Home Blog Page 792

Libyan militias clash in Tripoli following the capture of a commander

zamobserver
-
0

55 people have been killed and 146 injured in clashes between two strong militias supporting the UN-backed government of Libya in the nation’s capital, Tripoli, according to medical personnel.

The city’s main airport was forced to close due to the intense violence, which broke out on Monday and continued into late Tuesday.

Fighting only stopped after a commander whose incarceration started it was released by one side.

After long-time leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011, Libya is now in a state of political instability.

Currently, the nation is divided practically between a temporary, internationally recognised administration in Tripoli and another in the east.

A truce in 2020 has contributed to some degree of peace, but ingrained factionalism on all sides always poses a threat to disturb it.

The most recent conflict occurred in Tripoli, where Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah is in charge of the government.

A senior commander from the 444 Brigade was detained on Monday as he attempted to leave the airport by the Special Deterrence Force, which has control of the facility.

The leader had previously served as an officer in the competing militia, according to the Reuters news agency.

Battles broke out in various areas of the capital, notably Ain Zara in the southeast, trapping many residents inside their homes.

3 field hospitals were established to care for the casualties, 60 ambulances were dispatched, and 234 families had to be evacuated from frontline areas, according to Libya’s Emergency Medicine and Support Centre.

The commander was released to a “neutral party” when the prime minister intervened, according to the AFP news agency.

He later took a tour of the impacted neighbourhoods to gauge the extent of the harm.

Later on Wednesday, the airport reopened, according to AFP.

Concerned about the potential effects of these developments on the ongoing work to prepare for elections that were delayed two years ago, the UN mission expressed alarm.

“All parties must preserve the security gains achieved in recent years and address differences through dialogue,” its statement said.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it still printing ballot papers, approves 17 000 for postal voting 

zamobserver
-
0
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it still printing ballot papers, approves 17 000 for postal voting 

THE ZIMBABWE Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it is still in the process of finalizing the printing of ballot papers, with less than a week for the country to hold general elections.

This comes as ZEC has come under scrutiny over alleged ballot paper samples that circulated on social media platforms recently.

The ballot papers have been a point of contention from the opposition which says it has been excluded from the process by the electoral body.

Addressing election observers yesterday in Harare, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba, without disclosing who is printing the ballot papers said they would be ready on August 19 – four days before the plebiscite.

“The Commission, it must be noted, is given exclusive mandate in terms of the constitution. At the moment we are finalising the printing of ballot papers and we are preparing to distribute them to the provinces.

“The Commission will in due course inform the general public and other stakeholders of where and by whom the ballot papers for the election have been supplied, printed and as well as the total number of ballot papers that have been printed in respect of each polling station and how they will be distributed,” said Chigumba.

ZEC had been forced to delay the printing of ballot papers owing to a number of court challenges that had been mounted contesting the decisions made by the nomination court.

Presidential aspirant Saviour Kasukuwere and the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have been in and out of court as they fought to be on the ballot.

Meanwhile, ZEC says it has approved 17 000 postal voters out of the 18 000 that had applied with the election mother body.

Postal votes are open to those on government business on the day of the plebiscite including police officers.

ZEC is also in the middle of a political storm after the opposition accused it of clandestinely overseeing the voting of police officers, an allegation it has refuted.

“For postal voting, we received slightly over 18 000 applications and out of those we had 17 000 that were successful. The rest were not successful,” said ZEC chief executive officer Utoile Silaigwana.

Thabo Bester warned about wearing ‘disrespectful’ designer clothes in court

zamobserver
-
0
Thabo Bester warned about wearing ‘disrespectful’ designer clothes in court

South African Correctional Services Commissioner Makgoth Samuel Thobakgale has said that he had cautioned convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester against wearing designer gear when he appeared for trial, as it was disrespectful to the court.

Bester, who was arrested with his sweetheart Dr Nandipha Magudumana in Tanzania earlier this year, has become a fashion sensation in court, gracing every appearance with eye catching designer gear.

In one of his recent appearances, when he was briefly reunified with Dr Magudumana, Bester was wearing a Louis Vuitton t-shirt, which cost an estimated R15 000.

In an interview with eNCA’s Dr JJ Tabane on Monday night, Thobakgale said he had warned Bester about his wearing designer gear to court appearances.

‘’I warned him (Bester) to respect the court, and those officials on duty were warned too, but Bester wore his sweater in court. I told him to respect the court. Those officials are facing disciplinary action,’’ said Thobakgale.

Thobakgale said that if Bester had been incarcerated in a state-run facility, he would not have found it as easy to bamboozle prison officers when he made good his escape last year.

Bester was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu.

A year earlier, he was found guilty of raping and robbing two other women.

Last May, it was reported he had been found dead in his cell after apparently setting himself on fire at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein.

‘’I also have 58 000 that are in the parole system that need to be visited and monitored on a daily basis. Out of the 30 000, only 27 000 are security officers. We have officers that are committed and put their lives on the line on a daily basis, given all the challenges that we face as DCS.

“Bester is a non-issue; remember, he escaped from a private facility. If he had escaped from our facility, we would have gotten hold of him within 48 hours. All those escapades he was involved in wouldn’t have happened,’’ Thobakgale said.

South Africa’s unemployment a ‘ticking time bomb’ as anger rises with millions jobless

zamobserver
-
0
South Africa’s unemployment a ‘ticking time bomb’ as anger rises with millions jobless

SOUTH AFRICA, Johannesburg – As Lebohang Mphuthi works amid the chaos of boisterous children during a lunch break at the Omar H.S. Ebrahim elementary school in South Africa — the kids are pushing, shoving and spilling food everywhere — she can’t help but think how this is as far from her dream job as it can get.

Four years after graduating with a degree in analytical chemistry, the only work the 26-year-old has found is as a student assistant at a public school in Pretoria. Her responsibilities include handing out meals to the children and limiting the chaos as best she can.

Mphuthi’s story mirrors those of so many young South African graduates sitting at home jobless or trying to make ends meet doing fairly menial jobs in a country with a 33% official unemployment rate. It’s a figure badly at odds with the status of a nation meant to embody the aspirations of Africa and the developing world.

“It is demotivating and frustrating,” Mphuthi said of her battle to make progress.

“You ask yourself, if we who studied are struggling to find jobs, then what about these ones who are still at school?”

In a South African context, Mphuthi might be considered lucky with the $215 she earns a month.

Analysts say the official unemployment number doesn’t even count those who have given up on finding work and dropped off the grid and that a more accurate assessment would be that nearly 42% of South Africa’s working-age population is unemployed.

South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in the world, according to the World Bank, outstripping Gaza and the West Bank, Djibouti and Kosovo.

When it comes to youth unemployment, the rate is 61% of 15- to 24-year-olds, according to official statistics, and a staggering 71% if you again count those who are no longer trying.

Isobel Frye, executive director of the Social Policy Initiative in South Africa, which researches poverty and unemployment, said it equates to 24 million adults out of a population of 60 million who are either unemployed or not involved in any economic activity and barely surviving.

A United Nations report on unemployment in South Africa that was delivered to Deputy President Paul Mashatile last month described the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”

“We have to ask ourselves why this was allowed to happen,” Frye said.

South Africa’s GDP needs to grow by 6% a year to start creating enough jobs just for the 700,000 people who enter the workforce every year, according to Duma Gqubule, a financial analyst who has advised the South African government.

South Africa’s growth hasn’t approached that much-needed figure for more than a decade. Its economy — which grew by 2% last year — is expected to grow by less than 1% this year and between 1% and 2% for the next five years.

Gqubule and Frye believe there are policies that would ease unemployment but have expressed exasperation that the problem isn’t a top priority for everyone from the government to private businesses and every South African given the country’s massive problems, including poverty, inequality and an epidemic of violent crime.

“People just don’t want to talk about this crisis,” Gqubule said when he appeared on national television to reflect on the U.N. report.

The UN report didn’t come as a surprise. Unemployment was high 30 years ago and has been trending up.

The pandemic ripped jobs away from more than 2 million South Africans in a devastating blow, according to government statistics. However, there were warning signs long before that.

The pandemic didn’t cause 46-year-old Themba Khumalo’s problems. He lost his job as a machine operator in 2017 and now tries to support his wife and two children by collecting metal and plastic containers anywhere he can find them to sell in bulk for recycling.

“There are too many guys sitting at home without work,” Khumalo said as he crushed some metal cans with his worn-out work boots in the backyard of his home on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

“He shakes his head at the insufficiency of the monthly $18 he receives in unemployment benefits. His one bright note is that neighbors often leave empty food cans outside his house for him to recycle.

North Korea claims to possess Travis King, a US soldier

zamobserver
-
0
North Korea claims to possess Travis King, a US soldier

First public confirmation from North Korea that a US soldier entered its territory in July has sparked an appeal from his family for him to be treated humanely. However, there are still doubts about why the soldier entered one of the world’s most hostile nations at a time when tensions on the peninsula are at an all-time high.

The Joint Security Area (JSA), a small group of buildings inside the 150-mile-long demilitarised zone (DMZ) that has divided North and South Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953, is where Army Pvt. Travis King allegedly “willfully and without authorization” crossed into North Korea on July 18.

The JSA has no physical barriers, and a US official claimed that after swerving across the border’s demarcation line, King attempted to enter a North Korean facility, but the door was closed. He immediately fled to the building’s back, where he was quickly bundled into a van and transported away by North Korean security personnel.

US sources told CNN earlier in August that despite repeated attempts to get in touch with North Korea for an update on King’s status, they had still not received a meaningful response.

King, a cavalry scout, enlisted in the armed forces in January 2021. According to Army spokesman Bryce Dubee, at the time of his rotation in South Korea, he was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armoured Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

King was freed from a South Korean prison facility where he had completed 50 days of hard labour little over a week before making his quick trip across the border, according to defence authorities.

King was scheduled to take a flight to Texas the day before he entered North Korea, where he would be subject to disciplinary action. King, however, exited the airport on his own when Army bodyguards released him at a security checkpoint at Incheon International Airport outside of Seoul.

The following day, he participated in a JSA trip that he had previously scheduled with a private company.

Last month, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said at the Aspen Security Forum that King “assaulted an individual in South Korea, had been in the custody of the South Korean government, and was going to come back to the United States to face the consequences in the Army.”

King’s sister Jaqueda Gates said on August 2 on CNN that her brother is “not the type to just disappear.”

She continued, “I don’t I don’t believe that you just do vanish and ran away. So, that’s why I feel like the story is deeper than that.”

According to Jonathan Franks, a family spokesman, Claudine Gates, the soldier’s mother, requested on August 16 that Pyongyang treat him humanely and permit him a phone call to talk with her.

Although there has long been tension between the United States and North Korea, the situation is extremely tight right now.

Following a breakdown in negotiations between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump in 2019, the North has intensified its nuclear and missile programmes.

The negotiations, which lasted three in-person meetings and saw Trump cross the same red line as King did, were unsuccessful in producing any significant diplomatic achievements.

Three intercontinental ballistic missile tests have taken place so far this year, and North Korea has accused the US and South Korea of escalating tensions by holding military drills and deploying weapons, such as a nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine from the US Navy to the South Korean port of Busan in July.

In violation of international restrictions, North Korea tested more than 90 cruise and ballistic missiles last year, including one that soared over Japan. Concerns have been raised over the increase in testing as it may be gearing up for a prospective nuclear test – its first since 2017.

According to a report from the government-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 10, Kim fired his top general amid a reorganisation of North Korea’s military leadership and declared that he wanted his army to “gird for a war.”

Although the US or South Korea were not specifically mentioned in the report, it appeared to make an indirect reference to them when it stated that North Korean authorities had “analysed the military moves of the chief culprits of the deteriorated situation” on the peninsula.

King, who is thought to be the first American soldier to enter North Korea since 1982, is being held by a notoriously despotic and secretive one-party government that sees the US as a mortal enemy.

King might offer North Korea military intelligence value, but this is questionable. He wouldn’t likely have access to high-level intelligence as a private, but by virtue of being on a US military installation, he might be able to discuss things like base plans or the units and soldier numbers there.

King provides North Korea with a potentially formidable negotiating piece as a soldier and US citizen, however it is unclear what Pyongyang may ask for in exchange for returning King to US custody.

King might also be employed by Pyongyang for propaganda purposes.

According to a KCNA article from August 16, King, a Black man, declared “his willingness to seek refugee” in North Korea or a third country, and he chose to enter the country because “he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”

Two days prior to a trilateral summit between the presidents of the US, South Korea, and Japan in Maryland, the KCNA story was released. North Korea’s threat to all three nations is anticipated to be a major topic of discussion.

A US defence source remarked in reference to the KCNA claim that Washington “can’t verify these alleged comments.”

“We are still concentrating on his safe return. Bringing Private King home is the (Defence) Department’s top priority, and we are utilising all possible avenues to make this happen, the official stated.

North Korea and the US do not hold formal diplomatic ties. Instead, the US uses the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang as a point of contact.

The US considers declaring an American soldier in North Korea a prisoner of war.

In the decades following the end of the Korean War, a small number of US soldiers decamped to North Korea, but in more recent times, US citizens have been imprisoned in North Korea as civilians, sometimes for extended periods of time as US officials work to secure their release and Pyongyang tries to extract concessions.

Bruce Byron Lowrance, who, according to North Korean official media, entered North Korea from China in 2018, was the last American known to be imprisoned by the country.

Lowrance was detained by Pyongyang, who charged him with working for the CIA, but freed him about a month later with the help of the Swedish Embassy.

Otto Warmbier, a college student who visited the country as a tourist in 2016, is likely the most well-known recent example of an American being detained in North Korea.

His intended stay of five days extended to seventeen months after he was charged with attempting to steal a political flag from his hotel.

Warmbier was given a 15-year sentence of hard labour, but he was turned over to US authorities in 2017. Less than a week after his return, he passed away from significant brain injury, with Washington alleging that he had been tortured while in detention.

Charles Jenkins, a US Army sergeant who entered North Korea in 1965 while serving at a US military facility close to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), is arguably the most notorious example of a US soldier defecting to North Korea.

Jenkins then said he had changed his mind and attributed it to drinking.

He starred in propaganda videos, gave English lessons to North Korean spies, and studied North Korean leaders’ writings for up to eight hours a day while there.

His wife, a Japanese national who was abducted from her home in Japan in 1978 and who departed North Korea as part of a settlement between Pyongyang and Tokyo, was also permitted to leave the country in 2004, two years after her.

Second politician from Ecuador assassinated in less than a week

zamobserver
-
0

Ecuador has experienced the assassination of a local party leader, making two politicians in a week.

At his residence in the northern Esmeraldas province, Pedro Briones was fatally shot by motorcycle-riding assailants.

Only five days had passed since presidential contender Fernando Villavicencio was shot and killed in Quito.

As local gangs formed partnerships with global crime cartels, the murder rate in Ecuador increased.

The assassinations of leaders have shook the nation ahead of the impromptu presidential elections on August 20.

In Esmeraldas, Mr. Briones was the chairman of the left-leaning Citizen Revolution Party. Party members sent their sympathies to the man’s family.

Luisa González, the party’s presidential candidate, claimed that Ecuador was experiencing “its bloodiest period.”

The Citizen Revolution Party was created by former president Rafael Correa, who wrote: “They killed another of our compatriots in Esmeraldas. “I’ve had enough!”

Although the police have not yet made an official statement regarding the slaying, local media outlets claimed that the two shooters left on a motorbike after killing Mr Briones in San Mateo, a city south of Esmeraldas.

What the motivation might have been is still a mystery.

One of the worst affected provinces by the nationwide wave of violence is Esmeraldas, which shares a border with Colombia.

Drug traffickers who transport cocaine from Colombia via Ecuador to the US and Europe find the region attractive due to its porous border with Colombia and its location on the Pacific coast.

However, Esmeraldas has not been the only victim of the violence. The mayor of the port city of Manta in the province of Manab was assassinated last month while visiting a public works project.

Fernando Villavicencio, an outspoken journalist who exposed corruption scandals and criticised connections between organised crime and public authorities, has been the most well-known casualty to date.

Six males, all citizens of Colombia, have been detained in relation to his murder.

Sunday saw the arrival of FBI officers from the US, who are working with Ecuadorean authorities to look into the death of Fernando Villavicencio.

Niger: Calls for mass recruitment of volunteers to counter regional military invasion

zamobserver
-
0
Niger: Calls for mass recruitment of volunteers to counter regional military invasion

NIGER, Niamey – Nigeriens are preparing for a possible invasion by countries in the region, three weeks after mutinous soldiers ousted the nation’s democratically elected president.

Residents in the capital, Niamey, are calling for the mass recruitment of volunteers to assist the army in the face of a growing threat by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which says it will use military force if the junta doesn’t reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

ECOWAS has activated a “standby force” to restore order in Niger after the junta ignored a deadline to release and reinstate Bazoum.

The initiative, spearhead by a group of locals in Niamey, aims to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country to register for the Volunteers for the Defense of Niger.

The group would fight, assist with medical care, and provide technical and engineering logistics among other functions, in case the junta needs help, Amsarou Bako, one of the founders, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

“It’s an eventuality. We need to be ready whenever it happens,” he said. The recruitment drive will launch Saturday in Niamey as well as in cities where invasion forces might enter, such as near the borders with Nigeria and Benin, two countries that have said they would participate in an intervention.

Anyone over 18 years old can register and the list will be given to the junta to call upon people if needed, said Bako. The junta is not involved but is aware of the initiative, he said.

Regional tensions are deepening as the standoff between Niger and ECOWAS shows no signs of defusing, despite signals from both sides that they are open to resolving the crisis peacefully.

Last week the junta said it was open to dialogue with ECOWAS after rebuffing the bloc’s multiple efforts at talks, but shortly afterwards charged Bazoum with “high treason” and recalled its ambassador from neighboring Ivory Coast.

ECOWAS defense chiefs are expected to meet this week for the first time since the bloc announced the deployment of the “standby” force. It’s unclear when or if the force will invade, but it would probably include several thousand troops and would have devastating consequences, conflict experts say.

“A military intervention with no end in sight risks triggering a regional war, with catastrophic consequences for the vast Sahel that is already plagued by insecurity, displacement and poverty,” said Mucahid Durmaz, senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk intelligence company.

Niger was seen as one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert, and a partner for Western nations in the effort to beat back growing jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, and the United States have approximately 2,500 military personnel in the region that train Niger’s military and, in the case of France, conduct joint operations.

Since the coup, France and the U.S. have suspended military operations and jihadi attacks are increasing. At least 17 soldiers were killed and nearly two dozen wounded in an ambush by extremists in the Tillaberi region, said the Ministry of Defense on state television on Tuesday.

The attack occurred Tuesday afternoon when a military detachment was traveling between Boni and Torodi villages. The wounded were evacuated to Niamey.

It was the first major attack against Niger’s army in six months and is a worrying sign of potential escalation, said Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, a think tank.

“What we are witnessing today is both jihadi warring factions, the Islamic State group and (al-Qaida affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin), marking their territory because of the security void caused by the coup. This definitely should be seen in the context of the ongoing war between the two groups,” he said.

Analysts say the longer the coup drags on, the less likely an intervention will occur as the junta cements its grip on power, likely forcing the international community to accept the status quo.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday there was still room for diplomacy to return the country to constitutional rule and said the U.S. supported ECOWAS’ dialogue efforts, including its contingency plans.

The new U.S. ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, is expected to arrive in Niamey at the end of the week, according to a U.S. official. The United States hasn’t had an ambassador in the country for nearly two years. Some Sahel experts say this has left Washington with less access to key players and information.

“The U.S is in a difficult situation with no good choices,” said Michael Shurkin, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and director of global programs at 14 North Strategies, an Africa-focused risk advisory.

“It either sticks to a principled position and pushes for democracy while alienating the junta and risk pushing it into Russia’s arms, or we give up on principle and work with the junta in the hope of salvaging a productive working relationship.”

While regional and western countries scramble for how to respond, many Nigeriens are convinced they’ll soon be invaded. The country of some 25 million people is one of the poorest in the world and residents are hoping the new regime will set the nation on a new path.

In Niamey Wednesday, eager locals said they’d do what it took to defend the country.

“My children and I love these soldiers and I invite young people to join the army and develop our country and our villages,” said Amadou Hawa, a Niamey resident who lives in a shanty town on the side of the road.

The details of Niger’s volunteer force are still vague, but similar initiatives in neighboring countries have yielded mixed results. Volunteer fighters in Burkina Faso, recruited to help the army battle its jihadi insurgency, have been accused by rights groups and locals of committing atrocities against civilians.

Bako, one of the heads of the group organizing Nigerien volunteers, said Niger’s situation is different.

“The (volunteers in Burkina Faso) are fighting the Burkinabe who took weapons against their own brothers … The difference with us is our people will fight against an intrusion,” he said.

Pilot at centre of KKIA gold scandal Captain Kawanu goes missing

zamobserver
-
0
Pilot at centre of KKIA gold scandal Captain Kawanu goes missing

By Zambian Business Times

Pilot at centre of KKIA gold scandal Captain Kawanu goes missing

The accused person who is holding vital information needed to reveal the hidden identity of who booked the local flight aircraft King Air B90 that was to handle the cash to gold exchange, Captain Patrick Kawanu has gone missing after investigative agents took him into detention.

Captain Kawanu is reported to have handled the local flight leg on Sunday to what has led to the KKIA gold scandal. His employers, Zambia Skyways have comfirmed that indeed their aircraft was used but pointed to their chief pilot Kawanu as having been the responsible captain. Kawanu’s werebought are unknown and he’s unreachable.

The air charter company has failed to provide details of who booked the aircraft, a strange situation as booking an aircraft has procedures that should have been filed and records kept.

It is still not clear if Skyways were paid in cash as the bank payment details may now be the solution to unmask the local conspirators who were facilitating and masterminding this scandal.

There are growing concerns that a massive coverup is underway after local investigative agents failed to reveal the identity of the arrested individuals even when the bust videos went viral.

Zambia has notable gold and other precious minerals deposits but there has been shocking failure by successive government to profitably harness this wealth endowment for the benefit of the nation.

As a well endowed nation, Zambia with copper production levels of about 800k tons per annum and potential annual revenues of over $6 billion from copper alone, the country still contends with a high cost of funds and a perpetually depreciating currency with export proceeds not being banked locally.

As such, there is a serious loss of confidence among citizens such that some local people in Zambia have even been convinced that it’s impossible for state owned mines to profitably exploit and run the copper, gold or now even sugilite mines, resulting in handing over the wealth to foreign investors.

This is despite the government itself and the state, the overarching authority and sovereign being run by local Zambians. It’s argued that if those in government don’t believe that locals can profitably run the economy, they may as well propose that we get foreign investors or outsource foreign experts to run the government.

SOURCE: Zambian Business Times

My Honest Opinion On The Gold Saga- Bwana Mkubwa Independent MP Hon. Mwambazi

zamobserver
-
0
My Honest Opinion On The Gold Saga- Bwana Mkubwa Independent MP Hon. Mwambazi

MY HONEST OPINION ON THE GOLD SAGA

By Warren Chisha Mwambazi

What is killing the New Dawn Government is the lack of proper PR (public relations communication). This ‘Gold Saga’ is a very straightforward matter which could have been easily explained by a government spokesperson.

So a foreign plane carrying what was classified as ‘dangerous goods’ lands at our airport and in a highly commendable way, our law enforcement agencies intercept the plane. 10 people were arrested and the goods were impounded. We must feel safe as citizens to have such an effective security wings.

The required procedure after this excellent operation, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) should have tested the minerals using experts from the Ministry of mines before issuing a statement. As procedure, even the dollars bills should have been tested for authenticity. It is wrong to assume that any white powder is cocaine before subjecting it to a laboratory test.

I am not in any way saying that it was gold or copper, my question is why have two conflicting statements from government departments which must be working together. This is eroding public trust in its government.

We are aware that in the gold business there are a lot of scammers, even here in Zambia we have unscrupulous people who call citizens saying “am so so we Luapula and I have gold” so we can’t rule out a possible scam in this saga.

Effective communication is very important and this is what our friends in government are lacking at the moment. The New Dawn Government has done a lot of positive things but there’s no proper communication system to help the public understand what is happening. Every good thing that President Hakainde Hichilema has done is at the mercy of propaganda because the communication system is dead.

We are aware that the government has brought in investors who will manufacture fertilizer locally, this will reduce the cost of fertilizer and in turn reduce the cost of meali meal. The increased maize floor price will also attract more farmers to go into maize production as a result the supply will outweigh the demand leading to the reduction of meali meal. Unfortunately, no one is explaining all these things to the people. Everyone is waiting for the day The President will hold a press briefing.

President Hakainde Hichilema must invest in a communication team both at the government and party level. The President must also quickly appoint a presidential spokesperson in order to bridge the communication gap.

It is our prayer that President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government succeed in their service to the people because if the government fails, we all fail and the people will perish.

Lastly, we appeal to citizens to treat such sensitive cases with the seriousness they deserve. Such cases may border on national security as such deals may be used to fund rebel groups in the region. It’s not everything that we must approach with politics or propaganda especially that these were foreign materials.

God bless you

Warren Chisha Mwambazi
Bwana Mkubwa Independent MP

We Are Now Seeing Bukawalala Of The Highest Order In The UPND – Kafwaya

zamobserver
-
0
We Are Now Seeing Bukawalala Of The Highest Order In The UPND – Kafwaya

WE ARE NOW SEEING BUKAWALALA OF THE HIGHEST ORDER IN THE UPND – KAFWAYA

By Correspondent
If Edgar Lungu was President and this cash and gold scandal happened at the Airport, he would have been grilled by Civil Society Organizations and the Church, PF presidential aspirant Mutotwe Kafwaya has observed.

Kafwaya said this in relation to the revelation that DEC seized a private Jet that was scheduled to leave the country with at least US$ 11 million in cash and some suspected Gold.

He said it is unfortunate that the only hope the country has the natural resources are being stolen and exported outside the country by those privileged to issue licenses for the planes to land.

Speaking when he featured on tuesday’s Hot seat radio programme on hot FM, Kafwaya said it is painful for such things to happen in a country that is hammered by hunger.

“The gold can go a long way in making the lives of the Zambian people better. I am disappointed, I feel so bad, talking is terrible this morning. You cannot be talking about Gold being stolen through the airport,” he said.

He said, “This is when we are seeing bukawalala of the highest order.”

Kafwaya said he feels vindicated by his earlier statements that natural resources are going to finish because of the loot taking place.

He complained that the quietness of the Civil Society now, would not have been the same under the former president Lungu arguing that they would have been vocal.

“Can you imagine Edgar Lungu is the president and the plane lands in Zambia with a reason to get the gold which has been processed and the money to fly out of the country. Can you imagine how the Civil Society would react, can you imagine how the politicians would react, today this is what DEC and the police are looking at the airport. If Edgar Lungu was president, he would be grilled, Civil Society would be on his neck, it is very unfortunate I think Edgar Lungu walichulile,” he said.

Kafwaya has since called for a thorough explanation regarding the private Jet in question.

He said if the plane is allowed to leave, then the Zambia Revenue Authority must allow all the impounded trucks belonging to the Zambians to be set free.

“Planes cannot land in the country without permission, it has all the permission. Somebody should explain this to the Zambian people. Sugilite was stolen in Kabwe, what we get is people who caught that plane to be fired. What you will get is the story dying down like the sugilite story,” he said.

BASILIZA KUBA SUGILITE…manje bakuba Gold – Antonio Mwanza

zamobserver
-
0
BASILIZA KUBA SUGILITE…manje bakuba Gold – Antonio Mwanza

BASILIZA KUBA SUGILITE

…manje bakuba Gold – Mourinho

Lusaka, Wednesday, August 16, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

Socialist Party (SP) Deputy General Secretary Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has accused the President Hakainde Hichilema led UPND government of stealing gold that has ignited a heated up debate on different media platforms.

Contrary to the promises prior to the 2021 elections of rooting out corruption, the public now holds a view that some elements in power could be the ones who are perpetrating the very retrogressive vice that saw the PF “chipani” kicked out of power.

From a “pen and calendar in a briefcase” to sugilite scandals among others, the public has now witnessed a questionable “gold deal” under the watch of the government of “angels.”

And speaking when he featured on Live Radio yesterday, Mr Mwanza charged that the UPND is now tired of stealing sugilite.

“Gold from Kasenseli is now being in bags and being flown out of this country in the middle of the night at our airports. Can they come out and explain to the Zambian people where that gold is coming from? Can they explain to the Zambian people who was in charge of those deals, those scandals, those scams? We have never seen such a scam in the history of this country,” he said.

“We have gold in Kasenseli, they are stealing, we have gold in Mpika, they are stealing, now the gold which is supposed to be deposited at the Bank of Zambia as a strategic reserve is now being flown out of this country in the middle of the night. These are the people who claimed that they were corrupt free. Basiliza kuba sugilite manje bakuba gold, where are we going? Where are you going as a country? Look at the contracts that they are giving?”

He also castigated the UPND administration over the single sourcing system that have become fond of.

“Banayendo chita single source contract, US$78 million kuyendo gula mankhwala ku Egypt, single sourced. They have single sourced that thing for the duo carriage way, Ndola Lusaka… we are spending our own tax payers’ money, giving foreigners. The foreigners will use our money, do the road and for the next 25 years they will be getting our money, they will be in charge of the toll gates, for 25 years. So you can see the level of theft now, they have moved,” he said.

“They are no longer dealing with sugilite, yachepa. Manje bakuba gold, in the middle of the night they are shipping, in the middle of the night they are air lifting. And this is not just gold. Comrade, they are air lifting animals, our animals in the wild parks are being shipped and they are being flown out of this country in the middle of the night.”

Matero MP Miles Sampa Has These Questions On The Gold Issue

zamobserver
-
0
Matero MP Miles Sampa Has These Questions On The Gold Issue


By Miles Sampa
AIRPORT CASHGATE
Assuming transactions are legal, ma funso?
1) When did the airport become a minerals transactions place ?
2)Who is the seller and who is the buyer ?


3) The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) discourages cash transactions and citizens now pay mostly via bank transfer or mobile money payments. Why was the buyer paying for the minerals using excessive amount of cash (plus $5.6M)?
4) Did ZRA collect any tax or duty from the transaction?


5) It was not one but about 5 planes that landed. Others were parked and could be seen as one arrived at the police checkpoint entering the airport. What was in the other 4 planes ?


5) Why is the Minister of Mines Hon Kabuswe interfering in active operations by the DEC? Is that not an offense. We heard from the DEC Boss of his team arrests. We have not heard from him on the arrest reversal?


6) Was the Gold and cash from other countries and our KK airport was just being used as a transaction place?
7) Was the Gold (of Copper if you like) from one of Zambian mines in the Copperbelt or North western province ?
😎 Has any Bank in Zambia have records of this $5.6M transaction?


9) Where was these people detained and been released on bond olo mulandu wasila?
10) How much money has Zambia made out of these planes that landed or how much one Zambian made and have they paid tax ?

This scandal is one that our government cannot afford to sweep under the carpet.They have to tell it as it is if the public has to understand be it a bit. It’s same government officials that alerted the public on the arrests and cannot back out or wash out the investigations within hours. Only the truth and nothing but the truth will ever rest this matter otherwise ilyashi iyi tayakapwe.

There is more questions than answers.

MBS18.08.2023

Zambia’s Ambassador To China H.e Mr. Ivan Zyuulu Presents His Credentails To The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The People’s Republic Of China In Beijing,china

zamobserver
-
0
Zambia’s Ambassador To China H.e Mr. Ivan Zyuulu Presents His Credentails To The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The People’s Republic Of China In Beijing,china

ZAMBIA’S AMBASSADOR TO CHINA H.E MR. IVAN ZYUULU PRESENTS HIS CREDENTAILS TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN BEIJING,CHINA

His Excellency, Dr. Ivan Zyuulu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on 15th August,2023 successfully presented his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Headquarters in Beijing, China.

Speaking before he presented his credentials, the Ambassador echoed on the continued relations between Zambia and China that has existed for over 56 years. He stated that China-Zambia relations have existed since our pre-independence era as a country and championed by Chairman Mao and our founding President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

The Ambassador indicated that the foot print of these historic relations are visible today through monumental structures such as the TAZARA Railway line connecting Zambia to the port of Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania and various other infrastructure projects supported by China including airports, roads, sports stadia, schools and hospitals.

The Ambassador stressed that the two country’s historical ties and friendship which stems from the vital interests of our two countries and people’s have continued to grow from strength to strength.

China’s continued assistance to Zambia through initiatives such as the Belt and Road and Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), among others, has led to sustained and consistent strengthening of both economic and cultural ties.

In concluding, the Ambassador reiterated that the New Dawn Zambian Government stands ready to work with the Chinese Government as well as Chinese investors for win-win cooperation.

Speaking at same event, the Director-General stated that Zambia and China have been “all weather friends”, adding that this friendship culminated in the building of the Tazara railway line which signifies a symbol of friendship.

The Director-General stated that he was pleased to note that these historic relations have since grown from strength to strength, bringing about mutual benefits befitting the all-weather friendship status which happily exists between Zambia and China.

He reiterated China’s relations with Zambia stating that the two countries have been supporting and working together on matters of common interest such as the fight against pandemic.

The Director-General also indicated that in June,2022, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping.

The high level telephone conservation breathed renewed impetus and reinvigorated the long standing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two mutual friendly countries.

The Director-General further reiterated China’s commitment to continue strengthening and consolidating the relations with Zambia.

Issued by Catherine Muumba Kashoti
Second Secretary-Communications/Press

TOO MUCH POLICY INCONSISTENCIES UNDER UPND….that’s why many sectors have suffered huge setbacks- Hon Kampyongo

zamobserver
-
0
TOO MUCH POLICY INCONSISTENCIES UNDER UPND….that’s why many sectors have suffered huge setbacks- Hon Kampyongo

TOO MUCH POLICY INCONSISTENCIES UNDER UPND

….that’s why many sectors have suffered huge setbacks, says Hon Kampyongo

Shiwang’andu… Tuesday August 15, 2023 (SMART EAGLES)

Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Hon Stephen Kampyongo has observed that there is too much policy inconsistency under the UPND government.

Hon Kampyongo says this is the reason why there are so many challenges in the country resulting in the looming hunger.

He said this when he held meetings in his constituency at Chindoshi, Chimbwese and Kalikiti Primary Schools.

He says it is clear that the agriculture and social welfare programmes have really been affected by these policy inconsistencies under this administration.

“How can the government require those to be registered or maintained under the social cash transfer to have a mobile phone and that the whole process will be digital? How can an eighty year old woman from a rural setup be requested to be registered under social cash transfer using a mobile phone and be requested to master a pin code? This is why we are saying the old system was okay and all beneficiaries under this programme were happy with the old system,” he said.

“When we come to the agriculture sector, it’s worse. They want to wean off farmers who can’t support their farming activities. How do you ensure that you have food security in the country when you cannot adequately support the farmers? They don’t know what they are doing and they should be rejected come 2026.”

He also encouraged the people to take advantage of the available programmes under CDF to venture into business.

He informed the youths in his constituency that there are funds to sponsor them when they want to take up any trade training.

“We have plans to establish a trades training center at Shiwang’andu to help our youths. In the meantime we are sponsoring students who wish to pursue mechanical engineering, toiring and design and other trade courses at Lukasha in Kasama or Isoka Trades Training Center. Take advantage of this opportunity to better your lives,” said Hon Kampyongo.

And Hon Kampyongo insisted that hunger is looming across the country.

He expressed concern that farmers in his constituency have gone back to Chitemene system because they cannot access farming inputs.

He said the PF government made sure that farmers had the necessary farming inputs to avoid such things such as Chitemene System.

He also took time to inspect developmental projects and those that need attention in his constituency.

Zimbabwe polls to go ahead without provision of updated voters’ roll by electoral commission

zamobserver
-
0
Zimbabwe polls to go ahead without provision of updated voters’ roll by electoral commission

The general elections in Zimbabwe are going ahead in about a week’s time.

This after the opposition failed to obtain an up-to-date voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC).

High Court Judge Never Katiyo dismissed a court appeal by Citizens Coalition for Change’s (CCC) chief elections officer, Ian Makone, on Monday, saying it was “not urgent”.

Makone had sought a directive for the ZEC to provide an up-to-date copy of the voters’ roll and a final list of polling stations.

Denial of access to the voters’ roll has dented the credibility of elections in Zimbabwe since the turn of the millennium, and it is destined to be the same once more.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said, “regrettably, they’re keeping it a secret [voters’ roll] despite their constitutional obligation to release it”.

The CCC legal team had since requested an “audience before the judge on the question of urgency”, according to a letter from CCC lawyers to the Registrar of the Electoral Division of the High Court.

Team Pachedu – a transparency, responsibility, and accountability pro-democracy organisation – argued the ZEC was in violation of Section 21 of the Electoral Act which instructed the ZEC to avail the voters’ roll “to be used in the election”.

Team Pachedu raised fears the reason behind keeping the voters’ roll a secret could be linked to attempts at rigging the polls.

So going to an election under these conditions would result in confusion for voters.

The organisation said:

There are many new polling stations and thousands of voters have been moved to different polling stations.
It also raised anomalies in the voters’ roll given to parties last month, for example, the recycling of identification numbers, with thousands of identity cards linked to individuals in the 2013 elections now associated with different names in 2023.

They also noted “strange patterns, such as deceased individuals, duplicate registrations, and a high concentration of voters in a small area”.

In a statement, the ZEC said allegations of vote rigging were “pure malice bent on diminishing the public’s confidence in the voters’ roll and the country’s electoral processes”.

According to it, by the close of voter registration in July, there were 6 619 690 registered voters and 12 370 polling stations countrywide.

Mnangagwa’s govt scoffs at Chamisa’s demands

zamobserver
-
0
Mnangagwa’s govt scoffs at Chamisa’s demands

GOVERNMENT has revealed that main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa will not get equal coverage with his rival President Emmerson Mnangagwa in public media outlets because the latter is the Head of State.

CCC has been accusing the State media of abdicating its constitutional mandate to provide equal and fair coverage to all political parties.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Kindness Paradza told the opposition party to “accept reality” and wait until it takes over power to enjoy public media coverage.

Paradza said this during a workshop on elections and the media which was organised by his ministry and attended by journalists and representatives from CCC, MDC-T and Zanu-PF in Bulawayo last week.

“Accept reality. We cannot equate President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa. He is the Head of State and government and we should not expect ZBC to treat them equally,” Paradza said.

“In the unlikely event that he (Chamisa) will become the next government, you will see what I am talking about. So can you just relax until you are in government and you will see what we are talking about?”

Information ministry director for media services George Chisoko also weighed in saying: “The question here is about Mnangagwa being a president of Zanu-PF doing Zanu-PF work and he being the Head of government. Now there are stories we see on television where President Mnangagwa is doing government business, there is no way we can ignore that he is doing government business and, therefore, he will be covered.”

Chisoko said if it is about politics about Zanu-PF “that is a different ball game but don’t get agitated because he is doing government business and he will be covered as the President of Zimbabwe, the Head of State doing government business.”

The CCC party has often accused the State media, particularly ZBC, of bias in favour of Zanu-PF, where Mnangagwa as a presidential candidate enjoyed live coverage of his campaign rallies while his rival Chamisa did not have the same opportunity.

Section 155 of the Constitution compels the State media to provide all political parties and candidates contesting an election with fair and equal access to electronic and print media.

Tempers flared during the workshop after Paradza accused the CCC of instigating hate speech which resulted in the public broadcasters denying them airtime.

“ZBC charges for the outside broadcasting, the live broadcasting that you are talking about. If you want you can approach ZBC and you pay for that. If you want your rallies to be covered as live events you can approach ZBC they will tell you the charges. But this is election period, the charges have been reasonably reduced.

“But, language, because some of you in the opposition especially the CCC, munongoita basa rekutuka chete, munoita basa rekutuka… (all you do is spawn hate speech).”

CCC deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga, however, interjected and dismissed claims that the party fuelled hate speech.

Source – Newsday

Trump, Associates Indicted in Georgia for Election Interference Charges

zamobserver
-
0
Trump, Associates Indicted in Georgia for Election Interference Charges

In a significant turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump and his associates find themselves entangled in a comprehensive array of criminal charges. On Monday, a Georgia grand jury handed down a far-reaching indictment, accusing Trump of orchestrating efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis spearheaded the charges, propelling Trump’s already complex legal predicament. Trump, who stands as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, now faces a mounting legal battle.

Spanning an extensive 98-page document, the indictment names 19 defendants and presents a staggering 41 criminal counts. All of the defendants face charges of racketeering, a legal tool designed to target organized crime syndicates, carrying a potential penalty of up to two decades in prison.

Among the notable figures listed in the indictment are Mark Meadows, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, and attorneys Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman.

The indictment spells out the assertion, “Trump and the other defendants charged in this indictment refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.”

The case originates from a pivotal phone conversation on January 2, 2021, during which Trump encouraged Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s top election official, to procure additional votes to overturn his narrow loss in the state.

Raffensperger chose not to comply with Trump’s request.

The indictment outlines an assortment of alleged crimes committed by Trump or his associates. These include false testimony before lawmakers regarding election fraud and the solicitation of state officials to breach their oaths by tampering with election results.

According to media reports, the document also cites instances such as the breach of a rural Georgia county’s voting system and the harassment of an election worker who became the target of conspiracy theories.

Additionally, the indictment highlights a purported scheme to undermine the U.S. electoral process by submitting fraudulent slates of electors, individuals responsible for comprising the Electoral College that ultimately determines the president and vice president.

Geographically transcending boundaries, the indictment underscores that Trump’s advisors, Giuliani and Meadows, furthered the conspiracy by reaching out to officials in states such as Arizona and Pennsylvania with the intent of altering the electoral outcome there.

Consistently maintaining his innocence, Trump has leveled accusations against Willis, an elected Democrat, claiming her motives are politically driven.

Already enmeshed in three separate criminal cases, Trump’s legal journey continues. One case, set to begin on March 25, 2024, in New York State, revolves around alleged hush money payments to a porn star. Another trial commencing on May 20 in Florida pertains to federally classified documents. In both instances, Trump has pleaded not guilty.

A third indictment, centred in Washington federal court, alleges that Trump sought to unlawfully overturn his 2020 election loss. Trump maintains his innocence in this matter as well, with a trial date yet to be determined.

Georgia, once steadfastly Republican, has evolved into a politically pivotal state capable of influencing presidential election outcomes. Despite numerous court cases and state investigations yielding no substantiated evidence, Trump persists in asserting his victory in the November 2020 election.

Political strategists believe that while the indictments might bolster support among Republicans, they could prove detrimental in the broader general election next year, where appealing to more independent-minded voters is crucial.

Trump’s post-presidential phase continues to be marked by legal turmoil. Beyond the criminal cases, a New York jury found him liable for sexual misconduct and defamation in May, resulting in a $5 million civil award. A subsequent defamation lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages is scheduled for trial on January 15. Trump denies wrongdoing.

Additionally, Trump is slated for trial in a New York civil case in October, accused of fraudulently obtaining favorable terms from lenders and insurers. A separate case in a New York court led to a $1.6 million fine against Trump’s company for tax fraud in December.

Zimbabwe elections 2023: Five things you need to know

zamobserver
-
0
Zimbabwe elections 2023: Five things you need to know

Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on 23 August and 11 candidates vying for the presidency.

How the elections will work

Presidential candidates must win more than 50% of the vote to be elected. If no candidates reach this threshold, there will be a run-off between the two leading candidates on 2 October.

According to Reuters, a simple majority of votes is enough for parliamentary and local council candidates to win.

About 6.6 million people are registered to vote. No citizens living outside Zimbabwe are allowed to cast their votes.

When will the results be released?

According to the law, the election results must be released within five days of the last ballots being cast.

Who are the candidates?

The Zimbabwe Election Commission authorised 11 candidates for the 2023 elections – a significant downturn from the 23 who contested in 2018.

The reduction in candidates is most likely due to the twentyfold increase in the fee to run for office.

Presidential candidates forked out $20 000 to appear on the ballot, while parliamentary candidates paid $2 000.

Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, the incumbent, and the Citizen’s Coalition for Change’s (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, are the frontrunners.

They are joined on the ballot by:
Elizabeth Valerio – United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA)

Douglas Mwonzora – Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)

Joseph Makamba Busha – FreeZim Congress

Trust Tapiwa Chikohora – Zimbabwe Coalition for Peace and Development (ZCPD)

Blessing Kasiyamhuru – Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP)

Lovemore Madhuku – National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)

Wilbert Archbald Mubaiwa – National People’s Congress (NPC)

Gwinyai Henry Muzorewa – The United African National Council (UANC)

Harry Peter Wilson – Democratic Opposition Party of Zimbabwe (DOP)

While on the campaign trail, Mnangagwa, who has led the country since Robert Mugabe was ousted in 2017, promised to revive the economy and improve infrastructure development.

Chamisa pledged to tackle corruption and the abuse of the mineral-rich country’s resources by the ruling elite.

In 2018, Mnangagwa narrowly beat Chamisa by winning 50.8% of the vote. According to the BBC, the European Union (EU) said the final results had many errors.

Chamisa’s political party disputed the outcome, claiming that the count was inaccurate by tens of thousands. The legal challenge failed.

What are the most pressing issues?

Unemployment remains high and is an essential issue for young people under the age of 35. These voters make up 70% of the population, according to Reuters.

According to the BBC, the cost-of-living crisis continues to be a concern for voters, with high inflation and interest rates and a Zimbabwe dollar that lost 86% of its value between January and June.

Will the elections be free and fair?

According to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, Zimbabwean authorities have not taken steps to ensure the general elections in August will meet international standards for free and fair elections.

In the report, titled Crush Them Like Lice: Repression of Civil and Political Rights Ahead of Zimbabwe’s August 2023 Election, released on 3 August, HRW found that repressive laws, Zanu PF’s abuse of state resources, intimidation and violence against the opposition compromised the electoral process.

Zanu PF has denied using violence, intimidation, and media blackouts against opposition parties despite accusations from the opposition and human rights activists.

Idriss Ali Nassah, the lead author of the HRW report, said: “Zimbabwe’s authorities have yet again demonstrated a lack of respect for the basic freedoms necessary for a credible, free, and fair election.

“The inability of many candidates to campaign freely and openly throughout Zimbabwe raises serious concerns about whether the election results will reflect the political will of Zimbabwe’s people.”

Defence forces’ service undermined by partisan politics says CCC

zamobserver
-
0
Defence forces’ service undermined by partisan politics says CCC

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change has accused the ruling party Zanu PF of “poisoning and policitising” the mandate of the defence forces.

In a statement that acknowledged the role played by the liberation war heroes and heroines, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the gains of the revolution were now being drawn along partisan lines.

Zimbabwe marked 43 years since the Defence Forces came to be and CCC applauded the sterling performances of the security service men in various peacekeeping missions in Africa.

“Our Defence Forces have distinguished themselves in many of their constitutionally-defined roles. For 43 years, they have safeguarded Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We take pride in their sterling performances in various peacekeeping missions in Africa and the role they continue to play in aiding the civilian authority to save lives, deliver humanitarian aid and spearhead emergency reconstruction as they did in 2019 in the wake of Cyclone Idai,” Mahere said.

“However, the Defence Forces’ 43 years of service have been undermined by partisan politics. We note with particular sadness the attempt to poison and politicize the Defence Forces for partisan purposes and repression,” she added.

Zanu PF has in the past been accused of subverting the will of the people through deployment of the army to squash protests.

During the 2018 post-election violence, the defence forces fired live bullets as part of efforts to displace protests and in the process killed some civilians.

“On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe.

“We ask that they act in a manner that serves the interests of all Zimbabweans by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties.

“In line with the Constitution, we demand the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms by the Defence Forces. Our security services must protect not threaten citizens.

“The democratic expression of citizens must be safeguarded. We reiterate our call for a Defence Forces for everyone,” said Mahere.

State House Security Officer Bolts With US$ 5million- Fred M’membe

zamobserver
-
0
State House Security Officer Bolts With US$ 5million- Fred M’membe

STATE HOUSE SECURITY OFFICER BOLTS WITH US$ 5MILLION

A named State House security officer has bolted with approximately US$ 5million from the grounded private aircraft at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA).

The identified security officer is part of the UPND cadres, who were encrypted into the State House security after Mr Hakainde Hichilema took over office as Head of State.

The security officer is believed to have been on a special assignment to collect the bags of dollars from KKIA for onward delivery.

However, after picking up the money, the named security officer vanished with approximately US$ 5million and is still at large. Efforts to get hold of him, as at last night, proved futile.

Yesterday, the Zambian authorities grounded a private aircraft at KKIA; with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) seizing the aircraft, gold and large sums of money.

We challenge State House to come clean on this bust and make clear the facts surrounding this incident.

In doing so, let State House address the following questions:

1. Who owns the aircraft?

2. Where did the money come from?

3. Where was the money going?

4. Who owns the contraband?

5. Who are the individuals involved and the reason for bringing such huge amounts of money through such means in the country?

6. When the flight data is analysed, how many trips has this aircraft made to Zambia before; who was using it and on what dates?

7. Under whose local details as per requirement, did the Zambia Airforce authorize this particular aircraft to enter our airspace?

8. Which state officer authorized the landing of this aircraft?

9. How did the named State House security officer manage to escape a secure facility like KKIA with about US$ 5million cash?

10. Can State House disclose the details of this particular security officer; the extent of his involvement and how far they are with the manhunt?

Just yesterday, we raised concern over the evil, disgraceful and morally objectionable activities being peddled by certain identifiable individuals within State House.

We also urged Mr Hichilema to take keen interest in the happenings of literally every department at State House: legal, national security advisory, media, political and so on and so forth. We said, this must be done as a matter of urgency to escape the looming shame on himself and the presidency. We emphasized that there was way too much scum and filth in the team at State House.

But look and see, we seem to have been vindicated in less than 24 hours after giving counsel to Mr Hichilema.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Something fishy is going on in this country!- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

zamobserver
-
0
Something fishy is going on in this country!- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Something fishy is going on in this country!

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

The State must inform us. We should not scrounge for information. It’s the duty of the State to release official information to citizens.

We raised an issue of the 22 Afghanistans who South Africa rejected on account of their international and terrorism risk profile.

The process was done from Zambia and they are still here in Zambia.

Government has never commented on this.

There was one of the largest cargo plane that was in the country and airport staff raised alerts over the consignment being taken.

Further, last week, there was a private Gulfstream G550 that flew directly from Morocco to Mfuwe Airport. Alerts were raised.

Now, this plane that flew from Geneva( Switzerland) to Athens (Greece), to Berbera(Somalia) to Addis Ababa and Lusaka, Zambia.

There was chaos as various Law Enforcement Agencies snooped around and keen to keep the multimillion dollar transaction under wraps and were keen to let the plane go.

Again, it took whistle-blowers to prevent this and they raised the alarm.

We cannot rely on whistle-blowers for such critical and secretive national events and information.

Whistle-blowers arise because official information is lacking or being hidden.

No member of law enforcement agency or airport staff would turn themselves into whistle-blowers over a normal flight!

Government owes Zambians the truth. We cannot rely on social-media speculations.

Netizens Roast Ignorant Kalaba

zamobserver
-
0
Netizens Roast Ignorant Kalaba

The other day, leader of an obscure political enterprise going by the name – Citizens First, Harry Kalaba, could not escape the fury and frustrations of social media fanatics for crossing the line and pretending, or attempting to demonstrate he is hewn from the same fabric as Rocket Scientists by claiming the much touted Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is nothing, but a scam!

According to a News Diggers Newspaper story carried on their Facebook page, Kalaba insisted that the K1.6 million they used to receive as CDF when he was member of parliament was doing more tangible things than the current K28 million which only exist on paper. He said this when he featured on a Camnet TV programme, Tuesday.

However, some alert netizens, obviously more conversant with current affairs, couldn’t take Kalaba’s insinuations lightly. They immediately went for his throat! Social media enthusiast and fervent blogger, Haggai Muzeya, was first to come out with guns blazing! He dismissed Kalaba’s assertions as cheap politicking and mere propaganda; further citing a report on the impact of CDF around the nation as compiled by the CIC press team. “In order to enable everyone benefit from the national cake,107 groups have received grants amounting to K2.1 million while 39 beneficiaries have received K3.2 Million in Mongu. To boost trade in the area,the Mandanga market was completed through CDF at a cost of over K1 million and will be handed over to the community soon,” the report states in part.

“News Diggers, you claim to be “the home of investigative journalism in Zambia”. Did you validate this assertion from Kalaba, for it to be news?” wondered Mbinji Mufalo. “I subscribe to News Diggers and it is the first news media I read every day, because ND is an appreciated news media. However, lately it seems you are slowly sliding into a “he/she said yaketi yaketi” news media.”

Mundia Lubinda seemed to be on the same page as Mufalo. “How can a newspaper write such nonsense when they can see what’s obtaining in the constituencies e.g. procurement of earth moving equipment, construction of bridges and schools, disbursement of grants and loans etc and yet you give room to Kalaba to brag that the K1.6m was doing great things!” he wondered.

Angelina Angelic chipped in and quipped that “atleast it’s a scam which has reached all constituencies unlike the K1.6m which was only available in previous regimes strongholds and this time around only sharp and intelligent MPs like Sunday Chanda, Clement Andeleki etc are able to utilise the CDF.”

On the other hand, Sandra Chileya advised Kalaba to consider visiting Kanchibiya Constituency just as an example so that he can see, “how CDF is being effectively applied in the area.”

While Kaji observed that HH has mesmerised the likes of Kalaba with his spectacular performance such that they are now unable to pinpot Achilles heels on which to hanker their criticism, others such as Mwila C. Bwanga agreed that CDF is indeed creating an impact in certain parts of the country with Yamikani Daka remarking that only incompetent MPs including some in the government and those from certain disgraced opposition political parties are failing to utilize CDF to deliver development in their constituencies.

“If Kalaba bothered to step out of his comfort zone for once; he’ll certainly appreciate that CDF has triggered development, especially in rural areas,” wrote Zak Zim. In apparent agreement with him, Collins Munthali stated that HH has indeed fixed the rural areas; what is remaining is just fixing the urban areas and the likes of Kalaba will be left with their mouths agape!

Apart from this, Lisa Miselo cautioned the opposition leader to stop pretending and acknowledge the development taking shape in different parts of the country. “We have witnessed what once were mere thatched schools being transformed into modern infrastructure. Where’s the money to finance such projects coming from, if I may ask?” She mused.

The tone of the debate then changes afterwards with most bloggers not having any kind words for the CF leader.

Mwansa Rampa Have who claims to have been to Bahati where Kalaba once served as area MP retorted, “this guy is a joker! He did nothing for the people of bahati. Even the previous MP who stood on his party ticket was voted out by the people of bahati.”

“What is our former foreign affairs minister smoking for him to fail to comprehend what is taking place around the country?” wondered Dugan Chisense while Eugene Ngosa described the issues Kalaba was raising as childish and laughable; “no wander he failed to develop Bahati constituency!”

Others such as Henry Mulenga dismissed Kalaba as an unwise individual who has failed to establish that his Malawian mentor and pastor, Bushiri, is simply a magician busy at work hoodwinking gullible members of the public, while Zack Dony added that, “Kalaba alaba bwangu.” He concluded by stating that anybody who passed through PF has a mental problem!

“The Citizens First leader is simply a confused and frustrated chap!” exclaimed Bernard Mtayachalo as Newton Kayumba described him as worse than the late Chama Chakomboka. “I wonder why his brains fail to coordinate with his mouth at critical times.”

The likes of Mumbi Mukuka took it upon themselves to ‘educate’ Kalaba that a total of 32 projects have been completed in Chinsali under CDF so far; including loans, grants, school bursaries, desks and skills development.

Interestingly, Sylvester Nsofwa bemoaned that, “If there’s a President in Zambia that people have to come to hate with a passion and for no apparent reason, it’s HH.
Whatever he does essentially has no approval from the so called opposition. They harbour grudges against the president for a number of reasons: being Tonga, being highly educated, being successful, being smart, being a family man with no record of infidelity and lastly winning the elections with a landslide!”

Not being one to disappoint; Local Government & Rural Development Minister, Hon. Gary Nkombo, stepped in and delivered a knockout punch. He emphasised that the Citizens First leader should strive to have even one MP for his party who will help him understand what’s going on in government.

“Even a grade two pupil would know that K28 million CDF can do more things than K1.6 million!” Nkombo, fondly referred to as Mazembe by many scoffed.

By Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

ZAMBIA NATIONAL STUDENTS UNION (ZANASU) CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO MITIGATE PRICE INCREASES FOR STUDENTS’ ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

zamobserver
-
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZAMBIA NATIONAL STUDENTS UNION (ZANASU) CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO MITIGATE PRICE INCREASES FOR STUDENTS’ ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

15th August 2023
Lusaka Zambia.

The Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) expresses deep concern over the recent surge in prices for essential commodities, including food, that directly impact the well-being and education of students across the nation. As the representative body of students, we appeal to the government to take immediate measures to incentivize and stabilize the prices of these commodities, thus ensuring that the pursuit of education remains accessible and conducive to the students’ success.

The current economic climate has seen a sharp increase in prices for various goods, including those crucial to students’ daily lives. Food, transportation, and other essential commodities have become more expensive, placing an additional burden on students who are already striving to manage their education-related expenses. This situation not only threatens the overall well-being of students but also jeopardizes their academic pursuits and achievements.

ZANASU recognizes the efforts that the government has put into promoting education as a cornerstone of national development. However, the recent price hikes could potentially undermine these efforts by creating barriers to education for many students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In light of this pressing concern, ZANASU humbly requests the government to:

IMPLEMENT PRICE CONTROLS: The government is urged to work with relevant stakeholders to establish temporary price controls on essential commodities, especially those directly affecting students. This would ensure that students can afford basic necessities while focusing on their studies.

SUBSIDIZE STUDENT ESSENTIALS: We appeal to the government to explore options for subsidizing essential commodities specifically for students. This could involve providing subsidies for items such as textbooks, school supplies, and nutritious food to alleviate the financial strain on students and their families.

ENHANCE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: We call on the government to expand existing financial support programs, such as scholarships and grants, to ensure that students have the means to meet both their educational and basic needs.

COLLABORATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS: ZANASU urges the government to engage in constructive dialogues with student representatives, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to develop comprehensive solutions that address the challenges posed by the current price increases.

ZANASU remains committed to advocating for the well-being and rights of all students in Zambia. We believe that by addressing the current economic challenges and ensuring affordable access to essential commodities, the government can create an environment where students can excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

Issued by,

Mambwe. I. Bwalya
Secretary General
Zambia National Students Union
+260968707970/0972461633

Father to 4 year old Ayan the young boy that was being physically abused by his step mother says he will sue teacher for recording the viral video

zamobserver
-
0
Father to 4 year old Ayan the young boy that was being physically abused by his step mother says he will sue teacher for recording the viral video

Ayan’s father defends wife, says will sue teacher Naomi for recording video

JUSTINE Bwalya, father of the abused child, Ayan whose video went viral last week has come to the defence of his detained wife, Langiwe Ngosa saying she is a loving and caring person incapable of abusing children.

Last Thursday, Police announced the arrest of Ngosa after her neighbour in Appollo Barracks and workmate to Bwalya reported her to Marcopolo Police Post for abusing a child.

Ngosa married Ayan’s father slightly over year ago following the death of the mother’s child.

The public was alerted to Ayan’s suffering after a video interview with his teacher was widely shared on social media.

In the video, the teacher showed Ayan’s little body covered with countless scars of whip marks which he said had been inflicted on him by his “mommy”.

His face and his hands too had sores he said Ngosa had inflicted on him.

While the video earned the teacher public praise, it sparked widespread anger against Ngosa with many branding an her evil woman.

But Ayan’s father, Bwalya thinks otherwise and protests her innocence.

Speaking to #Kalemba in an interview, Bwalaya said contrary to public perception, his wife Ngosa was a caring and loving person.

He said he did not believe Ngosa was capable of abusing his child.

Bwalya explained that although he was mostly away from home for extended periods of time due to the nature of his job, he always kept in touch via video calls.

He said on one occasion while talking to Ayan via video call, he noticed the sores on Ayan’s face and upon enquiry, his wife explained that the child fell from the table and landed on a mug cup hence the injury.

As for the injury on the hand, Bwalya said his wife informed him that Ayan hurt himself with razor blade he had been playing with.

Further, Bwalya explained that he noticed the scars and injuries on Ayan’s body on pictures and video calls, as he was away on duty in Zambezi District, but said that did not alarm him because he knew his son was active child that may have hurt himself whilst playing.

“I cant say I neglected my family, I would go and see them whenever I have a chance to because my job demands me to move a lot. In fact, whenever I call, I would always use video call, even that cut on his right hand, I saw it, but when I asked the mother, she explained to me that Ayan was playing with a razor blade but again, the story changed that he cut himself with a knife.

“I questioned her that it was her duty to make sure that there are no harmful tools near the children but she explained to me that she only found Ayan washing his hands upstairs and bandaged him. I also saw a deep cut on his cheek on a photo, but I was told that he fell from a table and hit himself on a mug cup which injured him. As a father that was away, I believed whatever I was told because I was away for along time and Ngosa my wife was the one taking care of my son,” said Bwalya.

Bwalya added that despite noticing the scars on the child’s body, he never for once suspected that he was being abused by his wife as she began taking care of him even before the two were even married and therefore, he does not regard his her as an abusive person.

He said Ayan’s teacher should not be projected as a hero like because she was wrong to film his and share the video online when she could have easily contacted Ngosa.

“The teacher was wrong to post that video on social media, if she noticed that on my child, she would have first contacted the mother or communicated with me first. I will sue her in court for defamation of character. People should not even be on social media praising her,” said Bwalya.

He said the development had stressed him because it had separated his family with his wife in police custody while Ayan was in the custody of the government under child protection,” said Bwalya.

Bwalya said he was hopeful Ngosa would be released because she was innocent.

“I miss my son very much because the last time I saw him was May 16, 2023 and up to today I am yet to see him because he is in the custody of the government under child protection,” said Bwalya.

By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba

DEC ARRESTS THREE OMC STAFF AND FRA OFFICER FOR FORGERY AND MONEY LAUNDERING

zamobserver
-
0
DEC ARRESTS THREE OMC STAFF AND FRA OFFICER FOR FORGERY AND MONEY LAUNDERING

DEC ARRESTS THREE OMC STAFF AND FRA OFFICER FOR FORGERY AND MONEY LAUNDERING

The Drug Enforcement Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has arrested three officials at a known oil marketing company (OMC) for theft and money laundering involving over K4 million.

The Commission has jointly charged Kenneth Mazibisa aged 29 a Filling Station Manager and Kasongo Nkole aged 38 an Accounts Clerk and has separately charged Anthony Sindala aged 37 a Filling Station Manager for; Theft by Servant contrary to section 277 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Forgery and Uttering False Documents contrary to sections 342 and 352 respectively of the Penal Code, Money Laundering contrary to section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 as read with Act No. 44 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia and Possession of Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime contrary to section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No.19 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

DEC Public Relations Officer – Hussein Khan gave brief particulars of the case that Kenneth Mazibisa and Kasongo Nkole on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2019 and 31st March, 2020 jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown stole K1, 761, 028 from the OMC by creating fictitious fuel transactions and under banking.

Further, during the same period Anthony Sindala jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown stole K2, 907, 527.22 from the OMC using the same modus operandi. In the course of investigations, the Commission seized three semi-detached flats, 10 motor vehicles and froze two bank accounts with balances totalling K33, 353.24.

In another incident, the Commission has arrested a Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Marketing Assistant for theft of maize and money laundering.

Bornface Chilambwe aged 37 has been has been charged for Theft by Servant and Money Laundering. Particulars of the matter are that Bornface Chilambwe in his capacity as a Marketing Assistant at the FRA Sesheke Main Depot on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2023 and 31st July, 2023 jointly and whilst working with other persons unknown stole 7,310 x 50 Kilogrammes of white maize valued at K2, 047,400. Chilambwe further engaged in money laundering involving proceeds of crime.

The suspects are on bond and will appear in court soon.

The Commission would like to state that it is collaborating with State and non-State actors in curbing incidents of fraud, financial crime and money laundering in the country as these have the potential to erode confidence in the financial sector. This collaboration is in line with the Inter Agency Framework Agreement government has put in place to proactively fight crime in the Republic.

EX POSTMASTER GENERAL DENIES BENEFITTING FROM SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER MONEY

zamobserver
-
0
EX POSTMASTER GENERAL DENIES BENEFITTING FROM SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER MONEY

EX POSTMASTER GENERAL DENIES BENEFITTING FROM SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER MONEY-

THE Economic and Crimes Court Court last week heard that former Postmaster General MacPherson Chanda had not benefited in any way from the K27, 363,578 million Social Cash Transfer, which was deposited in Barclays Bank fixed deposit account as both the principal amount and its interest had always been available in the bank.


According to the documents presented before the Economic and Crime Court as evidence, both the principle amount of K27, 363,578 million and the interest accrued thereof of K31,486.86 had never gone missing.In this matter Chanda and two others have pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Division-High Court, to set aside the two years jail sentence passed by the lower court, contending that there was no evidence to prove that fraudulently benefited they from the Social Cash Transfer funds. According to the Barclays Bank statemets presented before Judges Ann Malata-On-onuju, Pixie Yangailo and Vincent Siloka, Chanda has submitted that as Postmaster
General, he could not disburse the money to the beneficiaries of the Social Cash transfer because the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services had not provided the schedule for the exercise.

In his submission to the court, Chanda stated that K27,363, 578 had been deposited in the fixed account because it was waiting for instructions through the provision of the schedule for beneficiaries for it to be disbursed.In July last year, Mr Chanda was jailed together with two former ZamPost directors, Mr Best Mwaichi and Mr Isaac Kamwimba, by the Ndola subordinate court under the Financial and Economic Crimes Division on 13 counts of theft by public servant involving over K300 million, Ndola Magistrate, Kaunda Sakwanda ordered the Attorney-General to recover, on behalf of the State, the K335 million Social Cash Transfer funds which the three unlawfully diverted, At the hearing of the appeal held yesterday before Judges Ann Malata-Ononuju, Pixie Yangailo and Vincent Siloka, the appellants’ lawyers argued that there was no relationship between the 13 counts levelled
against the trio and the evidence produced by the prosecution (State).

They argued that the State failed to prove how the ex Post Master General and the other two benefitted from the accrued interest from the principal amount which was deposited in the said fixed account.

It was further contended the record showed that there was no amount of money that had left the coffers of ZamPost into the pockets of the appellants


Counsel Jonas Zimba contended that their clients were subjected to an unfair procedure making the proceedings a nulity

©️: Daily Nation

Nigeria Ranks Third Best English-Speaking Country in Africa

zamobserver
-
0

According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Nigeria was ranked third in Africa and 28th overall.

It was found that countries designated as not speaking native English were included in the ranking.

In the list, which was released in November 2022, there were 20 countries from Africa. Kenya came in at 20th overall and second in Africa, while South Africa finished 12th overall and first in Africa.

Ghana, which ranked 41st overall and 4th in Africa, and Uganda, which ranked 55th overall and 5th in Africa, are two other countries that made the list.

The Netherlands currently holds the top spot on the global scale, with Singapore coming in second.

The Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) attempts to rank countries by the equity of English language skills amongst those adults who took the EF test.

The EF EPI 2022 edition was calculated using test data from 2.1 million test takers in 2021.

One hundred and eleven countries and territories appear in the 2022 edition of the index.

In order to be included in the ranking, a country is required to have at least 400 test takers.

Here is the list of African countries by English skills:

1. South Africa (12 globally)

2. Kenya (20 globally)

3. Nigeria (28 globally)

Nigeria Ranks Third Best English-Speaking Country in Africa (News Central TV)
4. Ghana (41 globally)

5. Uganda (55 globally)

6. Tunisia (56 globally)

7. Tanzania (63 globally)

8. Ethiopia (68 globally)

9. Morocco (76 globally)

10. Algeria (78 globally)

11. Egypt (85 globally)

12. Mozambique (86th globally)

13. Sudan (95 globally)

14. Cameroon (96 globally)

15. Somalia (100 globally)

16. Côte d’Ivoire (104 globally)

17. Angola (105 globally)

18. Rwanda (107 globally)

19. Libya (108 globally)

20. Democratic Republic of Congo (110 globally).

Here is the global ranking by English skills:

1. Netherlands

2. Singapore

3. Austria

4. Norway

5. Denmark

6. Belgium

7. Sweden

8. Finland

9. Portugal

10. Germany

11. Croatia

12. South Africa

13. Poland

14. Greece

15. Slovakia

16. Luxembourg

17. Romania

18. Hungary

19. Lithuania

20. Kenya

21. Bulgaria

22. Philippines

23. Czech Republic

24. Malaysia

25. Latvia

26. Estonia

27. Serbia

28. Nigeria

29. Switzerland

30. Argentina

31. Hong Kong, China

32. Italy

33. Spain

34. France

35. Ukraine

36. South Korea

37. Costa Rica

38. Cuba

39. Belarus

40. Russia

41. Ghana

42. Moldova

43. Paraguay

44. Bolivia

45. Chile

45. Georgia

47. Albania

48. Honduras

49. Uruguay

50. El Salvador

51. Peru

52. India

53. Dominican Republic

54. Lebanon

55. Uganda

56. Tunisia

57. Armenia

58. Brazil

58. Guatemala

60. Vietnam

61. Nicaragua

62. China

63. Tanzania

64. Turkey

65. Nepal

66. Bangladesh

67. Venezuela

68. Ethiopia

69. Iran

70. Pakistan

71. Sri Lanka

72. Mongolia

73. Qatar

74. Israel

75. Panama

76. Morocco

77. Colombia

78. United Arab Emirates

78. Algeria

80. Japan

81. Indonesia

82. Ecuador

83. Syria

84. Kuwait

85. Egypt

86. Mozambique

87. Afghanistan

88. Mexico

89. Uzbekistan

90. Jordan

91. Kyrgyzstan

92. Azerbaijan

93. Myanmar

94. Cambodia

95. Sudan

96. Cameroon

97. Thailand

98. Haiti

99. Kazakhstan

100. Somalia

101. Oman

102. Saudi Arabia

103. Iraq

104. Côte d’Ivoire

105. Angola

106. Tajikistan

107. Rwanda

108. Libya

109. Yemen

110. Democratic Republic of Congo

111. Laos

-News Central

No international friendly matches for Malawi National Football team due to lack of funding

zamobserver
-
0
No international friendly matches for Malawi National Football team due to lack of funding

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says the Malawi National Football team will not be engaged in international friendly matches during the October FIFA International break due to lack of funding and tight local football calendar.

The Flames are expected to start preparing for the final Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea which will be played next month.

After the match against Guinea, the next international break is in October but the Flames will not be in action due to lack of funding.

On Saturday during FAM 2nd Executive Committee meeting which was held at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi, the committee resolved to have the local football calendar extended to the last day of this year because the semi-final fixtures in the FDH Bank Cup will be affected and moved to another date due to a two-week Flames camping in Lilongwe.

“The Executive Committee directed the Competitions Committee to revise the Football calendar accordingly following the decision on the changes to the local fixtures as a result of the Flames camping programme for the Guinea match.

“The season which was initially expected to end on 23rd December 2023 will now end on 31st December 2023,” reads part of the statement released by FAM’s communications department.

As a result of these changes, FAM has also moved the FDH Bank Cup semis slated for the weekend of 2nd and 3rd September 2023 to 16th and 17th September 2023.

“In order to give the National Team ample time for the preparations, The Executive resolved to shift the FDH Bank Cup semifinals from 2 and 3 September 2023 to 16 and 17 September 2023 as players will not be released for local competitions fixtures during the two-week period,” continued the presser.

Meanwhile, FAM has revised fines on player tapping from MK500 000 to MK2 million for a professional player in the Super League.

The fine for an amateur with a contract in the Super League has been raised from Mk250 000 to MK1 million, for Women’s Regional League to MK1 million, for an amateur with contract in case of Regional Leagues and below from MK50 000 to MK 200 000 and for all Women’s Football to MK25 000.

The committee has also introduced training compensations for Super League clubs under category one to MK 2, 200, 000, with Regional Leagues under category two pegged at MK1, 100, 000, Youth (Under-19) and Women’s under category three at MK550, 000 while Under 17 and below to age 12 has been put at MK250, 000.

FAM has also urged the Player Status committee to sensitize all stakeholders on Regulations on Status and Transfer of Players.

“The Executive also noted knowledge gap on players transfer matters and guided that FAM should come up with a sensitization programme for all stakeholders on Regulations on Status and Transfer of Players,” reads the statement.

Nadia Nakai has explained why she didn’t represent Zimbabwe following her BET Nomination

zamobserver
-
0
Nadia Nakai has explained why she didn’t represent Zimbabwe following her BET Nomination

Nadia Nakai has explained why she didn’t represent Zimbabwe following her BET Nomination.

Recognition and accolades are often seen as the ultimate validation of an artist’s talent and hard work. For Nadia Nakai, being nominated at the just-ended BET Award was undoubtedly a significant achievement in her career.

Nadia Nakai has been an integral part of the SA Hip-hop community since she was born and bred in SA to a Zimbabwean mother. The rapper’s origin has stirred confusion amongst her followers and music awards organisers.

During the just-ended BET Awards, the Money Back hitmaker was nominated in the Best International Flow category representing Zimbabwe to which she later changed to South Africa.

Speaking during an interview with Zingah on Choppin It With Bhudha T Podcast, Nadia Nakai said that she asked the BET Awards organisers to change the country she represents to South Africa.

Not that she doesn’t recognise her Zimbabwean roots, but she said that it wasn’t going to be fair for Zimbabwean rappers who have been representing the Hip-hop culture for a long time.

“Me & Blxckie got nominated for BET and it said Zimbabwe, but then I got it corrected, they put South AH,” she said. “They had to because you know why though? There’s no way I could go and represent Zimbabwe for BET when there are amazing female artists that are based in Zimbabwe, that know the culture, that rap in Shona, that live that life.”

“They deserve to be the first one that gets nominated representing Zimbabwe because they are actually doing the damn thing in Zimbabwe. I can’t take that credit and say I’m Zimbabwean but I actually dont move there like that, you know that’s not where I’m at,” she added.

Bragga further said that the Zimbabwean female rapper who is deserving to be nominated for the BET is KikkyBad**s.

“Like KikkyBad**s, I feel like she deserves to be nominated for a BET representing Zimbabwe because she really is coming with the full aesthetic, the dope songs, she’s rapping in Shona, she’s part of the culture. She’s like how I am here so I’m not gonna take that away from the artists that are doing it there. That’s the reason why I insisted you need to change it because that’s not true,” Nadia Nakai said.

My Teacher Wife Slept With 15-year-old Pupil Yet Accused Me Of Destroying Our Marriage — Ex-husband

zamobserver
-
0
My Teacher Wife Slept With 15-year-old Pupil Yet Accused Me Of Destroying Our Marriage — Ex-husband

My Teacher Wife Slept With 15-year-old Pupil Yet Accused Me Of Destroying Our Marriage — Ex-husband

Danny Barber, 40, who is no longer married to his wife, Kandice Barber, 37, a teacher who slept with a 15-year-old boy in an open field has said that she accused him of destroying their marriage, Daily Mail reports Monday.

Danny who could still not believe the fact of the adultery act his wife committed said, “She had such a beautiful aura. She was so kind. If you met her, you’d think: ‘No way’,” yet he tries to make sense of it. “Was I being stupid?” he asks.

“I’m a man. It’s bad enough to be told your wife has slept with someone else but for it to be a child… It deflates you completely. You look at yourself and think: ‘What have I done wrong?’

“What crosses someone’s mind to think it’s OK to even look at a child in that way, let alone that it’s OK to…? Maybe I didn’t want to believe that my wife could do that,” he confesses.

In 2021, Kandice was found guilty of having sex in a field with an underage pupil after grooming him with sexual messages and sentenced to six years in prison.

Danny supported Kandice throughout the trial by checking up on her. After she was sentenced, he posted a photograph on social media of a note placed on a Superman T-shirt that read, “I love you with all of my heart. Be brave”.

Danny said, “Until you’re in that position when it’s your wife or your husband and you’re living that life, you don’t know what you’re going to do. She was adamant she was innocent. I loved her and I believed her.

“It wasn’t just about sticking by her. Kan had three kids [from two previous relationships]. I’m not their dad, but I was married to their mum, so I wasn’t prepared to let them be ripped apart.

“But we haven’t been together since she went to prison and I haven’t seen her for almost a year.”

Danny is now with a new partner, Charlotte, whom he met in June 2022, and is expecting his baby in the autumn.

Wilder Is A Very Dangerous Fighter Right Now – Wilder’s Coach Malik Scott Talks 2024 Fight With Anthony Joshua

zamobserver
-
0
Wilder Is A Very Dangerous Fighter Right Now – Wilder’s Coach Malik Scott Talks 2024 Fight With Anthony Joshua

Deontay Is A Very Dangerous Fighter Right Now – Wilder’s Coach Malik Scott Talks 2024 Fight With Anthony Joshua

Malik Scott, American boxer Deontay Wilder’s trainer has said the boxer is ‘a dangerous fighter right now’ and is ready for his fight with Nigerian-born British boxer Anthony Joshua.

Joshua, on Saturday, beat Finish boxer Helenius in the seventh round, snagging his first knockout win in three years.

In an interview hours later, Joshua said he is now focused on his fight with Wilder also known as ‘The Bronze Bomber’ saying he is focused on “smashing his (Wilder’s) head in right now.”

Joshua is expected to face Wilder in a fight scheduled for 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on Wilder’s current mindset, Scott said the Bronze Bomber is ready for the fight against Joshua and is set on beating Joshua into the ‘next dimension.”

In an interview with October Red Boxing on YouTube Sunday, Scott said, “He (Wilder) was like “we needed that”. We both said the same thing because at first, it was looking like it was getting ready to go the distance.

“So when the knockout came I called him on FaceTime and he was like “I’m glad he got that, we needed it done just like that”.

“So we’re both satisfied, the fight is bigger to me than it was because of the knockout, so shoutout to AJ for going out there and getting the job done.

“Was I impressed besides the knockout? No. Did it give me the type of feeling that we got some trouble coming in January? No.

“It makes me more confident. I know that he only has three or four rounds in the ring with Deontay before he gets knocked out.

“It went up to the [seventh] round, but before then – the story is that AJ was being patient. He wasn’t trying to go for the knockout. That’s the sales pitch. But I look at it like he wasn’t taking chances early on.

“And that’s like a good thing, especially when your next fight is possibly Deontay Wilder, who’s the hardest puncher in the history of the sport.

“Deontay is a very dangerous fighter right now. Deontay is coming to send him to the next dimension and that is his intention. When he is not punching at you, he is punching through you.”

PATRICK NYAMBE SECURES GOLD MEDAL AT BELGIUM EVENT

zamobserver
-
0
PATRICK NYAMBE SECURES GOLD MEDAL AT BELGIUM EVENT

PATRICK NYAMBE SECURES GOLD MEDAL AT BELGIUM EVENT

Patrick Nyambe’s Exceptional 400m Race Victory Highlights World Athletics Tour Challenge BMW in Belgium

In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, Patrick Nyambe clinched a remarkable victory by securing the gold medal at the World Athletics Tour Challenge BMW in Belgium this past weekend. Nyambe’s incredible performance saw him complete the 400m race in an impressive 45.91 seconds, firmly establishing his position as a formidable athlete on the global stage.

The success did not stop there, as female sensation Rhoda Njobvu also made her mark. Njobvu’s determination and skill propelled her to a third-place finish, securing the bronze medal in the fiercely contested 200m race. With a time of 23.84 seconds, Njobvu showcased her prowess and potential, earning accolades for her exceptional performance.

Coach Douglas Kalembo, who has been guiding and nurturing these exceptional talents, expressed his satisfaction with the athletes’ remarkable achievements. “As a coach, I am elated by the consistent excellence displayed by Patrick Nyambe and the notable progress shown by Rhoda Njobvu,” Kalembo shared. “Rhoda’s remarkable improvement, particularly in light of the upcoming world championship, is an encouraging indication of her dedication and potential.”

Kalembo’s aspirations extend beyond national recognition; he envisions Nyambe and Njobvu as competitors vying for honors not only at the continental level but also on the global platform. “I am privileged to mentor a group of extraordinarily gifted runners, and I eagerly anticipate their participation in competitive events,” Kalembo revealed. “As they prepare for their upcoming challenges, I extend my best wishes to all the runners. The path ahead may be arduous, but I am optimistic that their diligent training will lead to triumphant outcomes, bringing pride to our nation.”

With the World Championship on the horizon, Kalembo recognizes the significance of this opportunity for Zambian runners to showcase their remarkable skills. He urged the athletes to perform at their absolute best and to represent their country with honor. “Undoubtedly, the pressure and expectations are substantial, but I am confident that they are prepared for a stellar performance,” Kalembo affirmed.

In summary, Patrick Nyambe’s sensational gold medal victory and Rhoda Njobvu’s commendable bronze medal achievement serve as testaments to the prowess of Zambian athletes. Guided by the expertise and guidance of Coach Douglas Kalembo, these athletes are poised to make their mark on the global stage, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Photo Credit: Patrick Nyambe

COBUSU COUNTER PROPOSES K200 FINE

zamobserver
-
0
COBUSU COUNTER PROPOSES K200 FINE

COBUSU COUNTER PROPOSES K200 FINE

COPPERBELT University Students Union (COBUSU) has officially written to university management to consider reducing the K500 surcharge fee slapped on all CBU Riverside campus students for damaging property during a protest in June this year to K200.

This follows the issuance of a memorandum signed by CBU registrar Hellen Mukumba stating that students are expected to pay the surcharge fee before this year’s sessional examination results.

The surcharge has been necessitated by the protest which happened when two students died after being hit by a speeding motor vehicle near the university.

The angry students damaged mobile money booths and looted some shops while items such as fridges and television sets were stolen from the university campus and outside the institution.

In a letter addressed to the registrar, COBUSU president Innocent Nshindano said the union is concerned about the impact of the surcharge fee on students, who are already financially constrained to meet educational expenses.

“We appeal to your sense of fairness and empathy to consider reducing the surcharge from K500 to K200 to enable students to pay the money without many obstacles,” he said.

Mr Nshindano said the surcharge fee has caused a mental strain on students as they are finding it difficult to raise the amount and are not focusing properly on their studies.

Credit: ZambiaDailyMail (COBUSU) has officially written to university management to consider reducing the K500 surcharge fee slapped on all CBU Riverside campus students for damaging property during a protest in June this year to K200.

This follows the issuance of a memorandum signed by CBU registrar Hellen Mukumba stating that students are expected to pay the surcharge fee before this year’s sessional examination results.

The surcharge has been necessitated by the protest which happened when two students died after being hit by a speeding motor vehicle near the university.

The angry students damaged mobile money booths and looted some shops while items such as fridges and television sets were stolen from the university campus and outside the institution.

In a letter addressed to the registrar, COBUSU president Innocent Nshindano said the union is concerned about the impact of the surcharge fee on students, who are already financially constrained to meet educational expenses.

“We appeal to your sense of fairness and empathy to consider reducing the surcharge from K500 to K200 to enable students to pay the money without many obstacles,” he said.

Mr Nshindano said the surcharge fee has caused a mental strain on students as they are finding it difficult to raise the amount and are not focusing properly on their studies.

Credit: ZambiaDailyMail

Zimbabwe govt tells journalists to reject political manipulation

zamobserver
-
0

GOVERNMENT has implored journalists to maintain their independence from politicians to enhance balance and fairness in election coverage.

In a speech read on her behalf by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana at a recent elections and media workshop held in Bulawayo, minister Monica Mutsvangwa said by presenting a fair portrayal of candidates and their platforms, journalists contribute to an informed electorate, which is a fundamental pillar of a functioning democracy.

“Hate speech and inflammatory reporting have no place in responsible election reporting. Journalists must desist from being political adventists,” she said.

“Stretch and split journalism must be shunned as it compromises the quality of news reporting. This commitment to fairness is what sets professional journalists apart from mere commentary propaganda.

“There is always a danger that the political parties would want to manipulate you to make you their mouthpiece, but you should always stick to the values of your profession.”

Mutsvangwa also encouraged journalists to uphold professional and ethical standards to enable the public to make informed decisions when voting.

“As professional journalists, you should be guided by the commitment to uphold and provide balanced coverage and refrain from sensationalism,” she said.

“It is your responsibility to diligently uphold the principles of ethics, fairness and impartiality when reporting on elections.”

Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) executive secretary Godwin Phiri said all accredited journalists could cover elections, but they required accreditation from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to access polling stations.

“Zec does not accredit journalists. Zec accredits observers. ZMC accredits journalists. Zec accredits journalists as observers. Those are two different functions. With the observer accreditation, journalists have access to the polling station,” Phiri said.

“Any other journalists who have not been accredited by Zec can cover elections anywhere, but cannot access the polling station because Zec needs to account for who comes into polling stations.”

During the workshop, journalists from various media organisations signed peace pledges, promising to uphold peace in their coverage during the elections period.

Source – Newsday

Kagame uses soft power to spread Pan-Africanism

zamobserver
-
0
Kagame uses soft power to spread Pan-Africanism

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is lobbying African countries to collaborate and do more business together to effectively address the challenges the continent faces amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Against this backdrop, President Kagame has recently embarked on a diplomatic charm offensive visiting and hosting several African leaders.

With a blend of soft power, including gifting cows — a symbol of wealth, friendship and appreciation in Rwandan society — to foreign leaders as a gesture of solid goodwill, proactive engagement signing several memoranda, President Kagame appears to be on a pan-African mission.

This week, President Kagame hosted Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina for three days during which a Memorandum of Understanding on Multi-Sectoral Economic Co-operation was signed.

“Rwanda and Madagascar see eye-to-eye in our long-term objective to bring prosperity to our people and build a more developed Africa,” President Kagame said during a State Banquet held in honour of President Rajoelina on Monday.

In Africa, President Kagame pointed out the pandemic, climate change, and the impact of geopolitical tensions have reversed decades of progress.

However, African countries have to work together to address these challenges.

“Having these challenges is not the issue, the problem is leaving these challenges unaddressed. And for Africa, it is really sad because what are those problems that are insurmountable that have left Africa lagging behind the rest of the world forever?” President Kagame said, calling for a mindset shift among Africans to push back on the foreign influence that makes it difficult to work together and address their challenges.

The ongoing conflicts on the continent, he observed, reflect not only inaction but also the failure of the continent to work together to address its challenges. He added that some foreigners without mentioning names are thriving on the continent’s misery.

“If you look at the tensions, conflicts our continent is going through, you can’t help but think of what is wrong with us, and until when? There are parts of the world that have made it a point to thrive off the plight of those of us who do not appreciate ourselves. Then the next day, they turn up to tell you how they have lessons for you about human rights… After violating everything on the continent,” President Kagame said, adding that the blame should be placed on those of “ us who accept to be treated like that.”

His comments came as West Africa under Ecowas grappled with a coup in Niger which saw Western-backed President Mohamed Bazoum deposed by a military junta. But President Kagame who has been consistent in calling for more collaboration among African countries to make the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is forging ahead by signing bilateral agreements to facilitate trade between Rwanda and other African countries.

In late July, he also hosted Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso on a three-day state visit, during which, a bilateral agreement n to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA was signed.

“We want to see our two countries thrive and interact more with people of our continent. We have already made progress in the area of AfCFTA. We want to make that work. We want Rwanda and Congo to be in the lead of making this progress.” President Kagame said after the signing of AfCFTA agreement with Congo.

A few days later on July 29, Kagame hosted President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and gifted him Inyambo cows.

Analysts say this diplomatic overture not only underscores Rwanda’s aspirations for positive international relations but also underscores its determination to play a constructive and influential role in shaping the course of global affairs.

Dr Ismael Buchanan, a researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda told The East African that Rwanda’s unique history and present drive to attain sustainable development and well-being for its citizens underpins its foreign policy which is driven by economic diplomacy, regional cooperation and Pan-Africanism.

“Rwanda as a nation decided to set out to rebuild relations with other countries based on the safeguard of national integrity and sovereignty, respect and promotion of mutual interests as well as principles of sovereign equality and complementarity among nations,” he said.

Rwanda’s foreign policy Buchanan observed has progressively shifted towards good neighbourliness and good relations in the international arena to prevent conflict in the region and ensure international support. This is in addition to continental and regional integration to broaden the market and the economy, cooperation based on Rwandan development priorities among others.

Mwonzora called Mnangagwa after ZEC’s decision to bar 87 of his MPs; Zanu PF candidate felt MDC counterpart was being hard done 

zamobserver
-
0
Mwonzora called Mnangagwa after ZEC’s decision to bar 87 of his MPs; Zanu PF candidate felt MDC counterpart was being hard done 

OPPOSITION MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora called President Emmerson Mnangagwa to air his grievances over the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) decision to bar 87 of the party’s aspiring Parliamentarians from contesting next week’s elections.

Mwonzora, who withdrew from the Presidential race in protest last Friday, told journalists Mnangagwa had understood his situation although a court ruling against them was not consistent with what he had told him in their private conversation.

He was speaking at a Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) dialogue on the upcoming elections in Harare on Monday.

MDC will now field 24 out of 210 Members of Parliaments and an unspecified number in the race for council seats across the country.

“I did engage Mnangagwa because this was an abnormal development where we had 87 people who were being denied an opportunity to take part in electoral processes,” said Mwonzora.

“We spoke and he agreed with me. He agreed with me on what public policy was, the interpretation of the constitution and law.

“We talked not as President and Leader of the Opposition but as lawyers. The candidates qualified in terms of the constitution.

“Mnangagwa understood our case or so he says. What then happened was then inconsistent with what he expressed. Either he was not telling us the truth, or he was overruled by his own system, we do not know.”

Besides meeting Mnangagwa, Mwonzora talked to ZEC’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Utloile Silaigwana whom he described as ‘rude’, and the commission’s Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba.

None budged.

This is the first time since its formation in 1999 that the MDC has failed to field more than half the number of expected candidates in a General Election.

Asked whether this translated to him burying the MDC, once a monolith in Zimbabwean politics, Mwonzora shifted blame to his former lieutenants Morgen Komichi, Elias Mudzuri, Thokozani Khupe and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who led it at the last harmonised polls.

Zimbabweans decide on their next President, Parliamentary and Council representatives on August 23.

Why Zimbabwe’s only female presidential candidate was forced to drink bottle water

zamobserver
-
0
Why Zimbabwe’s only female presidential candidate was forced to drink bottle water

United Zimbabwe Alliance leader and president Elisabeth Valerio has highlighted the service delivery plight that many Zimbabweans, particularly those in rural areas, continue to face.

Valerio, who is the only female candidate contesting the Presidential race ahead of the Zimbabwe elections on August 23, took to Facebook on Monday morning where she wrote about her campaign trail and the difficulty of accessing clean water in some parts of the country.

“As I turned on the tap to brush my teeth. Bits and pieces flew from the pipes as the slow trickle of water choked and spluttered. Turning the tap off, I resolved to use bottled water instead – but couldn’t stop thinking of everyone drinking from these faucets daily. #Water became a recurring theme on this day. We later stopped in a small town to find food. It was there that we ran into men from #ZINWA. I couldn’t help but to remind them that it was their responsibility to make sure that every citizen has access to safe drinking water and to this they confessed that water really isn’t available. One day we will fix it, they said. “Maybe mama when you are in office,” she wrote.

Valerio also said councillors were keen to resolve water issues once they are in office.

Meanwhile, Valerio is set to go up against incumbent President and Zanu-PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, Citizens for Coalition Change leader and Zimbabwe’s former Minister of Information Communication Technology Nelson Chamisa, among others but experts indicate that this is likely to be a two-horse race between Chamisa and Mnangagwa.

MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora, on the other hand, also remains in the presidential race despite an attempt to withdraw.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) confirmed that it had received a request from Mwonzora to withdraw from the race but that this was too late to do so.

“…Section 107 of the Electoral Act allows presidential candidates to withdraw their candidature by way of a written notice to the Chief Elections Officer no later than 21 days from polling day.

Any attempts to withdraw one’s candidature after the stipulated period will not be recognised by the law hence one’s name will remain on the ballot paper.

The Commission would also like to categorically refute allegations by the MDC T president that ZEC denied the right for some of its members to be nominated as candidates for the upcoming elections. The Commission complied with provisions of the law and its decision was upheld by the courts in that regard,“ the Commission said in a statement.

Niger’s Former President Faces Trial Amidst Political Uproar

zamobserver
-
0
Niger’s Former President Faces Trial Amidst Political Uproar

The prospective trial of former Nigerien president, Mohamed Bazoum, ignited heated discussions in Niamey, several inhabitants of the capital city endorsed the plan announced by the ruling junta late on Sunday.

In an official address, the military authorities declared that Bazoum would face charges of “high treason” and of undermining the security of the state.

One local resident expressed, “The crime of high treason is fitting for him, as this gentleman has betrayed the people of Niger by attempting to divert all of Niger‘s resources for his personal gain. It’s unacceptable behavior for a president.”

General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the coup, stated during his inaugural televised message that the nation needed to alter its course to ensure its survival. He, along with others, had resolved to intervene in order to address “security, economic, and social challenges.”

A woman reiterated, “We appreciate what Tchiani did because President Mohamed Bazoum indeed betrayed our country.”

Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, a member of Niger’s ruling CNSP, mentioned that Bazoum was being charged due to his interactions with high-ranking politicians from West Africa following the coup. The leaders of the uprising accused these politicians and their international supporters of disseminating false accusations and attempting to obstruct a peaceful transition in order to validate a military intervention.

He added that the military regime had “collected the necessary evidence to prosecute the deposed president and his local and foreign collaborators before competent national and international authorities.”

A potential challenge in the path of this trial could be the judicial system itself, cautioned the Executive Secretary of the Network of Organisations for Transparency and Budget Analysis, a local human rights organisation.

“The CNSP must possess all the required evidence before transferring him to the courts. Handing a president over to the courts implies his removal from office. With the coup d’état, the impeachment is already accomplished,” Ali Idrissa expressed.

“Presently, our chief concern is the appointment of the Minister of Justice, who, in our perspective, does not assure an impartial justice system.”

Both ECOWAS and the US Department of State conveyed on Monday that the decision to prosecute Bazoum did not “contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.”

The people of Niger have been living under sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and WAEMU.

UPND PERFORMANCE A DISASTER… ‘aba Bantu baleta Njala’ in two years- Antonio Mwanza

zamobserver
-
0
UPND PERFORMANCE A DISASTER… ‘aba Bantu baleta Njala’ in two years- Antonio Mwanza

UPND PERFORMANCE A DISASTER- MOURINHO

….says ‘aba Bantu baleta Njala’ in two years.

Lusaka….Monday, August 14, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

As the UPND clocks two years in power later this month, their performance in different sectors has been described as a Disaster.

This is due to the escalating Cost of living and lethargic supply of medicines and Medical Supplies in Health Institutions among others

Socialist Party Deputy General Secretary Antonio Mourinho Mwanza said key to what has caused the economic hardships in Zambia is the high cost of Fuel and the inability for the country to benefit from its own resources.

Speaking on Lusaka’s One Love Radio today, Mr Mwanza charged that Zambia’s economy and Financial markets are currently under the control of the IMF and World Bank.

He has also narrated that there is nothing President Hakainde Hichilema is fixing when it comes to dealing with debt.

Mr Mwanza explained that just in two years, 6.2 billion dollars has been borrowed Without the nation seeing where it has been used.

“This is the debt that he has contracted, where has it gone, can they show us what infrastructure they have built or job opportunities they have created, zero….”he said.

Mr Mwanza has further stated that the UPND must not deceive themselves of having 2.8 million Zambians behind their back.

He said the UPND won because there were certain things the PF did not do right.

Mr Mwanza said the current Government has failed to deliver to the expectation of the people as Jobs are being shipped away from the Zambians.

He said prices of Commodities such as mealie meal is now over K300 against the promise of K50.

“There are no 2.8 Zambians today supporting the UPND. They won because of lies they promised cheaper fuel, mealie meal, fertilizer,. But now, things have doubled. Aba bantu baleta Njala, today you cannot go at any mall and pack your car, they will steal because of hunger. Ba UPND baleta Njala and Ukabwalala bokuba ma minerals such as Sugilite They do not understand that the fundamentals of high cost of living, is a high cost of production. The government us failing to deal with mealie meal prices. They started selling Maize to other countries and they removed taxes so that they benefit,” he said.

And Mr Mwanza the Socialist Party is the only alternative to the current political and Economic challenges the country is facing.

He said the Socialist Party is looking at finding a solution to the real cause of poverty in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwanza has blasted the Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba for behaving like a political Party Cadre when he addressed the media last week.

IG Musamba went ahead to censure the SP Leader Dr Fred M’membe over the coups that have taken place in West Africa.

And Mr Mwanza said there is a clear scheme to malign DR Fred M’membe to give him unbillable offences and treason cases.

“They want to crush a movement that has been started by the socialist party, the Inspector General of Police is using his office to detain and derail the socialist Party. When you look at the recent arrest of Dr M’membe, We met all the bond conditions but they refused to give him bond. When they saw a lot of people from all walks of life, they realised that the cell was becoming too hot for them. These charges are a waste of Government time to say he commented on a coup. To arrest somebody and take him to court to say this one has died because of depression those are tramped up charges. ,” he said.

He has castigated the Government in the lethargic supply of medicine in hospitals.

“It has to take you two years to buy Panadol, then we are dealing with the most incompetent Government. If is going to take them two years to buy cotton wool, then this is not serious. ZAMMSA was supposed to be dissolved. They are incapable of performing. The health sector is in shambles,” he said.

Mourinho is baffled by the tendency of the New Dawn Government to prioritise foreign interests at the expense of the Zambian people.

He has also questioned Government to highlight major projects under the Constituency Develoment Fund-CDF.

Debt-chasing Furncity employees get beating from Mazabuka customer

zamobserver
-
0
Debt-chasing Furncity employees get beating from Mazabuka customer

Debt-chasing Furncity employees get beating from Mazabuka customer

MEDICS at Mazabuka General Hospital were yesterday handed the delicate assignment of suturing the badly-beaten heads of two employees of Furncity Exclusive Furniture who had been assaulted by a customer who owes their company money.

After getting a luxurious lounge suit along with a fancy dinning set worth K150,000 on hire purchase from Furncity Exclusive Furniture, Mazabuka branch, Bright Hamweenda somehow forgot about paying.

And so it was that Vincent Kalomona aged 53 and his workmate Innocent Zulu, 41 were assigned to make the trip to Hamweenda’s house in Riverview area of Mazabuka.

However, Hamweenda did not appreciate a visit from his creditors, especially on Sunday afternoon, a day he should have been petitioning the heavens for financial blessings, and so, instead of negotiating a debt restructuring deal them, he opted to all altogether restructure their heads and faces using brutal fists, sticks and pan bricks.

With the help of his family, Hamweenda is said to have taken the two grown men through a savage and severe beating resulting in painful injuries.

Confused with the beating, the duo thought their feet would help them escape faster than driving on the Canter truck they had come with.

So, drenched in their own blood, mucus and tears, the two men jogged to Mazabuka Center Police where with re-aligned painful jaws narrated their brutal encounter with Hamweenda.

The worst casualty was Zulu, who sustained three deep cuts in the head along with a swollen finger while an entire chemist was required to minimise the pain inflicted on his body.

Kalomona sustained brusied face and also required also the help Rufedol to cure body pains.

Police categorised their case as Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm against Hamweenda and sent them to Mazabuka General Hospital for treatment.

With debtors gone, Hamweenda turned to the Canter truck and smashed its screen valued at K30,000.

Southern Province police commanding officer Moono Namalongo has confirmed the incident to Kalemba.

Kalemba August 14, 2023

1...791792793...1,127Page 792 of 1,127