The government has already set the nation on a promising driveway in this transformative journey of facilitating the emergency of the EV industry.

“In the face of adversity, the government, private sector and indeed the entire nation must stand united and resolute in their determination to navigate these challenging times, prioritizing the welfare and future sustainability of our beloved nation,” expressed Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda.

Issued by
Dr Johnstone Chikwanda
Energy Expert

Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s declaration this week that he will run for a fourth term in next presidential election slated for next year was not unexpected, but it has fuelled concerns about the future of democracy in Rwanda.

President Kagame, who won the last election with 98.8 percent to earn seven years in office, is eligible for another 10 years under the constitution, which will see him serve for 40 years as president if elected.

“I am happy with the confidence that the Rwandans have shown in me. I will always serve them, as much when I can. Yes, I am, indeed, a candidate,” President Kagame told Jeune Afrique magazine in an interview published on Tuesday.

When asked what he thought the West would think of him running again, he replied, “I’m sorry for the West, but what the West thinks is not my problem.”

“People are supposed to be independent and should be allowed to organise themselves as they wish,” President Kagame added.

But talk is rife that he will find it difficult to shake off the tag of clinging on to power like despots in Africa.

Phil Clark, professor of international politics at SOAS University of London told The EastAfrican that the Rwanda leader “has often contrasted himself with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who is destined to remain president well into his 80s.”

“He will want to avoid being seen as President Museveni is today: an old man without a coherent vision for the country, still clinging on to power,” the don said.

President Kagame has been in power since 2000 and is now Rwanda’s longest-serving president after his predecessor, Juvenal Habyarimana, who reigned for 21 years from 1973 until his assassination in April 1994.

President Kagame is credited with overseeing Rwanda’s economic and social transformation since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. But he has also been criticised for his perceived authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent.

If he gets re-elected in August 2024 — as is widely expected — he will cement his position as East Africa’s second longest-serving leader after Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who has been in power since 1986.

The president is finishing his last seven-year term and is expected to rule the country until 2034, when his new two five-year terms end.

Article 101 of the revised constitution says the term of office of the president is five years. He or she may be re-elected once.

However, article 172 (1) says: ” The President of the Republic in office at the time of this constitution comes into force continues to serve seven years for which he was elected.”

Article 172 (2) says “the provisions of Article 101 of this Constitution take effect after a seven-year term of office of the President of the Republic referred to in Paragraph 1 of this article.”

If elected in 2024, President Kagame is eligible to serve for 10 years. Should he seek re-election after the five-year term, Kagame will be 74 years old when he finishes his fifth term.

“It’s no surprise that Kagame is running for a fourth presidential term. He remains popular with the majority of Rwandans, who credit him with the country’s rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. At a time of regional volatility, many Rwandans want him to stay for the sake of continuity and stability,” said Prof Clark.

“But the major questions will come from within the (ruling) Rwanda Patriotic Front. Are there frustrated senior members of the party who believe it’s their turn at the presidency? Is it time for fresh thinking at the top? President Kagame himself has spoken about the need to bring younger RPF members into the fold, to keep the party modern and agile. These internal questions will re-emerge in light of Kagame running again in 2024.”

Green Party leader Frank Habineza is so far the only other candidate who has declared his intention to run for Rwanda’s top office, which will make it his second time on the ballot.

Habineza was vehemently opposed to the 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed Kagame to run for a third term. Hehas, however, conceded defeat and accepted that Kagame has a constitutional right to run for a fourth term.

“We did not support the constitutional amendment to allow President Kagame to run for a third term in 2017, but we lost our case in court, so he has a right to run for the next two terms. There is nothing illegal in that. We will fight again – democratically – if the constitution is changed again to allow him contest beyond 2034,” Mr Habineza told The EastAfrican.

In the 2017 presidential vote, he got less than one per cent of the ballots, but he is confident that he will have a better showing in 2024.

“As a party, we were not well organised in 2017, which is why I performed poorly, but we now have well organised structures across the country and we have delivered on our manifesto. In December, we will launch the Green Party’s Women’s League at the national level,” he said.

President Kagame’s fiercest critic, Victoire Ingabire, also wants to be on the 2024 presidential ballot but is barred by laws that prevent former convicts from serving in public office.

Ms Ingabire was handed a 15-year sentence for inciting divisionism and conspiring against the government and served a total of eight years until 2018, when she was released on a presidential pardon.

She told The EastAfrican that she has requested the president to remove restrictions imposed on her.

“I have written to him to remove conditions imposed on me … I am still waiting for his answer,” she said this week.

“Although the African Court for Human and People’s Rights ruled that the government of Rwanda violated my right to freedom of expression, Rwanda charged me with crimes I did not commit, and they refuse to recognise that ruling to this day. Thus, I cannot run for any elections unless I am rehabilitated. And laws allow President Kagame to do so. If he will accept to rehabilitate me I don’t know.”

She added that President Kagame’s announcement to run for a fourth term came at a time of “extreme” economic distress with high levels of unemployment and food inflation.

She also says that the “consensual democracy that the ruling RPF implemented has transformed into a political system that suppresses dissent.”

A Letter to Her Honor, the Vice President of Zambia,
W.K Mutale Nalumango, on the Strip Club to be opened in Lusaka.

Sun. Sept 24. 2023

Your Honour the Vice President I begin by thanking you for allowing me to confer with you directly and regularly on issues concerning the Kingdom of God and on family and national values. Please continue to keep your doors open and allow dialogue to flow freely for a better Zambia.

Today, your Honour, I have chosen to communicate to you publicly because I am speaking on behalf of many Zambians on a topic of public interest.

On Friday, 22nd September, we woke up to a rude shock and revelation on social media, which reported that the government had granted a Lusaka business man a license to operate a strip club at Lewanika Mall starting next month.

Today, the government functions on National Guidance and Religious Affairs squarely lie in the Office of the Vice President under your watchful eye.

Your Honour, I am fully convinced to declare that your government will not allow that club to open and conduct an abominable business of great immorality for the following reasons:

1. You as a mother, a leader of Government business in the legislative House of Parliament and as a servant of God will not permit to see our daughters expose their bodies and give energy to the spirit of lust and sexual immorality.

2. Your government will break the law. According to the Republican Constitution, the supreme law of the land, Zambia is a Christian nation where God is supreme and Christian values permeate every fibre of our nation.
Part 2 and Article 8 in the same Constitution talk about national values and principles. Morality and ethics are one of the listed national values .

3. Permitting sin and giving force to it through a license is allowing Satan to rule with your government. This can close the heavens and result in untold sufferings and misery. The opposite is the same . Allowing God to rule over our nation results in open heaven and blessings. The Bible in Mathew 6:33 says, ” Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and everything shall be added unto you.”

As Zambians, we make an appeal to you, our vice president, and one charged with the responsibility of promoting our national and Christian values to immediately cancel the license of the striping club. Honourable mother, we implore you to stand firm and protect and preserve our Christian heritage. The issues of homosexuality, LGBTIQ, etc, should not be allowed in our nation.

Rev Godfridah Sumaili
Member of the Patriotic Front Central Committee

THE COUNTRY IS IN SAFE HANDS ; OPPOSITION WILL SOON HAVE NO MESSAGE

By Mark Simuuwe

Soon opposition will have no message as mealie meal issue and fuel will now be history. The only things we shall now be hearing of is them defending themselves for the money they stole and the money laundering they were involved. There be no message for them to tell citizens because we are on course in the following :

1. Job Creation( health and education) and military on course
2. Agro loans on course
3. on job creation on course

4. Rule of law on course
5. Allowing for bailable matters to be bailed
6. Retirees on course
7. Paying farmers on course
8. GDP on course

9. Inflation on course
10. Free education on course
11. Paying workers on time on course
12. Running Indeni which closed on course
13. Opening KCM which PF closed by liquidation on course
14. Debt restructuring on course

15. Attracting FID of about $3.8bn in a year on course
16. Stopping political violence and stupidity on course
17. Allowing citizens to wear regalia of their choice on course
19. Freedom of expression on course

20. Growing the mining sector by over $2bn worth of investment on course
21. Increasing CEEC from k41 million to k356million on course
22. Napsa partial withdrawal on course
23. Employment of over 230 extension officers on course

24. Running a balanced cabinet which represents the whole country on course

25. Fighting Corruption on course
26. Budget credibility restoration on course
27. Market acces for agriculture products openings in the region and beyond on course
28. Running the country by doing on course

29. Lusaka – Ndola dual carriage way on course
30. Chingola – Chilibombwe – Kasumbalesa Road on course

Meanwhile , PF failed in all the above and the UPND New Dawn government had to restore the economy from ICU where all the above had collapsed.

This has been done only in two years . What remains is the currency , fuel and mealie meal and soon these will be history .

The country is in safe hands . Upon seeing these achievements opposition have realized campaign long will be very difficult so they have to cause disruption to paint a black picture so that they remain relevant . In the process of desperation they are getting caged due to the appetite to break the law

ZAMBIA POLICE ON THE ECL JOGGING ROUTINE

Below is the Statement:

September 23, 2023-The Zambia Police Service has noted with concern the unlawful assembly and political activism that was conducted by Patriotic cadres on Saturday September 23,2023, when the Former President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was conducting his morning Jogging routine.

We would like to warn the Patriotic Front cadres that public gatherings or demonstrations, including political events should be notified to the police as by law established. Failure to do so amounts to a breach of the law. This is to ensure public safety, traffic management, and to prevent disruptions to the daily lives of citizens.

What transpired yesterday where Patriotic Cadres went about disrupting the free flow of traffic amounts to Unlawful assembly and going forward shall not be tolerated. Such a procession of a former Head of State should be done with his security detail and devoid of political activism.

Rae Hamoonga
POLICE SPOKESPERSON

WE SHOULD BRACE OURSELVES FOR HARD TIMES!

MEDIA STATEMENT..!

As a Country, we must be getting ready for more economic hardships in the very near future!

Just a short while ago, Russia has announced it’s indefinite intention to impose the ban on exportation of diesel and gasoline to all the Countries with the exception of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Immediately that is effected, it will automatically lead to scarcity of fuel worldwide and the same would result in the significant rise of the commodity.

WHY RUSSIA HAS DECIDED TO PUT A BAN ON EXPORTATION OF FUEL.

The adage goes to say, ‘When the elephants are fighting, it’s the grass that suffers’. The ban on the exportation of fuel is a way in which Russia is venting it’s anger on the United States of America and Europe due to the stance taken by these super powers in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is being agitated by the United States of America and Europe both nations which have taken sides in the conflicts taking place.

Ukraine as a Country can not be a match to Russia in terms of military equipments and soldiers involved in fighting the war. It is a well known fact that the war between Russia and Ukraine is actually a war between the West and the East. Inadvently, Russia is being fought by the United States of America, Europe and their allies.

Consequently President Vladimir Putin is reacting this way by imposing sanctions and bans on the exportation of diesel and gasoline in order to punish the beneficiaries who are taking sides in the fight. Indirectly, we are being affected as a Country for failure to maintaining our neutrality. Zambia as a Country has always maintained a non – aligned position between the West and the East.

BE REALISTIC IN YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

Both the Government of the Republic of Zambia and its people must be realistic and should be ready to face the hardships that are coming forth. While the general public is already crying foul due to the skyrocketing of essential commodities among them increase in fuel prices, meal meal, transportation costs, high costs of doing business, increase of cooking oil and other goods, the situation is likely to worsen.

We wish to challenge the Government to be genuine, real and truthful. There is a need communicating the truth with the general public. Rather than sounding rhetorical and giving people false hopes, the general public deserve to be told the truth. We are getting deeper in the economic quagmire and conditions are likely to worsen. There is literally no miracle the Government can perform in order to reverse these adverse conditions coming especially that the UPND Government has refused restoring the subsidies on fuel, meal meal and other essential commodities.

Rather than taking advantage of these negative side effects, the opposition political parties and all those opposed to the Central Government must avoid using the situation for their political mileage. As a Country we desperately need a consensus. We should not blame everything on the Central Government. We all need to come together and chart the way forward for the development of our Country.

We must also come to terms with the conditions described in the bible as ‘last days’ cited in the book of second Timothy chapter 3 verses 1 to 5. The holy book speak about critical times where conditions would become unbearable. There is nothing human Governments can do to reverse the trend. Only God’s Kingdom is suitable to restore the situation.

MPNVP – WE BELIEVE IN PATRIOTISM.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Poverty levels Worsen

The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) with support from
the UN Family of co-operating partners conducted the eighth Living Conditions and Monitoring Survey (LCMS) in June/July 2022.

■ national average poverty has worsened from 54% to 60% of the population are poor.

■ Rural Poverty has worsened and now stands at an average of 78.8%.

■ Urban poverty has worsened and now stands at 31.8% from 23.4%.

■ Muchinga has taken over as the poorest province in the country standing at 82.6% poor population after Western Province and Luapula provinces.

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

HIGHLIGHTS

The first LCMS was conducted in 1996. The other LCMS survey
were done in 1998, 2002/2003, 2004, 2006 and 2015.

5.3 INCIDENCE OF POVERTY BY PROVINCE

By province, 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 (See Figure 5.3).

Muchinga province had the highest proportion of the population that was 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 Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) has adopted the material well-being approach of poverty measurement in which the poor are defined as those
members of society who are unable to afford minimum basic human needs, comprising food and essential non-food items, given all their total income.

KWACHA LIKELY TO BOUNCE BACK IF ZAMBIA REDUCES ON IMPORTS – CHISANGA

LUSAKA – Economist Kelvin Chisanga has projected that Kwacha is likely to bounce back but only on conditions that we reduce on imports.

In a statement made available to Falcon media, Thursday, Economist Kelvin Chisanga said although this is unlikely to happen now considering this period of time where the country is usually facing a strong dollar undertaking, something must seriously be done to address this.

Mr. Chisanga says the Kwacha has continued depreciating, owing to the fact that demands on import is still standing strong with the continuous upbeats in supply of Dollars on the local market leaving Bank of Zambia as the only primary source of supplies on the domestic market.

“As a matter of going concern, the local currency will however likely to bounce back but only on the conditions that import should start recording low levels overweighting firmly on the weak side which is unlikely to happen now considering this period of time where the country usually faces a strong dollar undertaking and I think something must seriously be done with and about this seeming to be a perennial factor now recurring each calendar year, “ he said.

“The Kwacha has continued trending on the path of trading southwards with a wide scope depreciating, owing to the fact that demands on import is still standing strong with the continuous upbeats in shadow supply of US Dollars on the local market leaving out to Bank of Zambia as the only primary source of supplies on the domestic market, “ said Mr. Chisanga.

And Mr. Chisanga says Zambia’s currency structural movement is highly attributed to the raised demand strongly pressed on the base currency, as it is seen gaining some special momentum to wind up the year with huge import purchases that the country is currently demanding now especially farming inputs, fuel, holiday packages and Christmas goodies among others.

He says the local forex market has also been largely characterized by some serious patterns of mismatch factors currently being observed in the supply and demand fundamentals, as supply looks to have been seriously subdued owing to the critical factors of hard currency supplies facing hardships in the domestic market where the country is presently experiencing a low export profile and low production of mineral outputs amidst global fluctuations in copper market prices.