Contact : Mark Simuuwe Position : UPND consultant Cell : 0977178383/0975 704808 Email: info@upnd.co.zm
M’MEMBE IS PLAYING DANGEROUS POLITICS ON VENDORS
July 20th, 2023
LUSAKA – Fred M’membe is a joker trying to take advantage and incite street vendors to rise against a legitimate elected Government.
While it is true that removing of street vendors from Lusaka’s central business district (CBD) can be seen to be painful, it has been done in good faith that many people will later appreciate.
It’s like squeezing a bowl, yes, it is very painful the moment it is being squeezed, but the end result is pain-free and brings joy to the person who was once in pain and the benefits are immense to say the least.
Interestingly, Socialist Party President Fred M’membe agrees that there is nothing wrong with keeping a clean, green and healthy environment, he has failed to appreciate that this can only be achieved when people are fighting law and order which the New Dawn Administration followed to remove the vendors.
Mr M’membe must be aware that President Hakainde Hichilema, who he is castigating has empathy and more humane than him in that he planned before taking action.
It is therefore, unacceptable that Mr. M’membe should lose sight and want to agitate Street vendors to gain political mileage over an issue that has been handled in a professional and very peaceful manner.
How can Mr M’membe, who has not provided any options to the vendor problem, be in the forefront condemning a solid decision made by government?
Mr M’membe should be aware that there is no relationship between poverty and dirty, he must also be aware that street vendors are marketeers who deserve a decent trading area.
If all vendors are in one place (in markets) investors will provide facilities such as pre-schools for marketeer’s children, clean toilets and better social amenities for them.
Unlawful Street vending is still unlawful and ba M’membe knows about this too well!
Mr M’membe should not seek popularity by twisting the mind of Street Vendors to suit his his shallow mindedness.
There is everything right in cleaning the city to foster development and get a more organized way of trading and doing business.
In case Mr M’membe doesn’t know, a shopping mall is a market. So, why should malls be very clean and common markets remains empty and dirty?
Clearly, Mr M’membe is myopic because he does not understand the UPND agenda to bring sanity in the informal business world by encouraging SMEs profitability and growth in a more systematic way.
The Socialist party leader who harbours illusions about Mr Hichilema is myopic and if he has empathy which he seems to be preaching now why did he fail to have empathy on his employees at the defunct ‘The Post Newspapers’, who were embarrassed at NAPSA Headquarters when they attempted to get NAPSA’s 20 percent partial pensions?
Where is his empathy, and humanity if Mr M’membe could eat alone the benefits of his employees, failing to remit them to NAPSA?
Mr M’membe has no mercy over the suffering former employees of the POST NEWSPAPER, his past has shown that this is a man without compassion, kindness and love for the poor suffering Zambians.
The capitalist in a socialist skin knows tow well that joining politics is the greatest mistake he has ever made.
I ALWAYS DREAMT OF PLAYING FOOTBALL AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL – GRACE CHANDA
Copper Queens Vice Captain Grace Chanda says it has been her dream to play football at a highest level.
Grace will miss the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to illness.
She writes;
Hello everyone, It is with a lot of pain and sadness that I am very sorry to announce to you all that I will not be playing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Back when I was a kid, I dreamt of playing football at the highest level.
I grew up in a supportive family that gave me all the support I needed, a family that did not hesitate to allow me to go for trials in Lusaka or any other place they needed to see my football skills. God allowing, I was lucky to have been part of the Zambia national u17 team that played at the 2014 Under 17 World Cup in Costa Rica.
It was there when I scored one of my major goals in my career, meeting a Barbra Banda cross to score the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Costa Rica. I remember this day like no other.
From 2014, I have worked so hard to be consistent in the national team, I have broken a lot of barriers to play football consistently since then, I have been on the pitch when we have been beaten, I have also been on the pitch when we have won big.
I play football with a lot of love and commitment, all thanks to my family, my fans, the clubs I have been to and everyone that has been around me.
We carried the hopes of millions of Zambians when we qualified to the World Cup and finished third at the Africa Cup last year, and I am very sure that we will do the same this year, but sadly not without me as I will miss the tournament after getting ill.
The last few days have been very difficult for me, having to be admitted to be hospital and missing out on preparing for the tournament I dreamt of playing but health comes first before anything.
I would like to thank the medical team in New Zealand and Zambia who have supported me throughout this very difficult period.
I am sharing this with everyone because I believe as vice-captain, I have a duty to support the team even through the pain.
My illness at the moment cannot allow me to play any further part at this tournament.
This is very painful but I guess this is part of human life and I have to turn my focus on recovering and cheering the team all the way.
As the Copper Queens, we have shown great improvements over the years and I have no doubt that this is our time for us to shine at the big stage like the World Cup, and I have no doubt that the team will fly high, fight till their last strength to represent Zambia and get the wins.
Zambia has today signed two Memoranda of understanding with the United Arab Emirates for mineral resource exploration between the two countries, as well as enhancement of support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The signing ceremony, held at State House, was presided over by President Hakainde Hichilema and visiting United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakboot AL Nahyan.
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Elias Mubanga signed the 15 million United States dollars Khalifa Fund for SMEs while Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe signed the MoU on mineral exploration.
President Hichilema urged the teams from Zambia and the United Arab Emirates to speed up the implementation of the agreements, emphasizing that the government is in a hurry to reconstruct the economy and improve delivery of key social services to the citizens.
He added that Zambia is particularly interested to collaborate with the UAE and learn from them how they have managed to attain development for their country, using their natural resource base, which he described as admirable.
The Head of State said as part of government’s transformation agenda, technology forms part of the drive towards development and that the UAE becomes a critical partner for the country.
And Sheikh Shakboot AL Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State for foreign Affairs said the UAE wants to deepen its relationship with Zambia by collaborating in many areas, while strengthening ties in an already existing relationship.
Sheikh AL NAHYAN says Zambia has been welcoming and the UAE is very comfortable to strengthen the relations.
Meanwhile, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Elias Mubanga said the 15 million United States dollars from the KHALIFA Fund will boost the capacity of SMEs to do business, especially small scale farmers.
Mr. Mubanga however observed that the ministry will need additional technical support to SMEs as his ministry plans to set up an incubation center for SMEs in the country.
And, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe promised that his ministry will move swiftly in implementing the agreements in the Minerals exploration MoU between Zambia and the UAE.
Mr. Kabuswe said the Ministry of Mines is currently implementing reforms to make the ministry’s operations more effective.
The MoUs are a product of the president’s visit to the UAE earlier this year.
The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has taken the decision to lift the ban imposed on Lawrence Njovu, the coach of Kitwe Playing Fields (KPF), from all rugby-related activities. However, the ZRU has also imposed a fine of K3,000 on him for his verbal abuse towards referee Richard Chipanda during a National Rugby League (NRL) match against Mufulira Leopards.
Last month, Njovu, along with three others, was banned by the ZRU for their misconduct towards officials. Mulimbika Mwale and Bright Chabu, who are players of KPF, were part of the ban, and Green Eagles’ Steven Mwansa also faced a ban for physically attacking referee Isaac Mulala during an NRL match against Red Arrows.
The ZRU statement mentioned that both Njovu and Mwale have been forgiven for their actions, but they will each have to pay a fine of K3,000. “The Zambia Rugby Union has fined Kitwe Playing Fields (KPF) head coach, Lawrence Njovu, and Mulimbika Mwale with a penalty amounting to K3,000 each for verbally attacking referee Richard Chipanda on May 27, 2023, at Leopard’s Cage in Mufulira,” the statement read.
Leopard secured a victory against KPF with a score of 32-18 in the NRL encounter.
As for Chabu, he has managed to escape punishment this time. However, the union has dealt a more substantial penalty to Steven Mwansa, who will have to pay twice the amount of Njovu and Mwale’s fines for his physical assault on referee Isaac Mulala during the NRL match between Green Eagles and Red Arrows in Kabwe on May 27, 2023. Arrows claimed a dominant victory of 33-3 in the Week Eight contest.
Additionally, the ZRU has fined KPF an amount of K5,000 for allowing Lawrence Njovu to sit on the bench during a league game against Red Arrows on June 17, 2023, while he was still under suspension.
“The Zambia Rugby Union has further fined the Playing Fields club K5,000 for allowing head coach Lawrence Njovu to sit on the KPF bench during a league game between Red Arrows and KPF on June 17, 2023, at Yotam Muleya Ground in Lusaka while he was on suspension,” the union stated.
In the week 11 fixture, Arrows emerged victorious with a score of 12-9 against KPF.
ZRU has provided the individuals involved with a 14-day period to pay the fines, failing which they will remain suspended from all rugby activities. The statement also warned that failure to make the payment within the specified time frame will lead to further disciplinary action against the offenders.
Analysis of Zambia’s 2022 financial statements – Part 3
By Andrew Chibuye
What does it all mean?
I have decided to go back to basics to provide an overview of how the financial performance of the government impacts citizens, the community and the country as a whole. Zambia is currently developing its budget for 2024 and so I’ll take some time to discuss a few basics that should hopefully help us understand the country’s finances better.
Ultimately, I hope that more of us will be able to participate in the process as a result of having a better understanding.
The way that a government generates then utilises resources is a critical element of any country’s economic and social well-being. The budget is the plan that outlines this.
That budget presentation answers the questions:
1. What are the country’s PRIORITIES?
2. What are the FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS of the outlined priorities?
3. To deliver on the priorities, HOW MUCH must be spent and ON WHAT?
4. HOW will the country RAISE THE RESOURCES needed to deliver? i.e… What policies or measures will help deliver what is required?
5. HOW will the shortfall be funded?
The reality is that many variables influence the successful implementation of any budget. There are factors within and outside the control of the country and its citizens.
So, what is the significance of the financial statements that were published?
As I’ve said, they tell us the story of how resources were raised and how these were spent.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN ANY ECONOMY
The reality is that no matter how economically prosperous any country is, a government’s spending patterns have a fundamental impact on that country.
DIRECT EFFECTS (EXAMPLES)
1. Jobs are created… Think about the 30,000 teachers and 11,000 health workers hired by Zambian government.
2. Infrastructure development… e.g., roads, schools, hospitals etc.
3. Social and community support and investment… Think CDF, Social Cash transfers etc.
4. Government service delivery… A very broad category which generally is costs incurred by the government to function for the service of citizens.
5. Economic stimulus and indicator changes… Government activity also directly contributes to economic outturn. Have you ever come across the term “Economic stimulus package(s)”? This is simply expenditure by the government aimed at directly driving economic activity.
INDIRECT EFFECTS
To a large extent, these are similar to the direct effects except that they occur through the activity of individuals and the private sector.
For example; the hiring workers by the government (direct effect) leads to more people who are getting paid and are then spending money in the economy buying various goods and services (indirect effect).
On Monday 24th, I’ll discuss the meaning and implications of outcomes such as budget surpluses and deficits and positive and negative variances etc.
LUNGU WILL TESTIFY THAT HE OWNS HIS CHILDREN’S PROPERTIES IN COURT, INSISTS FORMER PF SG MWILA
FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila says former president Edgar Lungu will testify that he owns the properties which his children possess.
In an interview, Mwila insisted that Dalitso cannot get his wealth from anywhere else besides his father.
“I say it again, where can Dalisto get the money from? People have to use their common sense that the money came from the father. Of course, he [Lungu] will be a witness that this is my money. I gave my money to my children. What are they going to do? Explain what? There are too many people who are richer than Lungu here in Zambia and people don’t talk about it. How old is Lungu? 66, 67 years.
How many years has he worked? More than 40 years. He has been a lawyer, he was working for ZCCM, he became an MP, he became a minister and he became a president. They don’t know that presidents get gifts from other presidents? Even in monetary form?” Mwila asked.
Mwila charged that President Hakainde Hichilema was not complying with the declaration of assets law.
“So the only thing the President can do is to declare the assets. People won’t know how much money he had when he entered into State House. When you’re MP or minister, you declare assets every year so that in future when they ask, they will be able to trace how you were moving in terms of wealth. As at now, no one knows.
The President is supposed to be declaring every year. It’s not once. So he was supposed to declare last year in January and this year, he is supposed to declare, until he leaves office. That’s what we used to do when we were members of parliament. We used to declare every year. So if you go to the Office of the Chief Justice, you will find all the documentation,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) acting director General Liya Tembo’s statement that freezing accounts is vital because without that, criminals will continue enjoying their lives even after serving jail time, Mwila said grabbing people’s property without understanding how they acquired it was unfair.
“If they know, they just have to go in and do whatever they want to do. Why should they start bringing the matters in public? They are not serious. They’ve been in government for two years. Why is it that they’ve not grabbed those properties if they’ve been stolen? We’ve been talking about the same things for two years. We have other things to do and we have to develop this country. This country has to change. If people have stolen, why can’t you arrest them and get their property?
You can see that they are not serious. And this thing of grabbing property without asking how someone acquired the wealth, it’s not good. That’s being unfair and it’s abuse of the law. If someone has property, you have to ask how they acquired it before grabbing the property so that he explains. But they are just grabbing property anyhow. They’ll find you with a bicycle and they will grab it, saying it is property suspected to be proceeds of crime. That’s abuse of the law,” he said.
“Those who’ve stolen can be crippled but how many times are they going to talk about these things? There must be justification if they want to grab property; someone should have stolen something. This is a country of laws. I am not saying that criminals must be left free. Those who’ve stolen must be investigated and if they discover that property was bought using stolen money, that’s when they seize. But it’s been two years and they don’t have anything else to do”.
Meanwhile, commenting on Tembo’s statement that there should be a limit to which individuals can engage in cash transactions in order to curb financial crimes in the country, Mwila said it’s up to government to change laws.
“That’s the responsibility of government, to bring up those laws. If they think that the current law is not helping the country, they should change. But if they just continue talking, people will be saying these are just talkative liars. Let them bring those laws. But they should know that the same laws that they are bringing, they’ll catch up with them. Those guys are enjoying the privileges of being in government but once they leave government, they will see how the law works,” said Mwila
Former Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Chilosha Lusambo says he is saddened by the manner in which the Kapalala Market in Ndola’s Masala Township has been reconstructed.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo last month commissioned the New Kapalala Market in Masala that is accommodating close to two thousand traders.
Speaking to Radio Icengelo News in Ndola, Mr. Lusambo said the Kapalala Market is too small in its current state to accommodate all traders in a bid to end street vending.
The former Lusaka Province Minister said the Ministry of Local Government and Ndola City Council have disregarded the original plan of Kapalala Market initiated during the reign of previous PF government.
Mr. Lusambo said the initial plan would have seen Kapalala Market have a police post, clinic, expanded ablution, pavers and shops.
“We intended to put up shops around Kapala Market. That is why President Edgar Lungu should sanction the release of funds for the Kapala Market Project after looking at the plan. The manner in which Kapalala Market has been built is not different from other common markets where people have run away to trade in the streets. We wanted all traders to be accommodated in the market but in its current state the market cannot even accommodate Salaula traders. How can a market have only trading stands? The Government should have over consulted before rushing to open the market,” Mr. Lusambo said.
He said in its current state the Kapalala Market was incomplete.
“The Ndola City Council has disappointed me because they had the original plan for Kapalala Market which has not been followed. There is no way you can rush to open a market that does not even have pavers, there is just dust all over and the rainy season is coming. Where will the beauty of the market be? The Kapalala Market is incomplete in its current state. Our plan has been disregarded. We wanted Kapalala to be a model of a market,” Mr. Lusambo said.
The Kapalala Market was gutted by fire in 2022 and 2017.
Photographing “killer” Cop with a firearm does not amount to a confession – Court rules
HIGH Court judge Egispo Mwansa has admitted into evidence the photographic album depicting slain prosecutor Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda’s alleged killer Fanwell Nyundu with an AK47 rifle during an identification exercise that was conducted to ascertain the specific weapon which was used to murder the two.
He said photographing the officer with a firearm during the identification of the weapon used in the extrajudicial killing of Nsama and Kaunda does not amount to an admission of guilt.
In this matter Nyundu in a checkered shirt is alleged to have shot dead Nsama and Kaunda on December 23, 2020 when he and other police officers attempted to disperse UPND members who had gathered in the vicinity of force headquarters to offer solidarity to President Hakainde Hichilema who was summoned by the police.
President Hichilema who was the leader of the opposition UPND then was being questioned over a farm he acquired in Kalomo Southern province many years ago.
The Court had conducted a trial within trial in Nyundu’s murder case after his lawyers prevented a forensic pathologist detective inspector Marcel Mulenga from submitting a photographic album into evidence, bordering on the identification of the firearm that was used in the killing.
Willis Muhanga who is representing Nyundu argued that the photographing of police officers with firearms amounted to a confession statement which was not voluntary.
State advocate Mukuma Chipawa called witnesses to prove that Nyundu and other officers did not give confession statements when they were photographed with firearms.
Among those who testified in the trial within trial is inspector Mulenga who narrated that while interviewing officers from the crack squad on January 3, 2021, he witnessed the officers identify the firearms they used on the fateful day.
He said photographs of each of the officers were taken with a paper describing their firearms attached to each gun.
Inspector Mulenga said the officers who were part of the crack squad are Chileshe Ng’andu, Lumayi Mukunga and Siwila Emmanuel that took part in identifying the firearms.
“Each officer identified the firearm that they used and they were photographed. The atmosphere was calm and not intimidatory,” said inspector Mulenga
In his testimony Nyundu said he received a call from Force headquarters and he was asked to go to interrogations over Nsama and Kaunda’s death.
He said he found his teammates from crack squad at force headquarters who were equally being interviewed.
Nyundu disclosed that when it was his turn he entered into a room which was occupied by six senior police officers, who introduced themselves and one of them explained the purpose of the meeting.
The accused said he was not comfortable during the said exercise as he was not warned and cautioned.
Nyundu said he was later taken to identify the firearm and he collected the only AK-47 rifle that was available in the room and it was not the correct gun which was in his possession during the shooting incident.
He indicated that he protested when he was given a wrong weapon as it was not one he used on the fateful date, but did not protest being photographed.
In his ruling judge Mwansa said it was established that the actual firearm used in the extrajudicial Killing of Nsama and Kaunda was not known.
He said it was also noted that a number of firearms were not individually signed for during the fateful operation and on January 3, 2021 a lot of officers were interviewed in relation to the deaths and Nyundu was part of them.
Judge Mwansa said there was no express confession recorded from any of the officers even though they were not warned and cautioned.
“In order for an action to be considered a confession it must be a clear and unequivocal admission of guilt,” he said.
“Confessions typically involve a person explicitly admitting to commiting a crime. Confession can be used as evidence in a criminal trial but must be obtained properly.”
Judge Mwansa ruled that there is no explicit admission by Nyundu and capturing him with the firearm in question does not amount to a confession.
“There is no need for this Court to resolve the issue of whether the confession statement was voluntary because the facts do not disclose that there was a confession statement,” he guided.
He said from the evidence adduced in the trial within trial he had failed to establish what actions were being contested that amounted to a confession.
“The accused and all other officers were simply being asked ordinary questions. No one was a suspect then and no one was apprehended. It is no-wonder there was no confession. The photographs are hereby admitted in evidence,” said judge Mwansa.
He adjourned the Matter to August 4, 2023 for continued trial.
Employment Opportunities: It is expected that over 8000 employment opportunities are earmarked to be created by 2024. This figure is in stark contrast to the 2000 employees contracted.
Operating at full capacity, KCM has the potential to create more than 15000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Worthy of note is that Vedanta Resources Zambia has pledged to invest over 1billion USD in mine development and recapitalization, which deems the target of 8000 employees by 2024 as plausible.
Business Opportunities: As Vedanta Resources returns, the company must demonstrate a commitment to supporting local suppliers and contractors so as to promote local trade and commerce. We also expect the government to take a keen interest in ensuring Vedanta Resources adheres to its pledge to support local businesses.
Commerce and Trade : We expect exponential growth in commercial activity, most particularly on the copperbelt. This is being attributed to the expected increase in liquidity as a result of the business opportunities that will be offered by KCM.
Foreign Earnings : Mining is our largest foreign currency earner and accounts for up to 80% of our GDP. This follows that foreign earnings will tremendously increase as a result of the expected increase in copper production and exports.
Coporate Social Responsibility: Vedanta Resources has pledged an investment of over $20 Million in corporate social responsibility programs, that will focus on critical sectors such as agriculture, educational scholarships, health and sports development. This development is a game changer for Copperbelt communities where KCM operates.
3 Million Metric Tonnes Copper Production Target by 2031: The only way for Zambia to achieve the 3million metric tonnes target is to ensure KCM is operating at its optimum level. KCM has the potential to contribute well over 500 000 metric tonnes towards the target per annum.
Mining Sector Development: Our vision as ANDD is to have indeginous Zambians fully operating and managing mines, that journey starts now and is achievable through strategic partnerships with foreign investors who have the technical expertise, knowledge, skills, technology and financial capacity. The objective is to ensure capacity building and skills transfer.
Vedanta Resources: Vedanta Resources is a global mining giant. Its the sixth largest global natural exploration firm. It has a strong technical and financial capacity to operate KCM efficiently whilst effectively contributing to our national development.
Vedanta Resources has shown resilience and commitment to revamp KCM not just to make profit but also to contribute to our national development.
Our appeal to Zambians and stakeholders is that let us support and welcome Vedanta Resources with two hands and work together to help in revamping KCM as it is our national strategic investment asset. It will not just take Vedanta alone to revamp KCM but the collective hardwork and efforts of every Zambian.
Advocates for National Development and Democracy Executive Director Samuel Banda
The Ruthless Grip: Poverty and Corruption in Zambia
By Dr Mwelwa
The recent Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) report on corruption in Zambia paints a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and its subsequent impact on corrupt practices. It reveals a stark reality that cannot be ignored – poverty serves as a breeding ground for corruption, with its tendrils entwined in every facet of society.
When individuals are struggling to make ends meet, unable to provide for their families, corruption becomes an enticing solution. Desperation leads them down a treacherous path, where they are enticed by the promise of financial gain in exchange for turning a blind eye or actively participating in corrupt acts. It is a vicious cycle that perpetuates itself, with the poor being forced to succumb to corruption for survival while the corrupt elites exploit their vulnerability to amass wealth.
The FIC report serves as a testament to this ruthless cycle. It highlights not only the extent of corruption but also its intricate web that engulfs every level of society. From government officials embezzling public funds to businessmen engaging in fraudulent activities, corruption knows no boundaries, preying on the weak and vulnerable.
In a country where poverty is widespread, access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and decent housing becomes a luxury. The lack of proper governance, coupled with a dearth of resources, allows corruption to flourish unchecked. Public officials tasked with ensuring the welfare of the people find themselves succumbing to greed, diverting funds meant for development into their own pockets. As poverty deepens, so does corruption, further exacerbating the disparity between the rich and the poor.
It is crucial to understand that poverty is not merely a consequence of corruption but also a catalyst for its existence. The inability to escape the clutches of poverty drives individuals to engage in corrupt activities as a means to achieve financial stability. They witness the lavish lifestyles led by the corrupt elites, and in their desperation, resort to unethical means to bridge the gap between their dire circumstances and a more prosperous life.
Breaking free from this cycle requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both poverty and corruption simultaneously. The government must prioritize poverty eradication through the implementation of sustainable development programs that provide equal opportunities for all citizens. Investments in education, job creation, and social welfare are crucial to breaking the chains of poverty and reducing the vulnerability of individuals to corruption.
Additionally, a robust legal framework and an independent judiciary are essential to combat corruption effectively. Laws must be strengthened, loopholes closed, and accountability upheld. It is imperative that individuals engaged in corrupt practices are not only identified but also held accountable for their actions. This will restore faith in the justice system and serve as a deterrent for future would-be corrupt individuals.
However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the government. Civil society, the media, and the public must actively participate in the fight against corruption. The FIC report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the necessity for collective action. Citizens should not be complacent or passive observers but instead demand transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior from their leaders.
The path ahead may be arduous, but it is not insurmountable. There is hope in the resilience and determination of the Zambian people to break free from the shackles of corruption and poverty. By addressing the root causes and firmly committing to a future of transparency and fairness, Zambia can rise above its current predicament. Only then can its citizens dream of a future where corruption and poverty are but memories of a darker time.
OPPOSITION Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of availing an unanalysable voters roll with small fonts and several anomalies.
ZEC released the voters’ roll last week after months of complaints by political parties over the delay which they alleged was a ploy to manipulate the data.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare, Wednesday, CCC deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga questioned the roll’s credibility.
She said the document provided by ZEC is in a complex format making it difficult to read the data.
According to Section 21 of the Electoral Act, where a voters roll is provided in electronic form in terms of subsection (3), (4) or (6), its format shall be such as allows its contents to be searched and analysed.
“There is an emphasis on the analysability and searchability of the voters’ roll. Upon receipt of the national voter’s roll for our presidential candidate as CCC we were shocked that the voter’s roll was in PDF format,” Shiriyedenga said.
“As you are aware the PDF format is an output format intended for reading purposes only there is no way you can analyse using PDF, even the searching function is limited.”
According to Shiriyedenga, the PDF format does not allow for a comprehensive search.
“In that regard being a PDF format, what it means that as candidates, for example you are a candidate for ward 18 in Harare, from the national vote’s roll you cannot ascertain the registered voters in that particular ward.
“Even if you want to analyse specific demographics like a specific age group, for example the youth age group 18 to 35 year-olds at a particular constituency or ward, you cannot do that because of the restrictions of that particular file.”
Further, Shiriyedenga said the voter’s roll was unprintable.
“What it means, remember when people do their door-to-door canvassing they will prefer moving around with copies of the voters’ roll, so that people are able to tick whenever they approach people but that is not possible because the voters’ roll is not in a printable format.
“What it means at this stage is you can only view the voter’s roll from a computer or possibly a phone but then because of the huge data there the font becomes too small. So one has to strain his or her eyes.”
She added that the party had already written to ZEC raising the aforementioned issues.
“That is the concern we have so far raised with ZEC in our letter we wrote to them on July 14, to say we have noted a breach in terms of Section 21 subsection 7 of the Electoral Act which speaks to the analysability of the voter’s roll.
“We have since requested ZEC to give us the proper copies of the voters roll in an analysable format, be it the Excel format which they used to give us or even Microsoft access and we will be able to analyse it on that basis.”
Zimbabwe, represented by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava, yesterday briefed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the country’s preparedness for the forthcoming harmonized elections scheduled for August 23. Minister Shava, leading a Zimbabwean delegation at SADC’s 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee for the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, pledged that Zimbabwe would hold free, fair, and credible polls.
During his address to colleagues, Minister Shava emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to peaceful, credible, and transparent elections as fundamental to maintaining strong and vibrant democratic institutions. He reiterated that Zimbabwe, as a member of the international community and SADC, adheres to global, continental, and regional best practices in conducting elections.
Zimbabwe recently welcomed a SADC Electoral Advisory Council goodwill electoral advisory mission, which conducted an election pre-assessment. Minister Shava informed the ministerial meeting that the country had received a report from the assessment mission. Taking into account the findings and the overall calm in the security and political environment, SADC decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission.
Formal requests have been made to SADC to witness the upcoming elections, and invitations have been extended to numerous international observers, organizations, and domestic observers to witness Zimbabwe’s electoral processes.
The 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee, chaired by Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, commenced yesterday and will conclude today. The meeting is a significant step in addressing peace, security, and political relations within the SADC region.
Deputy PM Nandi-Ndaitwah, as the chairperson of the Meeting of the Ministerial Committee and with Namibia leading the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, stressed the crucial role of peace, security, and stability in fostering regional cooperation and integration.
Before the Ministerial Meeting, a Senior Officials Meeting was held from July 17 to 19 to lay the groundwork for the discussions during the 25th session.
During the meeting, trafficking in persons in the region will be one of the key topics of discussion. Deputy PM Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the importance of reinforcing legal provisions, enhancing capacity, and raising awareness to effectively combat this phenomenon.
The Ministerial Meeting is also expected to approve an instrument aimed at strengthening regional integration in the area of immigration. The status of ratifications of the Protocol on the Facilitation of the Movement of Persons in the SADC Region (2005) will be considered, with member states encouraged to sign and ratify the protocol to maximize the benefits of regional integration.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi stated that the meeting would receive updates and progress reports on the organ’s efforts to consolidate peace, democracy, and good governance in the region. These discussions and exchanges of information are pivotal in advancing SADC’s objectives of fostering stability and cooperation among member states.
As the Ministerial session continues, participants are focused on advancing regional peace and cooperation, creating an environment conducive to sustainable development, and strengthening ties among SADC member countries. The meeting serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and actions that will shape the future trajectory of the region.
According to Article 5 of the SADC Protocol of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, the Ministerial Committee of the Organ consists of ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Public Security, and State Security from all SADC member states. The committee is tasked with coordinating the work of the SADC Organ in promoting peace and security in the region, as peace, security, and political relations are fundamental to fostering SADC regional cooperation and integration.
Four Zimbabwean men accused of terrorising the community met their untimely demise in Setjwetla, Alexandra township South Africa when they were doused with gasoline and burnt to death on Tuesday night. The men were taken from their shacks by the angry community members who meted out instant justice.
Efforts by Bramely police to rescue the suspects were in vain as the community pelted them with stones forcing them to retract and call for backup.By the time they came back with backup, it was too late for the four men. They had already been burnt to ashes and the community members had left the scene.
Head of street patrollers Emmanuel Ramahlo said he received information of the alleged criminals being assaulted by Gatvol community members at around 10 pm on Tuesday night.
“Patrollers tried to take the men away from the mphakathi but the community members were very angry.”They took them away from the patrollers and assaulted them before burning them alive,” he said.
He said Setjwetla has been experiencing a wave of serious crime including murder, rape, armed robbery and assault GBV.He said the men who are thought to be the victims of the attacks, were monitored and on Tuesday night, patrollers raided one of their shacks.
“They found two firearms and equipment suspected to be used to break into people’s houses,” said the patroller.”The first two men were apprehended, beaten, and asked to point out their partners in crime. Two more men were apprehended after they were identified by the first two.”
All four men were taken alongside the busy Vasco Da Gama Road where they were burned after being severely assaulted. Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incident.
Colonel Nevhuhulwi said “It is reported that on 18 July 2023 at about 8.30 pm, the police received a complaint of a murder in progress at Setjwetla in Bramley policing area.
“Upon arrival, the members found a group of people, who pelted police with stones and refused to allow them near the scene. Back-up was called and that is when the group dispersed and police discovered that four men had been burned to death.”The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear at this stage and no one has been arrested,” she said.
The Scrolla.Africa team reported that a street vendor Adelia Makhwiyana was busy cleaning the ashes when they arrived on the scene.. Blood stains were seen on the ground.Adelia, who sells fruits and vegetables, said the incident happened after she had already knocked off.
“It is traumatising that people died next to my stall. I had to clean so that I could continue working. I don’t have anywhere else to work from,” she said.
Police and the Gauteng crime warden also visited the crime briefly. Setjwetla informal settlement has been in the news recently where street patrollers have been ambushed and some killed.In May this year, shots were fired at five patrollers and two lost their lives.
A man who endeavored to cry for 100 hours reported that he became temporarily blind.
The attempt to surpass the record is among the surge of videos that has swept Nigeria.
The ‘town cryer’ promoted his efforts on TikTok and received millions of views.
A Nigerian man who cried for an entire week revealed that he became temporarily blind.
Tembu Ebere endured headaches, puffy eyes, and a swollen visage as a result of his nonstop ‘cry-a-thon’, which was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record.
However, according to the BBC, he went partially blind for 45 minutes.
Ebere, who claims to be a comedian, advertised his work on TikTok and, using the username @237_towncryer, told his followers, “Send me your problems, and I will cry for you.”
The man claimed he went temporarily unconscious during a ‘cry-a-thon’ attempt for the Guinness World Record; while promoting his efforts on TikTok, he sat next to a live timer that read 2 hours and seven minutes plus six
Tembu Ebere of Nigeria reported experiencing migraines, puffy eyes, a swollen face, and 45 minutes of temporary blindness.
Since its upload under the username @237_towncryer, the video has amassed 5.3 million views. TikTokers applaud his effort.
He sat sobbing and clutching his head next to a real-time clock that read 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Ebere’s video has received 5.3 million views from bewildered TikTokers around the world, with some even applauding him. One said, ‘Go buddy, you can do it.’
Others joked, “I’ve probably cried longer,” and “No, I still hold that record.”
The ‘town crier’ told the BBC: ‘I had to change my strategy and reduce my wailing,’ adding that he was determined to sob his way to his objective.
The BBC did not disclose the cause of his temporary blindness. However, the sensation can be caused by migraines and an increase in intraocular pressure.
Despite the difficulties he has encountered, he allegedly has not formally applied to Guinness World Records, so his attempt will not be recognized.
Despite posting on social media that it was an official attempt, this is the case.
The official records site in Nigeria has witnessed a flurry of record-breaking attempts, spurred by a chef’s four-day cooking marathon that gained widespread attention.
Hilda Baci’s endeavor to cook continuously for 100 hours attracted so much attention that the Guinness World Records website crashed for two days.
As she worked to ‘place Nigerian cuisine on the map,’ the public, celebrities, and Nigeria’s vice president applauded her efforts.
Hilda Baci’s endeavor to cook continuously for 100 hours in Nigeria sparked a record-breaking frenzy.
In Nigeria, Hilda Baci ignited a record-breaking frenzy when she attempted to cook continuously for 100 hours.
She accomplished 93 hours, surpassing the previous cook-a-thon in India in 2019, and garnered worldwide attention.
She accomplished 93 hours, surpassing the previous cook-a-thon in India in 2019, and garnered worldwide attention.
The 26-year-old’s time of 93 hours and 11 minutes surpassed the 2019 record established in India for a cooking marathon.
People participated in kiss-a-thons, sing-a-thons, and prayer-a-thons as a result of her accomplishments.
John Obot, a Nigerian educator, told the BBC in September 2023 that he would endeavor to spend 140 hours reading classic literature aloud.
He stated that he chose a meaningful record for the purpose of promoting reading culture in Nigeria.
Other endeavors have been met with opposition for being offensive. A proposed world record attempt for kissing was prohibited in the state of Ekiti, and organizers were threatened with prison time if the event went forward.
A statement from the culture ministry stated, “[The] ‘kiss-a-thon’ as an event is not only absurd, immoral, and unhealthy, but also capable of degrading the image of Ekiti.”
During the live broadcast, a masseuse who was undertaking a 72-hour massage-a-thon fainted. The young woman lasted 53 hours before collapsing on her client and having to be revived by her assistant.
Guinness World Records has advised record-breaker hopefuls to exercise caution and communicate with the organization or risk being disqualified.
The organization posted on social media, “Please, enough with the record-a-thons.”
Some Nigerians questioned whether the record organization was “tired” of their country, prompting the organization to state that it welcomed “applications from all over the world.”
Purity Mhlanga, a 51-year-old woman, experienced a shocking turn of events when she discovered her husband, Jim Mhlanga, in bed with his alleged girlfriend, Tamari Chawara (49). As Purity confronted the couple at Chawara’s residence, the situation escalated, resulting in Purity being assaulted by Chawara.
The incident unfolded on October 29th of last year at approximately 8 PM. Purity had received information regarding her husband’s suspected extramarital affair with Chawara and decided to investigate. Acting on the tip-off, she hurried to Chawara’s homestead, where she found Jim and Chawara together in an intimate setting.
Emotions ran high as Purity confronted Chawara, accusing her of luring away her husband. However, instead of engaging in a civil discussion, Chawara responded with violence. Enraged, Chawara assaulted Purity with a stick, striking her twice on the back and once on the forehead. The forceful blow to Purity’s forehead resulted in a deep cut.
Following the assault, Purity promptly reported the incident to the local authorities, leading to Chawara’s subsequent arrest. Chawara appeared before Concession magistrate Joshua Nembaware to face charges of assault.
During the court proceedings, Chawara pleaded guilty to the assault charges. As a widow responsible for ten children, Chawara appealed for mercy, emphasizing her challenging circumstances. She claimed that she had acted in self-defense, mistaking Purity for a thief when she arrived unannounced at her house late at night.
Magistrate Joshua Nembaware deliberated on the case and handed down a sentence. Chawara was sentenced to six months imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for a period of five years. However, the suspension came with a condition: Chawara must not commit any offense involving assault during that period. Failure to comply with this condition would result in immediate imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The incident serves as a reminder of the emotional turmoil and potential consequences that can arise from extramarital affairs. While emotions understandably ran high, resorting to violence is never an acceptable solution. The court’s decision highlights the importance of peaceful resolution and serves as a reminder that assaulting others carries serious legal consequences.
Purity Mhlanga’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the complexities and painful repercussions that can result from infidelity within relationships.
Namibian lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation to ban same-sex marriage and punish its supporters, in what critics said was an unconstitutional attack on the LGBTQ community.
The bill seeks to reverse a Supreme Court ruling that allowed for the recognition of some unions contracted abroad.
The legislation sailed through the upper house of parliament, encountering no opposition.
“The family union is between man and woman and that must be respected,” Elder Filipe, a lawmaker with the ruling SWAPO party, told parliament.
“God created man with an anus for exit only, and transforming it into an exit-entry is extremely (immoral),” he said.
The law redefines “marriage” as the union “between persons of the opposite sex” and “spouse” as “one half of a legal union between a genetically born man and genetically born woman”.
It states that same-sex marriages contracted abroad are not to be recognised in the country.
It also makes celebrating, witnessing, promoting or propagating such wedlock a criminal offence punishable with up to six years in jail and fines of up to 100,000 Namibian dollars ($5,500).
“This feels like a direct attack on the LGBTQ community,” LGBTQ rights activist Zindri Swartz told AFP. “It is a gross violation of our dignity and humanity.”
Gay sex is banned in Namibia under a rarely-enforced 1927 sodomy law.
But the southern African country has seen a flurry of court cases on the rights of same-sex couples to marry, become parents and immigrate in recent years.
In May, the Supreme Court said that same-sex marriages contracted abroad between Namibian citizens and foreign spouses should be recognised.
The ruling enraged social conservatives in the sparsely populated, largely Christian country, a popular tourist destination rich in wildlife and natural attractions.
But legal experts and opposition politicians have cautioned that by directly contradicting a Supreme Court ruling the new law might be unconstitutional — and challenge the democratic foundations of the country.
“I have not seen bills written deliberately contradict judgments,” said opposition leader McHenry Venaani. “I am not sure it would pass the test of constitutionality.”
Inna Hengari, a lawmaker with Venaani’s Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) party said in earlier parliamentary debates that the broadly worded legislation needed to be better defined or it risked leading to “unfair and unwarranted prosecutions”.
Other opposition lawmakers have expressed support for the law, which has to travel back to the lower house of parliament and be signed by President Hage Geingob before entering into force.
An upsetting video that surfaced on social media depicting two women being forced to walk naked by a baying mob in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur aroused outrage and prompted the nation’s leader Narendra Modi to speak out about the area’s protracted sectarian war.
According to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the viral video shows an event that happened on May 4. However, police didn’t make any arrests until this week, after the video had already gone viral.
On Wednesday, Manipur Police called the event “a case of abduction, gang rape, and murder” on Twitter.
Officials said Thursday that four people have been arrested and that police raids are ongoing. Authorities are interrogating more than three dozen men in relation to the apparent sexual assault, Reuters reported.
The video, which has been seen by CNN, shows two terrified women being forced to walk naked through a crowd of clothed men. The victims appear to be being groped and sexually assaulted while surrounded by a mob of men, many brandishing long canes or sticks as weapons.
The horrific footage emerged amid ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern Indian state.
Modi addressed the situation in the state for the first time on Thursday, saying: “My heart is filled with grief and anger. The incident in Manipur is shameful for any civil society.”
“What happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” Modi continued, adding the “law will take its course with all its might.”
The Upper House of Parliament was adjourned minutes into reconvening after opposition MPs sparked an outcry over the refusal to discuss the issue of Manipur.
The ITLF issued a statement on Wednesday, writing: “A video which went viral today shows a large Meitei mob parading two Kuki-Zo tribal women naked toward a paddy field to be gang-raped.”
The statement continued saying the “despicable incident” took place in B. Phainom village in Kangpokpi district and “shows the men constantly molesting the helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors.”
In recent months, Manipur has grappled with violence. Clashes broke out in the state capital Imphal on May 3 after thousands of students, mostly from the Kuki tribe, took part in a rally against the majority Meitei ethnic community, who have petitioned for special tribal status. Among other things, tribal status would enable the Meitei to buy land and provide more opportunities for government jobs.
Over 100 people have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced since then.
The incident on May 4 occurred after the women’s village was burnt down and two men were beaten to death, according to the ITLF.
India’s main opposition Congress party has been a vehement critic towards Modi’s handling of the issue, with the party’s president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeting Thursday, before the opening of Parliament: “Humanity has died in Manipur. Modi Govt and the BJP has changed democracy and the rule of law into Mobocracy by destroying the delicate social fabric of the state.”
Tagging Modi, his tweet continued: “India will never forgive your silence. If there is any conscience or an iota of shame left in your government, then you should speak about Manipur in the Parliament and tell the nation on what happened, without blaming others for your dual incompetence – both at the Centre and the State.”
Soon after, the state’s chief minister, N. Biren Singh, tweeted that an arrest had been made.
“After taking a Suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning,” he wrote. Suo-moto cognisance is a procedure in Indian law allowing the court to take action in a case without a complaint being filed.
He added that “a thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society.”
Manipur police later said that it had made three more arrests of people accused “of the heinous crime of abduction and gang rape.”
The Indian government has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video, a source familiar with the matter told CNN Thursday, adding it is “imperative for social media platforms to adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation.”
After nearly ten years of military-backed government, Thailand’s parliament on Wednesday vetoed Pita Limjaroenrat’s nomination for prime minister, dealing a setback to his progressive opposition party.
The house speaker said that, of the 715 members of parliament present, 395 voted to reject the second nomination, 312 voted in favour of it, eight abstained, and Pita himself did not participate in the vote.
Following a complaint from the Election Commission against the Move Forward Party leader accusing him of breaking election regulations for allegedly owning interests in a media company, the country’s constitutional court temporarily barred him from his position as a lawmaker.
Pita has denied he broke election rules and previously accused the Election Commission of rushing the case to court.
Move Forward Party had pledged deep structural reforms to how the Southeast Asian country of more than 70 million people is run: changes to the military, the economy, the decentralization of power and even reforms to the previously untouchable monarchy.
The May election, which saw a record turnout, delivered a powerful rebuke to the military-backed establishment that has ruled Thailand since 2014, when then-army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha seized power in a coup.
Pita Limjaroenrat spoke to CNN after winning national elections this May
The court and parliament’s decision will likely add fuel to the fire of Move Forward’s young support base, with the potential for mass street protests.
The party’s platform for change proved enormously popular with the party winning by far the largest share of seats.
A group of opposition parties then formed a coalition aimed at forming a majority government and put forward Pita as a prime minister candidate. Pita, a 42-year-old Harvard alumni, called the coalition “the voice of hope and the voice of change” and said all parties had agreed to support him as the next prime minister of Thailand.
Last week Pita failed to failed to secure enough parliamentary votes to become prime minister in a political system that was created by the previous junta and heavily favors the royalist, conservative establishment that has long held the levers of power in Thailand.
In Thailand, a party or coalition needs to win a majority of 375 seats in both lower and upper houses of parliament – currently 749 seats – to elect a prime minister and form a government.
But the conservative establishment has a head start. The unelected 250-member Senate was appointed by the military under a post-coup constitution and has previously voted for a pro-military candidates.
Pita received just 324 votes out of the 376 needed for a majority and the kingdom is still without a prime minister as the political jostling continues.
He addressed parliament on Wednesday to bid “farewell,” while the investigation is underway.
“Due to the Constitutional Court has ordered me to temporarily suspend my duty, I would like to use this opportunity to bid my farewell to Mr. Speaker, until we meet again,” Pita said in parliament.
“I would ask my fellow members to continue using the parliamentary system to take care of the people. I think Thailand has already changed and won’t turn back since May 14. The people have already come halfway, for another half even though I can’t perform my duty, I would ask my fellow members to continue taking care of the people.”
The court ruling now threatens his status as a lawmaker.
Thailand’s powerful conservative establishment – a nexus of the military, monarchy and influential elites – has a history of blocking fundamental changes to the status quo.
Over the last two decades Thailand’s Constitutional Court has repeatedly ruled in favor of the establishment, dissolving several parties that had challenged the political elite.
The military also has a long track record of toppling democratically elected governments and seizing power during moments of instability.
Thailand has witnessed a dozen successful coups since 1932, including two in the past 17 years.
On Friday, voters in two parliamentary elections rejected the party of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, dealing a serious political blow to the embattled leader.
In Selby and Ainsty, a region in the north of England where Sunak’s party had held a dominating majority, the Conservative Party fell short of victory against the resurgent Labour Party.
The Liberal Democrats, a moderate party, won Somerton and Frome, a second seat.
The Conservatives just managed to hold on to a third seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, the constituency held by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson until his resignation from parliament last month, although Labour significantly grew its share of the vote.
The results will put Sunak’s leadership under pressure, and suggest his government is on course for an electoral defeat at the next general election, expected next year.
Sunak has struggled to reverse the Conservatives’ plummeting fortunes in the nine months he has held office; a series of scandals, a stuttering economy and a decline in Britain’s public services have left his party deeply unpopular.
But the results indicate that the opposition Labour Party, which under the leadership of Keir Starmer is on course to clinch power when Sunak calls a general election.
By law, a general election must take place by January 2025. Most observers think Sunak will call it in the fall of 2024, if not before, to avoid trying to persuade voters to cast their ballots in the middle of winter.
Thursday’s three by-elections provided the sternest mid-term test yet for Sunak, who took power after Liz Truss’s shambolic six-week premiership last fall.
The ruling Conservatives survived a scare in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where Labour was hoping to claim the seat Boris Johnson had held for eight years. Conservative Party’s candidate Steve Tuckwell won 45.16% of the vote there, according to Britain’s Press Association (PA).
Johnson quit in anger after a committee of fellow lawmakers found that he had lied to Parliament over “Partygate,” the scandal of lockdown-era parties in his government that tanked his popularity and contributed to his political downfall.
But in Selby, in the north of England, Labour overturned a huge deficit to win the seat with 46% of the votes, according to PA.
Both seats were viewed as the kind of regions that Labour needs to be targeting if it is to have a hope of claiming a parliamentary majority at the next election.
Both those votes were triggered after a committee of lawmakers found Johnson lied to Parliament, in a damning and unprecedented verdict against a former Prime Minister. Johnson was set to be suspended from Parliament for 90 days, but avoided that penalty by resigning instead.
Nigel Adams, the former Conservative lawmaker for Selby and a close ally of Johnson’s, quit hours later in an apparent move of solidarity.
Adding to the Conservatives’ woes was a thumping loss in Somerton and Frome, an affluent area in south-west England, to the Liberal Democrats which won nearly 55% of votes. The centrist party has been picking up former Conservative support in the so-called “Blue Wall,” a well-off portion of southern England that typically opposed Brexit.
The results amount to a significant rejection of Sunak’s Conservative Party, which has been in power for 13 years and has seen its opinion poll ratings nosedive towards the end of Johnson’s tenure, and since.
Sunak will now look to steady his leadership and fight off any growing murmurs of a challenge within his party.
But time is running out for him to reverse his government’s fortunes. A cost of living crisis, creaking public services, stubbornly high inflation and an endless list of Tory scandals have turned opinion firmly against his bloc, and intensified calls by buoyant opposition parties for an early general election.
The former president Donald Trump was found guilty of sexually assaulting and defaming author E Jean Carroll, and he unsuccessfully sought a new trial.
Trump’s attorneys failed to demonstrate that the decision in his civil trial in May was a “seriously erroneous result,” according to US District Judge Lewis Kaplan.
The former president intends to appeal the case once more, according to his attorneys.
Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a Bergdorf Goodman changing room in Manhattan in the 1990s in 2019.
Although the statute of limitations passed for Carroll to press criminal charges, she sued Trump under New York’s Adult Survivors Law in 2022.
A jury found Trump liable for sexual assault, battery, and defamation, but did not find him liable for rape.
The jury rewarded Carroll about $3million in damages for the defamation charge, and about $2million for sexual battery.
Trump’s attorneys tried to argue that the $2million sum was ‘excessive’ because he was ultimately found not liable for rape.
‘Such abuse could have included groping of the Plaintiff’s breasts through clothing or similar conduct, which is a far cry from rape,’ Trump’s lawyer Joe Tacopino told the court.
In ruling against the retrial, Judge Kaplan explicitly rejected Tacopino’s comparison.
‘This jury did not award Ms Carroll more than $2 million for groping her breasts through her clothing, wrongful as that might have been,’ Kaplan wrote in his decision.
He continued: ‘there was no evidence at all of such behavior. Instead, the proof convincingly established, and the jury implicitly found, that Mr Trump deliberately and forcibly penetrated Ms. Carroll’s vagina with his fingers, causing immediate pain and long lasting emotional and psychological harm.’
Judge Kaplan rejected the arguments, stating that that the jury only found him not liable based on the New York penal code’s narrow definition of rape.
According to Kaplan, the jury did find him liable for actions that would fall under the ‘common’ understanding of the word ‘rape.’
‘Mr Trump’s argument therefore ignores the bulk of the evidence at trial, misinterprets the jury’s verdict, and (ignored) evidence of what actually occurred between Ms Carroll and Mr Trump,’ he wrote.
A former girlfriend of a previous Spanish king has claimed before a judge in London that she was the target of a “sinister” plot by a “particularly ruthless” guy.
Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, a 58-year-old Danish businesswoman, has accused Juan Carlos of harassing her and filed a claim for damages in excess of £126 million, claiming the alleged harassment has had a “catastrophic” effect on her life.
In the case, Ms. zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn accuses the former king of harassing her, which she alleges caused her “great mental pain.”
epa10754034 German-born Danish entrepreneur Corinna Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn departs the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, 18 July 2023. Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn is accusing the former Spanish King Juan Carlos of harassment and is seeking damages. EPA/NEIL HALL Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn says Juan Carlos caused her ‘great mental pain’ by harassing her (Picture: EPA) Mr Carlos has denied the allegations.
Legal proceedings are currently underway at the Royal Courts of Justice complex in central London, presided over by Mrs. Justice Collins Rice.
Lawyers representing Juan Carlos have requested the dismissal of Ms. zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn’s claim, who insists that the case should proceed.
Jonathan Caplan KC, leading Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn’s legal team, said his client had described the former king as ‘exceptionally ruthless’ in a witness statement.
Mr Caplan said Juan Carlos had begun a ‘sinister campaign to control her’ and argued that a trial is inevitable due to the substantial factual disputes between the parties involved.
‘There are a series of substantial issues of fact here between the parties,’ he told the judge.
‘They cannot be decided without hearing evidence.’
He added: ‘The applications by the defendant are misconceived.’
Meanwhile, barrister Adam Wolanski KC, representing Juan Carlos, told the judge that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn’s case had ‘no realistic’ prospect of success and that his client emphatically denies any harassment allegations.
A number of other judges have overseen earlier hearings in the litigation.
Ms. zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, a Danish national, resided in Monaco from 2008 to 2019 and currently has homes in London and Shropshire.
Mr. Wolanski also seeks a ruling from Mrs. Justice Collins Rice stating that English judges have ‘no jurisdiction’ to consider certain allegations.
Judges have been told that Juan Carlos ruled from 1975 until his abdication in 2014 and the succession of his son, King Felipe VI.
Notably, Juan Carlos won a previous round of the case when the Court of Appeal judges in London concluded that pre-abdication conduct was outside the jurisdiction of English courts.
However, this ruling does not affect claims made by Ms. zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn regarding Juan Carlos’s behavior after his abdication in December.
The High Court hearing is expected to conclude later this week as the legal battle between the two parties continues.
CHILANGWA, CHITOTELA CASE, COURT GOES TO CRIME SCENE
The Kawambwa Magistrate Court will today shift to the crime scene and Musungu village where Ronald Chitotela was when the incident of the offences he is charged with happened.
This is in a matter that came up for commencement of defence yesterday in which Mr. Chitotela and Nickson Chilangwa with five others are charged with six counts committed on August 12, 2023.
The decision for the court to move to the scene of crime follows an application by the defence lawyer, Benjamin Mwelwa that the court moves to the two places to determine the distance between the places called Musungu and where the crime was committed.
When the matter came up for commencement of defence by the seven accused persons, Mr. Chitotela as the first offender denied committing the offence saying he was not at the scene of crime but in Musungu monitoring the voting process.
Mr. Chitotela told the court that when he voted at Poosa polling station at around 06:05 hours, he together with his driver embarked on visiting all the polling stations in the constituency starting with Chimpempe and ending at Musungu.
He said it was at Musungu where he received a call from Mr. Kumwenda, the Provincial intelligence Officer and former Provincial Permanent secretary, Charles Mushota who both informed him that two people had been killed and a vehicle burnt.
Mr. Chitotela further told the court that on September 17, 2021, he again received a phone call from UPND Vice National Chairperson for mobilisation Stephen Chikota who proposed to meet in Lusaka and resolve to buy a new vehicle as replacement for the burnt one.
He said when they met in Lusaka at Police Service headquarters in the presence of his three lawyers, Messrs Jonas Zimba, Benjamin Mwelwa and Kampamba Kombe a statement was recorded, where he denied the allegation.
“I was interrogated and my statement was recorded and i denied being part of the crime because I was at Musungu when the crime happened,” said Mr. Chitotela said.
It was at this point that defence Counsel Benjamin Mwelwa made an application to move the court in order to appreciate what the witness had said and the court granted the application.
Meanwhile, the Kawambwa magistrate Court yesterday declined to give Mr. Nickson Chilangwa bail saying he had breached the police bond conditions.
When the matter came up for the State to respond to an application made by the defence lawyers to revisit the court’s decision to revoke Mr. Chilangwa police bond, magistrate Martin Namushi declined to review the decision saying the court has the authority to cancel police bond if the conditions are breached.
At that point, defence Lawyer, Jonas Zimba applied that his client be granted bail saying the offence he is charged with is bailable.
Mr. Zimba pleaded with the court that it has power to grant bail to persons that are facing bailable offences.
“This court can also take judicial notice of the fact that Mr. Chilangwa presented himself to the Police station after being issued with the bench warrant and there is no officer that has put any evidence on record that they either went to his home or apprehended him from the market place or hiding place,” Mr. Zimba submitted.
Earlier, State Advocate Wilson Mwale objected to the defence application to grant Mr. Chilangwa bail.
Mr. Mwale stated that the State was ready to call some witnesses who can testify against granting the accused bail but magistrate Namushi refused the State’s submission to call the witnesses.
In his ruling, Magistrate Namushi denied to grant Mr. Chilangwa bail but instead be remanded at Kawambwa Correctional facility until the case is disposed off.
This is in a matter Mr. Chilangwa and his Pambashe Constituency counterpart, Ronald Chitotela with five others stand charged for arson, malicious damage to a motor vehicle before setting it ablaze, assault and threatening violence cases committed in August 2021.
In this matter, the state is being represented by State Advocates, Mwala Museta, Wilson Mwale and Public Prosecutor Sinyinda Mbangweta while the accused are represented by Jonas Zimba, Benjamin Mwelwa, Boniface Chiwala and Kampamba Kombe.
NAKONDE MP IN COURT FOR CHILD SUPPORT OF CHILD HE FATHERED WITH SIDE CHICK
A BABY mama of Lusaka’s Woodlands area has dragged Nakonde Constituency PF member of parliament Lukas Simumba to court for failing to feed a 12-month old child he fathered with her.
The lawmaker has neglected to show material love for the child despite it being born on Velentines Day.
Elizabeth Mwansa has complained that despite Simumba’s constituency being located in an area of abundant rice and cheap clothes, the lawmaker has made no effort to provide food or clothing for his offspring.
The parliamentary sidechick is demanding a mere K5,000 from Simumba for her child’s monthly upkeep which he has failed to honor despite several reminders.
According to a complaint filed in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court by Elizabeth on behalf of the child as mother and next friend, Simumba has deserted his offspring.
In an affidavit in support of summons for maintenance, Mwansa of plot no. 12185, Chalata road Woodlands extension in Lusaka disclosed that she had a sexual relationship with Simumba which resulted in the birth of the child.
She stated that Simumba has never denied paternity of the child but has been unwilling to offer support and always wants his memory to be refreshed on his fatherly duties.
Further, Elizabeth explained that on May 3, 2022 the duo entered into an agreement for the maintenance of the child in the sum of K3,000 but Simumba did not honour the agreement.
She stated that Simumba is capable of supporting his son by virtue of his parliamentary job which was offered to him by constituents of Nakonde constituency.
Elizabeth wants the lawmaker to start providing for the child’s clothing, medical fees, a nanny and groceries.
“The respondent has exhibited utmost arrogance and irresponsibility to provide for his child when he has the capacity to provide for the child but he has neglected to do so without lawful justification,”said Elizabeth.
“In the premises I seek the indulgence if this Court to compel Sumimba to start maintaing his child.”
According to a memorandum of oral agreement it was agreed that the lawmaker will be maintaing the child at K3, 000 and any further needs of the child should be made known to him by the mother.
The parties resolved that Elizabeth shall have custody of the child and the maintenance sum shall be subjected to variation by mutual and written consent of the parties every year, after taking into consideration the age and advanced needs of the child.
It was further agreed that the terms of the agreement will remain in force until they are superseded by and new agreement that may be negotiated between the pair.
CAGE RANDY SDA CHURCH ELDER, DEMANDS NGOCC AND YWCA
WOMEN’S rights groups have demanded for the severe punishment of a Chibombo-based Seventh Day Adventist Church elder who forcefully defiled a 14-year old girl resulting in pregnancy.
According to reports, last April elder Hanga’andu is said to have requested one of his blind female church members to allow her teenage twin daughters to help clean his house, a request that was granted.
However, shock gripped the community when the 14 year old girl was recently discovered to be two months pregnant and on being quizzed revealed that she had been raped by elder Hanga’andu when she went to clean his house.
The victim said on the material day, the elder asked her and her twin sister to accompany him to his house so they could help him clean his house.
She narrated that upon arrival, the two sisters started cleaning the kitchen and that when her sister went to clean the living room, the elder asked her to go and sweep the bedroom after locking the doors to the house.
“He dragged me to his bedroom, undressed me, and started defiling me. My sister heard and she came to the bedroom but he did not stop and he had locked the door. After he got tired, he took two sharp knives and threatened to kill me and my sister if I told anyone about what happened. He even phoned people and told them that they should be watching us and inform him if we told anyone. We got scared and just kept it to ourselves,” the victim narrated.
She said after sometime, she started getting sick and she did not see her period but he did not realise that she was pregnant.
The mother to the victim said it was sad that a man she trusted allegedly defiled and impregnated her daughter.
After the revelation, relatives of the victim mobilised themselves and stormed Kapopo SDA congregation midway through a service and plucked elder Hanga’andu from the pulpit where he was preaching against the consumption of pork and marched him to to police detention cells from where he would continue observing his sabbath.
Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, who confirmed the incident said police are waiting for a medical form to be signed and returned to Mwanjuni police post at 10 Miles.
In commenting on the matter, NGOCC and YWCA have called for the immediate charge and severe punishment of elder Hanga’andu.
In a joint statement this afternoon, YWCA national president Patricia Nyirenda Mubanga and NGOCC Chairperson Grace Sinkamba complained that the girl child was no longer safe in their own house, nor in the hands of trusted men of God.
“On the incident in Chibombo, we call upon the Zambia Police to immediately charge the SDA elder that is alleged to have abused the 14-year-old girl. To make the case even worse this man defiled the girl in front of her twin sister thereby traumatising both sisters.
“The SDA elder did not only take away the innocence and childhood of the 2 sisters, but also went ahead to forcibly lock them up in a house. For this may the law ensure that he is punished for forcible confinement against the will of the sisters. The fake man of God should also be punished for using his position to take advantage of children that looked up to him for security and protection,” read the statement.
The organisations have since cautioned on all parents and guardians that perpetrators of defilement and rape were not people far but those close therefore calling upon all members of the community to guard against abuse of children’s rights whether boys or girls.
“It is unfortunate that a girl child is no longer safe in his own house and now even in the hands of so-called men of God. To the members of the public, please be warned that perpetrators are people that are not far away from us. They look like any other person and have no special marks to show who they are. It is people that we trust and have been good to us, people we eat and play with, people we joke and laugh with and people we pray and sing with. They are people we trust who take advantage of our trust and good will to harm us for their own gratification.
“As the women’s movement we will continue with the ongoing campaign against GBV. We urge all Zambians to join the campaign through the Thursday in Black other awareness activities that are currently ongoing” NGOCC stated.
THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK HAS OPENED FLOOD GATES OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ZAMBIA FOLLOWING DEBT RESTRUCTURING
By Alexander Nkosi
After reaching an agreement for bilateral debt restructuring with official creditors, the flood gates of economic opportunities have officially opened with a high powered delegation from African Development Bank, led by its President Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, visiting Zambia.
African Development Bank has 25 projects across sectors in Zambia worth USD1.1 billion. During the meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema and senior government officials, Dr. Adesina announced the following opportunities that have been unlocked for Zambia:
1. Technical Advisory Support in – Public Financial Management, Public Debt Management and Public Investment Management.
2. African Legal Facility to help restructuring the remainder of the debt and significantly reduce the burden.
3. Budget support of between USD100 million to USD150 million
4. Commercial borrowing window of USD336 million
5. A concessional borrowing window that can be leveraged to work on key regional projects that benefit Zambia. The initial projects are:
a) Angola, Congo DR and Zambia railway line under the Lobito corridor project.
b) Mozambique Zambia Power Transmission project.
Beyond these two, other projects include: railway lines and pipelines in the Nacala and Beira trade corridor, Power Interconnections with Congo DR, Tanzania and the Great Lakes region. These would enable Zambia export power in view of the on-going USD2 billion British Consortium power projects and more in the pipeline.
6. The African Development Bank also committed to send a team of technical experts to support in preparation of bankable projects that would help Zambia access funding under the African Investment Forum which has attracted over USD100 billion in investment interests since its inception in 2018.
7. The African Development Bank also committed to support Zambia in asset recycling which would help free up resources for other impactful investments.
8. Support in making the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Programme more impactful as Zambia transitions from FISP and broadens support to farmers beyond inputs to focus on agriculture extension, finance, mechanisation, marketing, processing and overall production and business management.
9. Support Zambia in derisking lending to the agriculture sector by commercial banks through a special derisk facility offered by the African Development Bank. This is working well in a number of countries.
10. Support setting up of Special Agro-processing Zones that would enable production and food processing within the zones with all necessary production infrastructure and facilities established. This would complement the USD300 million World Bank funding to farm blocks project.
11. The African Development Bank urged the President to set up a Presidential Delivery Council to accelerate the Dakar 2 Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compact. The African Development Bank has mobilised USD72 billion for African countries to implement this. This can possibly sit under the already existing Presidential Delivery Unity- Agriculture portfolio.
12. Support various Power generation projects such as solar projects.
13. Support ZESCO to clear its arrears and debt so as to run smoothly and attract more investments in the energy sector. With high power deficit in the region, this is of great interest to the African Development Bank as it would benefit a lot of countries in the region.
STREET VENDORS’ TEARS AND PAIN WILL HAUNT HICHILEMA The tears and grief of the mothers who were pitilessly driven off the streets of Lusaka Central Business District yesterday will haunt Mr Hichilema and his league.
It breaks our hearts to see the street vendors in Lusaka becoming a subject of ridicule, abuse and neglect by this government, which they toiled for so much based on the heaven- like future, Mr Hichilema and the UPND promised them. These people had so much hope and expectation from this government because that is what they were guaranteed. They were promised a life of milk and honey but they have been paid back with inconsiderable cruelty.
As if this is not enough, these people have been endlessly mocked and taunted by Mr Hichilema and the UPND online media infrastructure ever since this tragedy began. Suddenly, Mr Hichilema’s erstwhile beloved and reliable constituency of voters has become a nuisance, which deserves nothing but disrespect and must be kept to the extreme margins of economic structures and activities.
We are not surprised because we have never harboured any illusions about Mr Hichilema’s lack of empathy and total detachment from the suffering majority of this country. The past has shown that compassion, kindness and love for the poor has never been Mr Hichilema’s strength in all his political dealings. Today, he has ostracised the vendors because he sees them as people of very little value to him now that he is at plot one.
Mr Hichilema has forgotten so soon that the vendors they forcibly pulled off the streets were merely trying to earn a living under the cruel conditions facilitated by this very government. For instance, according to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for the month of June 2023, the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka, increased to K9, 239.45. This is in comparison to the recorded figure of K9, 077.93 in May 2023, which signifies an increase of K161.52.
It is therefore, indefensible that this government decided to handle such a delicate matter at a time such as this, in a purely colonial governance style. It’s like the conditions suffered by the indigenous majority during colonial times have now been passed on to the vendor. The same harsh approaches used by colonial administrators to keep indigenous people at the peripheries of the Central Business District are the similar ones being applied by this government on its own citizens without proper alternatives.
It’s very strange that Mr Hichilema, who has not provided options to the vendor problem, wants the vendors not to exist at all. Since being elected into office, this government has not provided any policies and structures of dealing with this particular group of the informal sector yet they rush to inflict so much anguish and pain on the poor people as if it was their fault to find themselves on the streets. There is nothing wrong with keeping a clean, green and healthy environment but there should be empathy, humanity and planning attached to the attainment of these goals. It is therefore, unacceptable that our people should lose livelihoods at such an accelerated pace due to government’s inability to strategise and prioritise policy-making. Mr Hichilema must know that if well developed the informal sector of this country can be used for poverty reduction and eradication so let them not be so focused on exploiting and abusing the toiling masses of this country. We demand that compensation be provided to those who lost property and sustainable alternatives anchored in policy be specified so that the voice and visibility of this particular group of the informal sector is guaranteed. Fred M’membe
ZMP CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF STREET VENDORS BY UPND GOVERNMENT.
Thursday 20th July, 2023. #78
Zambia Must Prosper Party (ZMP) finds the decision by the UPND government to remove street vendors in the central business district of Lusaka to be very shocking and another unfulfilled promise by this government which enjoys seeing citizens lamenting always.
A few months ago President Hakainde Hichilema stopped the removal of vendors and instructed that the removal should only be done once consultations and alternative spaces are secured for the vendors, but alas without alternative spaces the vendors have been kicked out of the streets of Lusaka amidst harsh economic times brought by the same UPND government.
Vendors are crying, and its loud and clear in their lamentations. The economic situation is unbearable, and dismantling their source of livelihood is being equated to a death sentence.
ZMP Party and many Zambians are becoming more and more aware that the UPND government enjoys seeing citizens crying and will not provide solutions to the bread and butter challenges the people are going through but will endeavour to cause more misery.
Not long ago soya beans and cotton farmers were crying over the exploitative buying price of their produce against what government was promising initially, this challenge has not been sorted out and now it is the street vendors turn to be tormented by this government.
Our expectation was that before removing the vendors, alternative trading spaces and sites should have been secured than what we are witnessing, this kind of approach only goes to breed more social ills which already government is failing to deal with such as criminality and the ever increasing junkies problem.
ZMP Party once in office in 2026 under the servant leadership of President Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) will tackle the country’s economic stagnation by creating growth to spar jobs and investment opportunities for citizens as key in reducing the rise in street vendors coupled with expansion in trading spaces across the country’s major cities. Issued by: Trymore Mwenda
UPND’s LISWANISO HAPPY WITH POLICE FOR THE DISCLOSURE THAT PF RECRUITED CADRES AND JUNKIES
UPND national youth chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has commended Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba on his recent revelations that PF had recruited cadres and junkies in the service.
In a statement in Lusaka this yesterday, Liswaniso thanked the police boss and urged him to urgently identify several other officers and subject them to refresher Police Service courses.
“We want to thank the Inspector General of the Police for his revelations. What we advise as young people, youths of UPND and as National Youth Chairman of the governing party is what mostly pertains on the ground, and that’s why we called on him to speak more. Today the IG is responding very well to our call to him to communicate to the people of Zambia,” Liswaniso said.
He said as a youth leader, he knew that the Police was not brutalizing people, and that what was going on were mechanizations of the opposition to dent the name of the service.
“One of the communications we called for from the IG was that the IG clears the air following allegations from the opposition that the Government of the UPND, through the Police was brutalizing citizens. To us, we knew that the police was not brutalizing the people and that, the police was being soiled in propaganda by the opposition, and the silence the police allowed at that time, was what was hurting the party, and the name of the President,” he said.
Liswaniso said he was happy with the Inspector General’s heed to advice regarding communication to the masses.
“From our advice and statement to the IG, today we are happy that he is responding and communicating to the people of Zambia, and that’s what we wanted. The police is there to protect the lives of the people and property in our communities. So, for us as young people, we’re happy that the IG is able to communicate to the people of Zambia so that people can build further trust in the police service, than was the case that sort of dented the name of our innocent President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema,” he added.
He said that, he was going to continue highlighting issues that required the attention of those in government offices.
“As young people of UPND, we have the mandate to ensure that, we check what is happening on the ground. Again, I want also to appreciate the IG that he has identified that there are certain police officers who are PF cadres and are junkies aimed at denting the name of the service. I therefore appeal to the police command, to identify such police officers and give them refresher courses so that they can adapt to the new dawn way of leadership. I am happy that such information has come on your table,” he said.
He encouraged Mr. Musamba to listen more to the Zambian people.
“We want to thank you and encourage you to listen more to the voices of the people on the ground. For us, we are eyes of the President and the UPND party that promised the people a more professional police service. We won’t sit idle and watch people running institutions deviate from what we promised the people of Zambia. We shall point out issues and it is for you people to attend to them. We shall continue to protect the President and the party from unnecessary attacks. When we speak, we speak with a voice of the people on the ground,” said Liswaniso
HICHILEMA HAS UNDERMINED OUR SOVEREIGNTY, SELF-DETERMINATION
One of the most treacherous, unpatriotic and betraying things Mr Hakainde Hichilema has done is to allow the United States military to set up an AFRICOM office in Zambia.
By this single act, Mr Hichilema ¬– knowingly or unknowingly, wittingly or unwittingly – has seriously undermined the sovereignty and self-determination of our country and our people. He has undermined our national security, militarised our lives and eroded the achievements of our national liberation. He has also undermined the security of our region and our continent.
What are the security interests of the United States and its NATO allies in Africa? Today, Africa has 29 known United States military outposts across the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Horn regions, far greater than France (5), Germany (3), Turkey (1), Belgium (1), Israel (1), Japan (1), and the United Kingdom (1) combined. Foreign military bases, particularly those of the US and France, serve as a protection racket for neocolonial interests.
The enduring presence of foreign military outposts, offices, and bases not only symbolises the lack of unity and sovereignty; it also equally enforces the fragmentation and subordination of the continent’s peoples and governments. While Africa continues to power the world via the West’s exploitation of its resources, the West’s main export to Africa is its endless wars.
The complete removal of foreign military bases is the only approach to this problem that will achieve sovereignty and self-determination in Africa. Their presence is an insult to our blood-soaked independence and ability to provide for and protect our people, forced to accept so-called defence (control) from former enslavers/colonisers, who are causally linked to the many problems we today face.
The military bases severely and disproportionately also aggravate climate damage and therefore pose a threat to the existence of Earth as a whole. Their function of maintaining capitalism and neocolonialism demonstrates that only socialism is the way forward for a united and sovereign Africa, protecting the African peoples, and saving the planet.
As of July 2023, the United States has the most military bases in Africa of any country outside the continent, at 29 known military facilities in 15 countries, followed by France, which has bases in ten countries. Of course, these statistics do not account for unclassified and unknown military bases or intelligence operations, which may be present on the African continent. It is also worth noting that AFRICOM is not currently headquartered on the continent but in Stuttgart, Germany. AFRICOM also stages training exercises on the continent.
The United States and France have 11 drone stations in Africa, which are in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Niger, Seychelles, Somalia, Tunisia, and Sahel and which are at the heart of the surveillance operations – unarmed turboprop aircraft disguised as private planes that are equipped with hidden sensors that can record full-motion video, track infrared heat patterns, and vacuum up radio and cellphone signals.
Drones kill would-be attackers against the United States, but they also increase the likelihood of future attacks by encouraging retribution among the public. Drones may kill more people with a single strike than infantry because they are less expensive to maintain, easier to operate, and lack emotions. These factors contribute to the growth of insurgencies and conflicts. Additionally, it excuses soldiers from responsibility if they kill civilians because they were not personally engaged in the decision to explode or cancel the mission.
Foreign military outposts connect to other sites in Africa and other continents via the telecommunications infrastructure of the host country, which threatens national security and allows the foreign power to have access to the population’s GPS, interests, “likes”, and other surveillance of individuals.
The United States military fulfills two key roles on the African continent. Resource exploitation and foreign policy: The United States military, together with the armies of other NATO nations, including France, serve not only to benefit the United States and its ruling elites but also to fulfill gendarme functions. These functions entail safeguarding Western corporate interests and upholding the principles of capitalism.
With the growing presence of Chinese private and public commercial interests in Africa, and their consistent success in outbidding Western companies, there has been an escalation in United States efforts to limit China’s influence on the continent. The United States government’s New Africa Strategy, formulated in 2019, framed the situation as a competition, highlighting China and Russia as great power competitors rapidly expanding their financial and political influence in Africa.
The dependence on external engagement in African security affairs carries significant drawbacks. Firstly, this establishes an imbalance where external states take charge of the African security agenda, depriving African nations of the ability to shape their future. Secondly, external actors often prioritise swift military solutions in areas aligned with their national interests, instead of investing in long-term support to address local issues and underlying causes that could be effectively addressed through non-military means.
There has been a growing trend of non-security-related challenges in Africa being approached with a military mindset. Instances include the utilisation of military forces to tackle epidemics, local political unrest, and development concerns. Furthermore, political discussions and rhetoric are increasingly adopting a militarised tone throughout the continent. For instance, politicians are increasingly linking security issues to the fight against terrorism and the security of regimes, rather than focusing on community resilience and human security. External powers employ a rhetoric of warfare and military peril to mobilise backing for development initiatives, peace promotion, and efforts against diseases or climate change. Previously distinct domains, like development and security, are now blending into a shared political agenda, where military interventions are presented as the universal solution to all challenges in these areas.
Africa possesses a vast range of valuable natural resources in its subsoil. It holds a staggering proportion of global reserves, including 98 percent of chromium, 90 percent of cobalt, 90 percent of platinum, 70 percent of coltan, 70 percent of tantalite, 64 percent of manganese, 50 percent of gold, and 33 percent of uranium. Additionally, the continent boasts significant reserves of other minerals such as bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, tungsten, and tin. With 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, 12 percent of known oil reserves, 8 percent of known natural gas, and 65 percent of the planet’s arable land, Africa’s subsoil wealth is substantial. The UN Environmental Programme estimates that Africa’s natural capital represents 30 percent to 50 percent of the total wealth of African countries. In 2012, the UN reported that natural resources accounted for 77 percent of total exports and 42 percent of total government revenue.
African nations heavily depend on the export of various raw materials due to the dominance of multinational corporations and insufficient industrialisation in many African countries. This reliance has led to a state of dependency on foreign capital. This condition of dependency was established through colonial policies that focused on extracting and growing raw materials, which were then sold through colonial concessions to the rulers’ countries. Subsequent generations of post-colonial elites inherited this dependency and derived benefits from it without making substantial changes to the structure.
Coups have become consequences or “backfires” rooting from United States “efforts” to mentor foreign troops. Security training by the USA gives the United States access to the African states, which results in influence on their militaries. For example, Col Assimi Goïta worked with United States Special Operations forces for years, participating in both Flintlock exercises and a Joint Special Operations University seminar at MacDill Air Force Base – and also headed the junta that overthrew Mali’s government in 2020. After staging the coup, Goïta stepped down and took the job of Vice-President in a transitional government charged with returning Mali to civilian rule. But less than a year later, he carried out his second coup. Why do these officers, who were trained by the United States to defend their governments, topple them instead?
In the United States government’s 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, the authors wrote that, “Of the major and emerging powers, China has the greatest potential of any nation to militarily compete with the US and field disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional US advantages”.
Over time, China has entered into several Memorandums of Understanding with the African Union, including one in 2015 as part of Agenda 2063, intending to support infrastructure development. China has made substantial investments in critical infrastructure projects in Africa, such as the Mali-Guinea rail project and the Sudan-Senegal railway line. Additionally, it has contributed to energy infrastructure initiatives like the 2600MW Mambilla hydropower project in Nigeria and the 400MW Bui Dam in Ghana. China has played a pivotal role in the telecommunications sector by providing telecoms equipment to countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Sudan. Chinese aid, as opposed to IMF, Western commercial investments, and overseas development assistance, do not impose debilitating conditions. This can be observed through the various agreements signed by China, but more importantly, it is rooted in China’s concept of patient capital, which has traditionally been applied within its own borders but has gradually extended beyond as Chinese state banks have emerged as significant investors internationally. China currently ranks as the second-largest investing country globally, with the China Export-Import Bank and China Development Bank playing key roles as investors. The loans provided by these state agencies are long-term investments and do not impose short repayment schedules.
China’s GDP growth rate has never fallen below 6 percent in the years between 1992 and 2018. China’s economy grew by double digits for most years. In the same period, the US economy has never been able to achieve a 5 percent growth rate. Moreover, while America’s recovery from the 2007 financial crisis took a long time, China quickly overcame such crises. China’s GDP was only US$1.2 trillion in 2000, while the US GDP was US$10.2 trillion in the same year. By the year 2000, while the GDP of the US doubled in 20 years to 23 trillion, China’s GDP increased by about 15 times and reached US$17.7 trillion in the same period.
To enable a capacity to respond to this relative decline in US hegemony, a strategy focusing on military readiness has been introduced. Steps contemplated within this framework involve bolstering alliance networks in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China, and in Europe to counter Russia. Additionally, there are plans to encourage allies to increase their defence budgets to 5 percent of their GDP and establish permanent military bases near countries considered to be adversaries. The strategy’s essence is to economically, politically, and militarily besiege opponents.
United States military bases are destroying the planet and entrenching patriarchy. If the United States military were a nation-state, it would be the 47th largest emitter of carbon emissions in the world, and US military pollution has accounted for 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which amounts to 257 million passenger cars, annually. Additionally, the military bases pollute the surrounding communities due to the astonishing amount of toxic chemicals, such as perchlorate and other components of jet fuel, that are found to contaminate drinking water, aquifers, and the soil surrounding the bases.
Furthermore, the United States military bases exacerbate patriarchy and gender-based violence. The impunity often handed to US military personnel by their host countries puts women and other marginalised groups in danger, especially considering that it has already been reported that the Pentagon undercounts and ignores military sexual assault in Africa even within its own ranks.
One could be tempted to believe that military outposts in impoverished areas provide jobs, security, and counterterrorism efforts, but former United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower reminded us otherwise: “Every gun created, every battleship sent into action, every rocket fired, in the end, represents a robbery from those who are hungry and unfed, cold and unclothed.”
This militarised world is not only spending money. It is squandering the toil of its workers, the brilliance of its scientists, and the aspirations of its young people. In all actuality, this is not a way of life. Humanity is hung on an iron cross beneath the ominous cloak of war.
An Israeli citizen has been arrested in Uganda after confessing to police that he killed his wife because he discovered her alleged infidelity when a DNA test showed he is not the father of their 6-month-old daughter.
Police in Mpigi District arrested Raed Wated,58, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, on suspicion of murdering his wife, Monica Nabukenya, 26.
He reportedly led investigators to a septic pit where his wife’s decomposing body was found after relatives alerted police about her disappearance.
Police had to break open metal bars that had been wielded over the opening of the pit.
Ugandan media cited police and officials in the Kalagala Village where Wated lived as saying the couple had a falling out over his suspicions that Nabukenya had been unfaithful.
This prompted him to take their daughter for a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test.
“Wated decided to take the child for a DNA test and it so happened that the results turned negative,” a police statement reads in part.
The DNA test revealed that Wated was not the biological father of the child. The couple also have a 5 year old child.
When he returned home and after some confrontations, he decided to kill his wife and dump her body in a septic tank in their compound and partially covered the corpse with soil.
In the process of interrogation, detectives at Kayabwe Police Station asked the suspect to take them to his home. On their arrival, they were hit by a stench of a decomposed body. They searched and found it in a septic tank. After questioning, He admitted killing his wife because of the negative DNA test results,” the police statement read.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, July 19, Dauda Hirigi Were, the Katonga Regional Police commander, said the suspect reconstructed the murder for investigators.
“He confessed that he killed the wife because what she did — to sire a child with another man — is an abomination in their culture,” he said.
Nabukenya, who operated a village supermarket, had moved out of their shared home because of their quarrel but returned for a visit last Thursday with the girl, reportedly at the request of Wated, who had told her he wanted to reconcile with her.
Her family became concerned when they did not hear from Nabukenya for three days. Though Wated reportedly told them that she had left for Kampala to buy supplies, they contacted police, who arrived at the compound where he lives.
Nabukenya’s sister Royce Nayiga was with police when they entered the compound and “a foul smell welcomed us,” she told the outlet.
“It is at this point that the man revealed to detectives that he had actually killed my sister after a DNA test proved that he is not the biological father of the baby girl,” Nayiga said.
“We thought they would resolve their issues as a wife and husband but we were shocked to receive information that he had killed her,” she said.
Richard Ddumba, the chairperson of Kalagala Village, Kayabwe Town Council, said Wated had spoken to him four months ago about wanting a divorce.
“What I know is, the couple had only one baby. When the man received rumours that the baby belonged to another man, he took the child for a DNA test, which proved that he is not the real father,” he said, according to the Monitor report.
Stephen Mwogezi, the village defense secretary, said Wated became a resident of Uganda a decade ago after buying a plot of land where he built a house.
Ambassador Uebert Angel Takes the African Union by Storm with New Appointment Zimbabwe’s Ambassador At Large, Uebert Angel, has achieved yet another remarkable milestone after he secured a prestigious position within the African Union. Recently, the African Union’s Pan-African Parliament (PAP) bestowed upon him the title of “Ambassador for Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Affairs.” This appointment reinforces his influential role in shaping the African continent and fostering cooperation among diverse communities.
Recognizing a Leader of Exceptional Qualifications
The African Union’s Pan African Parliament (PAP) acknowledged Ambassador Uebert Angel’s extraordinary qualifications, vast experience, and unwavering dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue and humanitarian causes. He joins three other esteemed PAP Ambassadors who have been working tirelessly towards similar goals. With his extensive knowledge and influential network, Ambassador Angel has emerged as the ideal candidate for this vital role
A Visionary for Interfaith Dialogue
In his new capacity, Ambassador Uebert Angel will be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different faiths across the African continent. With his leadership experience at Spirit Embassy, a global Christian organization with over 3.5 million registered members, he possesses a deep understanding of religious diversity and the promotion of mutual respect. His appointment exemplifies the belief in his ability to bridge gaps and cultivate harmony within society.
Championing Humanitarian Efforts Across Africa
Ambassador Uebert Angel’s dedication to humanitarian causes comes to the fore as he takes on the responsibility of uplifting marginalized communities. His foundation, the Uebert Angel Foundation (UAF), has already donated over 7 million USD, with 4 million going directly to Zimbabwe during the pandemic. His passion for eradicating poverty and supporting the less privileged aligns seamlessly with the African Union’s mission of inclusive development and social upliftment.
“I’m A Salesman!” – Ambassador Uebert Angel Refutes Gold Mafia Claims, Explains How He Does Deals For The Country
A Heartfelt Gratitude for the Opportunity
Although we were unable to reach Ambassador Uebert Angel for a direct comment, his office expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the chance to make a lasting impact on interfaith harmony and humanitarian causes within Africa. His commitment to leveraging his knowledge, experience, and extensive network to foster dialogue, understanding, and compassion among different faiths is unwavering.
A Bright Future for Africa
The appointment of Ambassador Uebert Angel as the African Union’s Pan African Parliament Ambassador for Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Affairs speaks volumes about the recognition of his formidable contributions to society. His dynamic leadership as a humanitarian, nurtured by the support of His Excellency President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his ability to bridge religious divides position him as a leading figure in shaping a brighter future for Africa.
A Vision of Hope
As Ambassador Uebert Angel assumes this crucial role, it is anticipated that his unwavering dedication and diverse experience will bring about positive changes and create a platform for interfaith understanding and collaborative humanitarian efforts within the African continent. With his passion and the African Union’s support, a brighter and more harmonious future awaits.
IT’S WORRYING THAT PRESIDING OFFICERS DEFEND EXECUTIVE IN PARLIAMENT – KAPYANGA
MPIKA PF member of parliament Francis Kapyanga says it’s a source of worry to him that some National Assembly presiding officers not only debate matters but also defend the Executive.
Asked in an interview whether he felt members of parliament debated freely in the National Assembly, Kapyanga said not entirely, as some lawmakers were at times shouted at.
“I wouldn’t say entirely because at times members of parliament are shouted at, and at times we see some presiding officers indulging themselves in debate. At times we also see some presiding officers defending the Executive, which shouldn’t be the case and which is not even in fact [in] our standing orders. We shall soldier on because we don’t seem to record any changes and now, we have gotten used, we continue fathoming strategies that we will continue using to ensure we work effectively regardless of the environment.
The presiding officers are there to just guide on debates and ensure that members of parliament at all times stick to our standing orders,” he said.
“We do not expect some presiding officers indulging themselves in debate and also at times answering on behalf of the Executive, that shouldn’t be the case. Our role is to [give] oversight to the Executive but of course in accordance with our standing orders. So, we expect presiding officers to stick to our standing orders and also members of parliament to stick to standing orders. But where you find some presiding officers answering on behalf of the Executive and also defending the Executive, it’s a source of worry’’.
Kapyanga said presiding officers should refrain from indulging themselves in debates.
“We are representatives of the people, [we] need to represent views of those we represent. They send us various views, some of which may not even sit well with the Executive, but that’s the nature of our jobs. We represent people with divergent views and it’s just important that our presiding officers distance or maybe refrain from indulging themselves in debates. Talking about the arrests of various members of parliament, it has just fortified them to represent their people very well. I have seen a number of those who have been arrested before, they have not been shaken. That’s when they are standing very firm to represent the views of the people who sent them to Parliament,” said Kapyanga.
“We are representing 19.4 million people, we have 156 representatives of the people, we don’t expect all of them to sing praises even where they are not supposed to. We expect divergent views because we have people on the Copperbelt who have divergent views on the coming back of KCM (Vedanta). We have people in Mpika who have views on the looting of gold, we have people in Luapula who have views on the arrest of their representatives. So it’s a matter of ensuring members of parliament play their role, there’s is an oversight on the Executive”
Outright opposition to one candidate rather than genuine support for the candidate voted for is becoming the norm across democracies in the world. Many of those who voted for Joe Biden in the last US election were motivated by the desire to stop Trump rather than their support for Biden or the Democratic Party.
This is also true for Zambia’s last election. I hope Hichilema understands that he was largely the conduit of the revulsion against the PF and former President Edgar Lungu and that his support is tenuous. The 1.8m voters who supported Lungu, despite the damage he and the PF inflicted on Zambia, are hardcore supporters who are unlikely to leave PF.
In contrast, many of those who voted for Hichilema are not his supporters but people who were disillusioned with the status quo. These are the ones who decisively swung the vote in his favour. Their support in future elections is not guaranteed; it is subject to good performance.
In my view, the heroes of the last election were Bemba speakers in Northern and Muchinga provinces, voters in the Eastern Province and those in Lusaka and the Copperbelt who rose above ethnic prejudices and rode on economic grievances to rally behind Hichilema. If Hichilema does not take the time to understand why these people voted for him, he risks losing their support.
The Lozis, Tongas and Northwesterners were not the heroes of the last election, for these groups have historically voted for him but their support was not enough. It was only after the Bembas, Easterners and urbanites came to the party that he finally crossed the line. It saddens me greatly that these groups are the ones suffering marginalisation today especially in the civil service. It does not help that Hichilema’s supporters, mainly from the Zambezi provinces, are so excited that they keep talking to each other rather than respectfully persuading those with contrary views to see their point. They have canonised Hichilema and bully and harass anyone who does not identify with the ruling leadership. This is counterproductive. When Zambians stop talking, those in leadership should get concerned.
I get a sense that having been elected with a popular mandate, Hichilema and his supporters think there is no credible opposition to unseat him. In my view, the biggest opposition that he faces is an alert and politically engaged citizenry, not an organised party. The latter will rise organically and should be the least of his concerns. What Hichilema must fear most is already in place: the voter. Discontent will not wait until there is an effective opposition party to harvest it!
Zambian voters may not always know what they want, but they almost always know what they don’t want!
Munir and Kaizer’s arresting officer trade accusations in court
Drama has continued to unfold as efforts are being made to find fugitive Kaizer Zulu who is on the run from the law.
The latest scene was in the Lusaka Magistrate Court yesterday when Kaizer’s surety Munir Zulu and arresting officer Friday Milimakau traded accusations before Lusaka principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyiya.
For Munir, he claimed the arresting officer had a hand in Kaizer’s disappearance while Milimakau said the Lumezi lawmaker had been threatening him.
Kaizer who is Edgar Lungu’s former political advisor has been on the run since May 9, 2023 after the court found him with a case to answer for for refusing to had over his diplomatic passport when his former boss fired him for bullying citizens.
Zulu is also accused of failing to appear before the nearest immigration office on entry into the country and for giving false information to a public officer.
When the matter came up for return of bench warrant Milimakau said the warrant of arrest was not effected as Kaizer was still on the run.
Like a last born, Milimakau reported Munir to the Court over their squabbling whenever he contacts him to inquire about Kaizer’s whereabouts.
“Among two sureties honorable Mulenga Fube is very cooperative, I would like to report the other surety Munir Zulu, he has been issuing intimidations and threats to the arresting officer. He has gone ahead using social media to make wild allegations against the arresting officer,” Milimakau said.
He requested the Court to extend the bench warrant so that it can have enough time to look for Kaizer.
“It is also my request for the court to guide on how we proceed with the surety(Munir) who has become hostile,”said Milimakau.
Fube equally requested for time as hope is not lost in finding Zulu.
Zulu explained that during his six-day in detention he was in touch with Milimakau and they would converse about Kaizer’s whereabouts.
“At some point he (Milimakau) told me his tracker had taken him to some lodge in lilayi he even asked me for the number plates for Kaizer Zulu’s vehicles but nothing has been done,”Zulu said.
“The day of my arrest at my home I asked Friday that me who is on my sick bed can be tracked when they are failing to do the same to Kaizer Zulu.”
Magistrate Munyinya told Zulu not to shift blame on the arresting officer for not finding Zulu but exculpate himself for honoring his obligations.
Zulu said ; “ I have done anything humanly possible to try and locate Kaizer Zulu. I have been summoned at the police for exposing people I suspect are haboring Kaizer Zulu.”
Magistrate Munyinya nipped Zulu in the bud and directed that the burden to bring Kaizer to Court does not lie on the arresting officer but him as a surety.
“The burden is not on the arresting officer but you as the surety he is answerable to me and not you as the surety. So speak about yourself,” magistrate Munyinya said.
Zulu requested for more time as his detention retarded his search for Zulu.
Magistrate Munyinya warned him against making false allegations against Milimakau.
“Speaking of the allegations if that is happening it’s not acceptable let’s just do the right thing. What I expect is you (Munir) to work with the arresting officer to find the accused so if you are fighting how wil you find the accused? I will give you more time to find the accused,” ordered magistrate Munyinya.
“Sureties and arresting officers you behave and work together.”
She adjourned the matter to August 4 for return of bench warrant.
I WAS NOT AT THE CRIME SCENE – HON CHITOTELA TELLS COURT
…. as defense lawyers make an application to move the court to the place where Hon Chitotela was and later the crime scene
Kawambwa… Wednesday July 19, 2023 (SMART EAGLES)
Pambashe PF Member of Parliament Hon. Ronald Chitotela, MP has opened his defense before the Kawambwa Subordinate Court that he was not at the crime scene and that he was in a different place when it happened on August 12, 2021.
And defense Lawyers through Counsel Benjamin Mwelwa have made an application before the court that the court moves to the place where the accused person was at the time the crime happened and later to the crime scene to appreciate the scenario.
Luanshya Magistrate Martin Namushi sitting in the Kawambwa Subordinate Court, has since granted the defense’s application as the state did not object the application.
The matter has since adjourned to tomorrow morning at 7:30hrs.
When the matter came up for commencement of defense, the first accused person (Hon Chitotela) narrated before the fully packed courtroom what transpired on the actual day the crime happened.
“On 12th August 2021, I voted at a poling station called Posa around 06:05 I was the first one to cast my vote. The third from me was my driver name of Luckson Mumba. Pambashe has nine wards. I left Posa Poling Station 15 minutes passed 6hrs, as I stated Pambashe has nine wards eight are in Southern part of the district. The Constituency has about 21, 000 registered voters. About 2, 000 registered voters are in Kabanse (ward), and about 19, 000 are registered in the southern part of the district. We (together with the driver) drove to Chimpepe poling station with a view to monitor the turn out. We were driving a motor vehicle Mazda BT50 Registration number BAC 3586. Your honor, from Chipembe I went to Kasanda poling station. We then moved to Mishingo in Kabonde, it was around 8hrs to 9hrs we drove to my residence here in Kawambwa. I was wearing a Nigerian outfit, a hut and a walking stick. From there we drove to Chabanya poling station (Southern part of Kawambwa) between 9:30 and 10. We went to Mushota poling station from Mushota my driver and I went to Nachampama poling station. From there we went to Ntembo from there we went to Kaka from there we went to Kanengo poling station. We were at Kanengo between 11 to 11:30,” he narrated before the court.
“Around 12hrs were at Kanengo Secondary School poling station. After Kanengo we went to Chisembe poling station and that was passed 13hrs. Your honor after that, we went to Ntumbo poling station in another ward as you go towards Luwingu. From Ntumbo we went to Kota poling station that was around 14hrs to 15hrs. From Kota we went to Chishinga Secondary School, then proceeded to Musungu that was around 15 and 15:30 this borders Luwingu and Lupososhi.”
He explained that around 15:45 and 16, he received a call from a Mr Kumwenda who was intelligence officer at that time who inquired on his whereabouts.
“I told him the place where I was. Then he told me that UPND has killed two people and my vehicle has been burnt. Where I was the network was bad and it was few minutes passed 16hrs. I told my driver that there is an emergency let’s go to Kawambwa. When we’re driving back as we were passing Kota turnoff I received another call from the then Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota, who also told me the same information that UPND have killed two people and burnt my vehicle. Few minutes as we were approaching Ntumbo primary school I received a phone call from Tilyenji Nyirenda Luapula Provincial Commissioner of Police he is the one who told me that there are two people who are seriously injured by UPND and the residents of that area burnt the vehicle. He told me to send the officer in charge to brief me,” he said.
“Your honor, because it was voting day, and I was a participanting candidate for Pambashe, I was rushing home to freshen up and we were expecting to start receiving the election results. When I arrived home your honor, I freshened up and decided to take a nap (this was passed 18hrs). Around 19:55 my wife came to wake me up that Mr. Tembo and another person have come. Mr Tembo was officer in charge of Kawambwa police station and another person a station inspector. He began briefing me at what happened at Mulyola village.”
He told the court how a UPND NMC Member in the name of Steven Chikota called him so that they should in the company of Kawambwa Central Member of Parliament Hon Nickson Chilangwa meet so that the two lawmakers should replace the said damaged motor vehicle.
He wondered why the offense should be transfered to him just because he is an elected leader.
Later, Counsel Mwelwa made an application that the court moves to the said location where the accused person was and later on drive to the location where the scene of the accident happened.
In leading the testimony, Counsel Mwelwa informed Hon Chitotela on the six counts he is charged with.
After Magistrate Namushi grated the defense’s application, the state asked for some time as they require some movement logistics.
“With that granting of permission to visit the places, the state would request that this matter be adjourned in order to sort out the logistical issues in terms of movements. There is also need to involve the Zambia Police Service. We need time, we apply that the matter be adjourned to tomorrow at 07:30hrs,” submitted State Advocate Mwala Museta.
In this matter, Hon Chitotela and his Kawambwa Central counterpart Hon Nickson Chilangwa and five others while acting together have been charged with six counts.
Other people accused in this case are Kawambwa Mayor Chifumbe Kalumba, Kunda Chitotela, Chabu Chitotela, Davy Kaniki and Charity Chibwe Musanto.
It is alleged that on August 12, 2021, the two lawmakers and five others while acting together assaulted four UPND members, damaged the windscreen of the Mahindra Bolero motor vehicle valued at K400, 000 before allegedly setting it ablaze and further threatened violence.
The accused persons are being represented by Counsels Benjamin Mwelwa, Jonas Zimba, Boniface Chiwala and Kampamba Kombe.
State Advocates include Mwala Museta and Wilson Mwale.
Hon Chilangwa has since remained in custody at Kawambwa Correctional Facility.
GOVT SHOULD HAVE FOUND AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION BEFORE SENDING TRADERS INTO EXTREME POVERTY – ODINGA
….says come 2026, you will be asking for their vote
Lusaka, Wednesday, July 19, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)
Today, you have Chased them out from their trading spaces, in 2026 you will be asking for their vote, Former Evelyn Hone College Student Union President Stanley ‘Odinga’ Muba’sa has said.
Muba’sa said this in reaction to the ‘shock’ decision to chase vendors from the Central Business District without prior notice or ultimatum.
He said It is sad that the people who benefited from poor people’s votes are now backstabbing the voters.
He said it is painful that people’s livelihoods have been destroyed by a selfish action.
Popularly known as Odinga, Muba’sa is of the view that Government should have found an alternative solution before sending traders into the ‘extreme’ poverty trap.
“We are not promoting dirt, but we are asking that things be done correctly. The Markets cannot accommodate all the street vendors. Today as we speak, poverty levels of the country are still high. Those who have been removed have got dependants of who are looking after them. It is disappointing that the Parents selling in the streets will not be able to realise the much needed resources to send the children to school. We were hopping that Government was going to find a solution before chasing the street vendors. They will be unable to buy mealie meal,” he said.
And Muba’sa said while it is a good thing to keep the streets of the CBD clean, it must not be done at the expense of destroying people’s livelihoods in a blink of an eye.
“The vendors should have been given an ultimatum. It is highly unfair. Yes we want the streets to be clean but not at the expense of destroying the livelihood of people. It is not correct to treat the poor people in this manner. We have a situation where the rich and poor cannot be treated in the same manner. It is unfortunate that the vendors are being treated to such. ….The poverty levels in Lusaka which currently stands over 20% is likely to go higher,” Muba’sa stated.
He has further called upon all well meaning Zambians to urgently start looking for alternative leadership because the current one seems not to care about poor people’s concerns.
“Based on these reasons of troubling traders, I call upon all young people to begin finding an alternative leadership that is going to serve us, unlike the situation where we continue having a Government that seems to side more with western super powers instead of siding with the poor Zambians in Chibolya, Misisi townships. And so far, only the Socialist Party stands out as it stands for peace, justice and equity for all,” he said.
The Patriotic Front has condemned as inhumane, the manner in which Zambian Citizens who survive through trading on the streets, have been displaced by the ruling United Party for National Development, UPND .
Speaking in Lusaka this morning, Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Chairperson, Hon. Raphael Nakacinda said Zambians have fallen on hard times with the harsh economic reality they are living in ,brought about by poor planning and lies of the UPND which had promised them heaven on earth and had delivered hell instead.
He says citizens were left with no option but to trade in the street because the jobs they had been promised were not forth coming . He further stated that the number of street vendors had considerably grown owing to the fact that the trading spaces in the markets are not enough to swallow all the traders.
And reacting to Minister of Local government and rural development Hon. Garry Nkombos remarks on the red hot breakfast show , that the UPND government had consulted widely before arriving at the decision of displacing the vendors , Hon. Nakacinda stated that it was a lie because the PF had not been consulted and had the citizens been consulted and carried along through out the process of being moved from the street and into the markets then they would have complied because people generally cooperate when they are given a clear road map as to what will take place .
Nakacinda bemoaned that people’s goods had been damaged and wondered what sort of government the UPND was if they couldn’t as much as empathise with their own citizens.
He also bemoaned that the UPND government had failed to find a lasting solution to the Mopani/ KCM problems which were causing untold misery on the residents of the Copperbelt.
He said it was disgraceful that the UPND had opted to give tax holidays and concessions to foreign entities which were cashing in big time at the expense of the citizens.
Nakacinda has since urged President Hichilema to fix the economy and not the citizens.
A Lusaka resident has appealed to the Notorious Patriotic Front (NPF), a political party best known for looting the treasury and unleashing the worst atrocities against citizens when they were in power, to consider forcing Adada out of retirement as he’s apparently the only one capable of ousting Bally from power! Whatever our brother is smoking or drinking must be very strong.
What capacity iwe Musoma…..sha! We thought Bally should be more wary of Kalaba or M’membe than a spent force supposedly squatting in Ibex Hill! In our view, of course Adada remains a force to reckon with in terms of putting up a spectacular and extravagant campaign machinery, thanks to looting the treasury and corrupt practices; otherwise he doesn’t pose a single threat to Bally, real or imagined, whose leadership attributes are exceptionally great!
We therefore find Musoma’s suggestion not only ludicrous, but laughable and embarrassing to Adada himself as well! How can you honestly attempt to compare a sleek BMW with truck yamilando (imboloma)…..a run down vehicle or indeed Oranges with Lemons?
Whereas Bally is supremely articulate and eloquent and is able to keep his audiences captivated; the other one speaks incoherently, he literally waffles and sends his audiences to sleep!
Whereas Bally is known to belong to a church where he’s also an elder; the other one has a reputation of frequenting night clubs and casinos!
Whereas Bally has a track record of sponsoring orphans and vulnerable children in colleges and universities; the other one has a history of splurging his money on Jameson and women!
Whereas Bally has tamed his cadres, the other one allowed them to unleash a reign of terror and havoc amongst helpless opponents!
Whereas Bally is encouraging citizens to form cooperatives so as to compete for business opportunities; the other one had no qualms seeing his officials grab all the government contracts!
Whereas Bally is utilising talent from every corner of the nation; the other one sidelined those from certain regions!
Whereas Bally has allowed him to enjoy his freedom of association and movement to the extent of even disrupting traffic with his early morning jogs; the other one was threatening to lock him up immediately after winning the elections and throw away the keys!
Whereas Bally is able to face the media and subject himself to intense interrogations; the other one shied away from putting himself within the firing range the 7 years he was in power!
Whereas Bally is comfortable in the company of visionary leaders such as Kagame; the other one relished rubbing shoulders with dictators such as Museveni!
Whereas Bally has availed his vision for the nation time and again; the other one confessed he had no vision of his own!
How dare you insult our intelligence, Musoma! Your Edgar doesn’t belong to the same league as Hakainde who’s currently plying his trade in the Champions’ league.
Following Fred M’membe’s derogatory and disgraceful statement against President Hakainde Hichilema, I expected Professor Sishuwa, his protégé, to continue their usual pattern of building momentum. M’membe initiates an argument, and Sishuwa follows up with an attempt to clean up the mess, particularly when the statement fails to make any sense. Predictably, they waste no time in taking a break, no hiatus.
“It is undeniable that many of those who voted for Joe Biden in the last election were motivated by the desire to stop Trump, rather than their support for Biden or the Democratic Party.”
This is a valid observation, and it’s a characteristic of democracy. We witnessed the same phenomenon here in Zambia when President Frederick Chiluba rallied the people against the nation’s founding father, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, and UNIP. Similarly, President Micheal Sata garnered support by rallying Zambians against President Rupiah Bwezani Banda and the MMD. That’s democracy in action, my friend.
Certainly, people were disheartened by the conduct of the PF and Edgar Lungu, which made them pay attention to Hakainde Hichilema’s message. However, Sishuwa’s statement insinuates that Hichilema was the only candidate people considered in the 2021 election, which is far from the truth. I believe there were nearly a dozen candidates to choose from.
Furthermore, Sishuwa fails to acknowledge Hakainde Hichilema’s persistent journey towards the presidency and the consistency of his message, which ultimately resonated with the people.
However, what is truly disturbing and offensive about Sishuwa’s argument is his attempt to inject it with divisive ethnic overtones. He ventures into stereotypes and revives the divisive ‘Bantustan’ spirit of his mentor, Fred M’membe, who refused to see fellow citizens as Zambians but rather as members of specific regions and tribes.
“In my view, the heroes of the last election were Bemba speakers in Northern, Muchinga, and other voters from Eastern Provinces.”
He dismisses voters from other regions as inconsequential to the election.
“The Lozis and Tongas and Northwesterners were not the heroes of the last election, as these groups have historically voted for HH.”
How can we demonize persistence and the drive to push an agenda until it succeeds? These people’s resilience, determination, and perseverance, along with their ability to endure the pain of marginalization, ironically helped define and shape democracy. They fought hard to convince fellow citizens that change was necessary. How can we condemn them?
It is clear that this categorization is an attempt to pit citizens against each other by distorting the democratic process. Sishuwa is playing a dangerous game, sowing the seeds of future conflicts. Such ideas come from an individual who wishes to see the country in turmoil—an evil notion from an evil person. Rumors have circulated among Zambians that Sishuwa’s animosity stems from being denied a key government position. It is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss such reports.
ZAMBIA TO REDUCE ON POWER EXPORTS IN READINESS FOR EL NINO – INDUCED ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES – MAPANI
By Taonga Mitimingi
07/18/2023
(Bloomberg) — Zambia intends cutting back on some exports from next month and securing power from neighboring Mozambique in anticipation of electricity shortages stemming from the El Niño weather phenomenon, which tends to bring hotter, drier weather to parts of southern Africa and threatens to curb output from its hydropower plants.
“It is very worrying, I think we’ll definitely be affected,” Victor Mapani, the managing director of state electricity utility Zesco Ltd., said in an interview in Lusaka, the capital, last week. “Water levels in our reservoirs will definitely dwindle.”
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, has 3,600 megawatts of installed power generation capacity, 86% of which comes from hydroelectric sources. Minimal electricity restrictions are foreseen within the southern African nation and usage curbs will mainly target mining and industrial customers that don’t pay their bills, Mapani said.
The bilateral agency that manages the Kariba hydropower dam that Zambia and neighboring Zimbabwe rely on for much of their electricity generation on Tuesday cut the allocation of water each country can use this year to power their turbines by 25%. Inflows into the world’s biggest man-made reservoir were lower than expected and its usable water reserves stand at has less than 31% of its capacity, the Zambezi River Authority said in a statement.
The country is looking to diversify its energy sources.
Zesco is pushing to commission 500 megawatts of solar power capacity over the next two years, encouraging investors to build wind farms and considering establishing a unit to produce green hydrogen for export, according to Mapani. The utility has also engaged Kenya Electricity Generating Co. to accelerate plans to produce geothermal electricity and sees output starting within two years, he said.
Zambia was subjected to rolling blackouts at the beginning of the year that lasted as long as 12 hours a day after water levels plunged at Kariba, the dam that it and Zimbabwe rely on for much of their power, curbing mining and manufacturing output. The International Monetary Fund has flagged the impact of poor rainfall on power generation as a key risk that could increase Zambia’s debt vulnerabilities.
