ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COURT ILLEGAL

Lusambo’s ConCourt petition put in sharper focus in fresh submission

Clearly, it is by dint of his individual tenacious self that former Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo is persisting with his Petition in the Constitutional Court regarding the constitutionality of administrative creation of the fast track Financial Crimes Court.

Lusambo has just made further submissions to the Constitutional Court, in response to the Attorney General’s Skeleton Arguments in support of the State’s answer to the Petition.
A reading of Lusambo’s fresh submissions will help objective Zambian citizen observers get clarification on the kernel of his Petition of the Constitutional Court filed on 31 January, 2023, in which he has raised some major issues.

The manner in which the Chief Justice, by an administrative arrangement, announced and facilitated the setting up of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court at both the Subordinate Court and the High Court, without stating the composition of the courts, and also in regard to how they squared with Zambia’s national values.

The second issue Lusambo raised was is that the maters that took him to court were not financial crimes, and yet he had been hurled before the new administratively created Economic and Financial Crimes court whose jurisdiction remained unknown.

These are matters that the ConCourt ought to consider on their own merits, even as the United Party for National Development (UPND) government seems set to steamroll through an anti corruption crusade that might both currently, and in future, evolve into a threat against certain constitutional protections of citizens’ rights to own property.
Hence the clarifications that have resulted from Lusambo’s submissions are critical to focusing this Petition, and the ensuing public debate.

On the establishment or creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court at Subordinate Level, it was not in dispute that the Economic and Financial crimes Court at Subordinate Court level was set up “administratively”.

This matter has to be considered in the light of the provision in Article 120(3) of the Constitution under Act Number 2 of 2016, which provides that in setting up such, processes and procedures of the courts shall be “prescribed”.

Also to be prescribed are the jurisdiction, powers and sittings, of the Industrial Relations Court, Commercial Court, Family Court, Children’s Court, and other specialised courts, and the classification and divisions of such courts.

Other matters to be prescribed are jurisdiction and composition of subordinate courts, small claiums courts, local courts, and other prescribed courts; and the grading of judicial officers and staff of subordinate courts, local courts and other prescribed courts.
At this point the most crucial point is a determination of what constitutes to “prescribe” all the aspects itemised in the preceding paragraphs?

Here is Lusambo’s submission made through Makebi Zulu Advocates:

“My Ladies and My Lords, this Honourable Court has on numerous occasions made pronouncements on interpretation of constitutional provisions. Relevant provisions must be brought to bear in interpreting the Constitution and that the ordinary meaning of words used should be adopted.”
“My Ladies and My Lords, we reiterate our earlier submission that classification and division of the subordinate courts is a matter to be prescribed and the use of the term prescribed means that this will be by an Act of Parliament and a careful look at the provision, there is the use of the word “shall”.
Lusambo submitted that this meant that there can be no discretion in the manner in which the Subordinate Court is set up or even classified, or even divided, because this was nothing short of a mandatory requirement or prescription.

He stated that since it was not in dispute that in the Subordinate Court today, there was what is called “The Economic and Financial Crimes Court”, a creation of an administrative action by the Chief Justice and not a creature of any prescription as provided for by the Constitution, it is illegal and a violation or breach of the Constitution.

“My Ladies and My Lords, the Constitution pronounces itself and defines the word ‘prescribed’. Article 266 of the Constitution defines it as: “ prescribed ” means provided for in an Act of Parliament”.

He said further that as clearly depicted, the word prescribed in this context was limited to the definition provided in the Constitution, as endorsed by The Constitutional Court in the case of Sean Tembo v ECZ and Attorney General 2021/CCZ7, citing also the case of Dipak Patel v Minister of Finance and Attorney General 2020/CCZ/005.

“This Court in both cases endorsed the adopted meaning of the word “prescribe” to mean provided for by an Act of Parliament.”
It was not in dispute that the powers and jurisdiction of the Subordinate Court as a Court were already prescribed in the Subordinate Court Act, Chapter 28 of the Laws of Zambia.

“The issue at hand is the Economic and Financial Crimes Court which is a division of the Subordinate Court at Subordinate Court Level and is not provided for by any Act of Parliament. There is therefore no prescription creating this Court or such a division which is a blatant abrogation/ breach of the constitutional provisions and as such, this act is unconstitutional and illegal. Further the Constitution of Zambia does not provide for establishment of the Court for convenience. There is in fact no such thing.”
Furthermore, Article 120(3) of the Constitution makes it mandatory that in constituting a court, jurisdiction, powers and sittings, processes and procedures of courts, juridiction of the Industrial Relations, Commercial, Family, Children’s, and other specialised courts, shall be prescribed.
“My Ladies and My Lords, in light of the above, we submit that the Economic and Financial Crimes Court at the Subordinate Court Level has no prescription firstly as to its establishment, its procedures and processes and its sitting. This state of affairs does not qualify such a Court to have the blessing of the law.”

Makebi Zulu Advocates, on behalf of Lusambo also submitted that even regarding the High Court level, the composition of any Court required to be prescribed, with the Constitution definition of prescribe applied as shown earlier.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Court in the High Court has no Composition, no rules and processes and procedures as mandated and is in breach of the said Article 120.”

Lusambo also wants the Constitutional Court to take into consideration the well known political context in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Court was established.

“When the previous government was removed from office after the 12th August, 2021 general elections and the new government came into office. It was common to hear allegations of theft against their predecessors without any evidence.
This led to various executive pronouncements by the President followed by judicial pronouncements by the Chief Justice such as the stolen assets will be recovered and that there will be creation of Financial and Economic Crimes Courts whose main purpose was to recover stolen assets and money. The same have been exhibited in the affidavit verifying facts.

The Chief justice also had occasion to talk about these matters in public and made speeches in various places. His call was go and recover the assets and money so that the woman in chawama and so on and so forth which is away from the core duty of the Judiciary and this falls squarely within the functions of the executive arm of Government.”

He said from the foregoing, it was clear that the creation of these courts was targeted at a specific group of people.
On this subject In the case of Special Courts bill of India, the Courts had this to say:
“a special court had the ability to infringe the provisions of the constitution more specifically violating the provision that sets out the principle of equality before the law by giving others special and speedy trials that would entail that others are to be favoured more by the law which is blatantly unconstitutional, further it was observed that it is not allowable for parliament or state legislature to overlook or side step the scheme of the constitution by accommodating the foundation of a common or criminal court corresponding to a high court in a state, or by method of an extra or subsequent high court or a court other than a court subordinate to the high court”
The Petitioner said the Judiciary should not be an engine or a tool to be used by the Executive to oppress citizens, and that Justice was a matter of perception and there should never be a perception created of a desire to convict people by instruction not evidence, and without following the law.

“It is therefore our submission that the institution of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court following Executive pronouncements is unconstitutional, as it was and is not in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and further prejudiced against your petitioner and others who are similarly circumstanced thus discriminatory in nature and an abrogation of our National Values and Principles as contained under Article 8 of the Constitution as amended under Act No. 2 of 2016.”

Makebi Zulu Advocates have also, as part of the Petition, brought up the matter involving Magistrate Faides Hamaundu whom they say fell foul when she endeavoured to interpret the Constitution.

The matter before Magistrate Hamaundu was The People V Bowman Lusambo and another 2SPE/024/22. According to Lusambo’s lawyers, the Magistrate in her ruling, despite warning herself that she had no Jurisdiction to interpret the Constitution proceeded to interpret the Constitution, as can be seen from the said ruling exhibited, when she proceeded to interpret Article 18 (1) and 118 of the Constitution in blatant breach of Articles 128 and 119(1) of the Constitution of Zambia.

Subject to article 28, the Constitutional Court enjoys original and final jurisdiction to hear matters relating to the Constitution. The interpretation of article 18, 118(a), and 118(b) was an act in excess of the Subordinate Court’s inherent jurisdiction and a breach of article 128.

In the Petition, Lusambo also insists that when on Friday, 20th May, 2022, the cadres for the United Party for National Development(UPND) stormed the Lusaka Subordinate Court demanding for the overhaul of the judiciary to weed out judicial officers they term are allegedly working against the current regime, its impact was undeniable because, sometime between Saturday, 21st May, 2022 and Tuesday, 23rd May, 2022, the Judicial Service Commission transferred 10 magistrates from Lusaka who were handling hundreds of different cases.
“The Judicial Service Commission confirmed that it had transfered 10 magistrates out of Lusaka and explained that the decision was not influenced by politics. My Ladies and My Lords, the influenced transfer of magistrates although independently and rightly provided for will still be held to be unconstitutional if such power is exercised without the necessary independence and autonomy of the Judiciary as exhibited herein.”

Lusambo’s lawyers also said that contrary to the submission by the Respondent that the Petitioner herein by moving the Constitutional Court wanted to circumvent criminal proceedings, it was their submission that the Petitioner having identified the alleged constitutional breaches was seeking a determination by this Court on the said breaches.

They submitted that the Petitioner was entitled to the reliefs sought in his Petition, including costs.
Lusambo is seeking from the Constitutional Court an order and declaration that the setting up of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court administratively at the subordinate court level is a breach of Article 120 (3)(c) of the Constitution and is therefore unconstitutional and illegal.

He is also seeking an order and declaration that the transferring of 10 magistrates by the Judicial Service Commission using section 6(e) of the Judicial Service Commission Act contravenes Article 122 of the Constitution of Zambia Act number 2 of 2016.
ends

Veteran journalist Charles Chisala has said he is disappointed with the ZNBC board’s failure to defend the recent appointment of new ZNBC Director General Berry Lwando.

Some UPND members have opposed the appointment of Mr. Lwando arguing that he is a member of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Mr. Chisala, a former news editor, said since Mr. Lwando is at the centre of controversy the ZNBC Board of Directors needed to defend its decision to hire him.

He also questioned the manner in which the media has covered the story of Mr. Lwando’s appointment.

“Ever since the vicious media campaign against Mr Berry Lwando, one of Zambia’s most experienced and exposed journalists, started I have not seen balance and fairness in the stories. Or have I missed them? Media outlets have continued to project and parrot only one side of the story. Only the voices and images of those who are fighting the man’s appointment as the new director general of our national broadcaster, ZNBC, are being heard and seen. Mr Lwando has not been given an opportunity to respond or defend himself, which is, of course, not easy for him to do for obvious reasons. This is an affront to natural justice. Some media outlets and individual reporters are, consciously or unconsciously, allowing themselves to be used by people with vested interests as conduits of hatred targeted at a citizen without giving him a chance to defend himself as media ethics demand, “Mr. Chisala stated.

He continued:”What is even more disappointing is that the board of directors of ZNBC, which appointed Mr Lwando, has not come out to defend him and its decision. This has left him vulnerable as a defenceless and voiceless victim. The issue here is not whether those who are attacking Mr Lwando and calling for the reversal of his appointment are right or wrong. It’s whether we are being professional in the manner we are covering the saga as journalists. We are failing in our duty as crusaders against injustice and defenders of the weak against the powerful. I am advising my fellow journalists to tread carefully when handling serious allegations that border on defamation of character. Remember, the target has recourse to legal action against the sources, the media house and the reporter in his or her individual capacity.”

He said there was a need to defend Mr. Lwando’s human rights amid attacks on his appointment.

“Zambia is a constitutional democracy where the fundamental human rights of citizens are enshrined and guaranteed in our supreme law of the land, the republican Constitution which are reinforced by various statutes. Mr Lwando has human rights, which he is free to defend through the public justice system of our nation if no one is willing to defend them on his behalf. Successful litigation could be costly as it would entail paying the hefty damages that a court may award the victim as compensation for libel. Guys, a single judgement could shut down your media house and cause immense misery for you as a reporter. This is the main reason for which in such cases the courts tilt the pendulum of justice heavily in favour of the victim. It’s rare for the media house and the reporter to win such cases. Court libraries are replete with examples. Go out there and check for yourself. Journalism ethics demand that whenever serious allegations or injurious remarks are targeted at an individual, a group of people or organisation, the target of the attack must be given a chance to defend themselves in the same story and on the same platform,” Mr. Chisala said.

Mr. Lwando has returned to ZNBC having previously served as Director Programmes between 2012 and 2014 as well as Director Digital Terrestrial Television in 2015.

NHIMA LOOTED BY PRIVATE PHARMACIES

A LOT of money is being looted from the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) using private pharmacies at the expense of public pharmacies in the hospitals, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi has said.

Ms. Nawakwi said the way NHIMA was planned by the Patriotic Front (PF) under former President Edgar Lungu was that the Ministry of Health was buying drugs using money from NHIMA and stock public pharmacies in hospitals so that the people who were accredited could be accessing the drugs. Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi has said.

Ms. Nawakwi said the way NHIMA was planned by the Patriotic Front (PF) under former President Edgar Lungu was that the Ministry of Health was buying drugs using money from NHIMA and stock public pharmacies in hospitals so that the people who were accredited could be accessing the drugs.

She said but what was happening under the UPND was that they were encouraging people who own private pharmacies to get accreditation at NHIMA so that they could refer patients to those pharmacies while public pharmacies in hospitals had no drugs.

Ms Nawakwi said since government was not ready to stock up drugs in public hospitals, some unscrupulous and politically exposed persons in the UPND have taken advantage by setting up private pharmacies and were getting accredited to NHIMA and that Government was paying heavily for their services.

“Yes, check in these hospitals and pharmacies that are NHIMA accredited. Their drugs are expensive compared to those that are not accredited. We cannot continue like this, they have destroyed what NHIMA was meant for,” Ms Nawakwi said.

She said it was difficult to explain why under a regime that boasts of having apportioned the biggest percent of money to the Ministry of Health in their budget was still struggling with shortage of drugs in almost all the hospitals.

Ms. Nawakwi said civil servants and other companies who were in rural areas that were under NHIMA were paying for the services that were not accessible because rural areas did not have the private pharmacies.

She stated that private pharmacies were getting the biggest chunk of the money while public pharmacies in rural areas depended on public health facilities that did not have drugs.

Daily Nation

HAND OVER KCM TO VEDANTA RESOURCES, THEY ARE THE LEGAL OWNERS, GOVERNMENT URGED

…. As two NGOs once again petition government over the KCM – Vedanta issue

Lusaka… Wednesday March 29, 2023

Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) and Zambians For Peace, Unity And Development have once again petitioned the Minister of Mines, Hon Paul Kabuswe regarding the KCM-VEDANTA issue.

ANDD executive director, Samuel Banda has disclosed that the decision to take this step follows the Minister’s pledge in their last meeting, were assurance was given that the mining impasse would be conclusively dealt within the first quarter of 2023, which unfortunately has not been done.

“Since we are almost at the close of March, which signifies the end of the first quarter, we are therefore seeking government’s update through our Hon Minister on this very important national issue which borders on our country’s socio-economic development” he said.

He further stated that it is in public domain that the KCM-VEDANTA issue has been longstanding, without a clear direction, thereby not only affecting our country’s mining sector, but posing serious economic challenges for miners and businesses on the Copperbelt.

He has also observed that Zambia’s economic performance has not been favorable as evidenced by the depreciation of the Kwacha which experts have attributed to lack of copper production due to challenges in the mining sector.
Mr. Banda has therefore asked governments to give a categorical position on this issue since the third quarter deadline is over, adding that his organizations position still remains that Vedanta should be given the mine as the legal owners so that mining operations can be resuscitated in order for the country to become economically viable.

And Zambians For Peace, Unity and Development, president, Ronnie Jere says the silence on the issue is worrisome, and therefore demanded that the Minister of mines should by Friday update the nation on the way forward.

He said his hope is that Vedanta, and not any other investor will be given the mine, considering the standing legal battles between government and Vedanta resources, that may resurface should government fail to honor their pledge to have this matter conclusively dealt with.

Mr Jere explained that if this issue goes to court, it will take a long time for economic stability to be restored and businesses will deteriorate further and miners whose jobs are already compromised will becomes destitutes.

He said government should not entertain any manouveres that will resustate the legal battles with Vedanta, especially that the matter was moved out of court to facilitate for a quicker and less complicated transition process.

Ends

Former Energy Minister David Mabumba has praised the Patriotic Front (PF) for their role in the commissioning of the Kafue Gorge Lower (KGL) Power Station. He also disputed President Hakainde Hichilema’s claim that the PF had damaged Zambia’s relationship with China during their tenure.

Speaking in an interview,Haimbe Mabumba credited both the UPND and PF for the completion of the KGL, but specifically highlighted the efforts of the previous government. He stated, “The PF are the ones who need to be commended, it’s the previous government. I’m a politician and I speak freely, they are the ones who executed that particular project.”

Mabumba went on to explain that it was the PF who initiated the KGL project and that it took the previous president, Edgar Lungu, to ensure its completion. He added that the UPND government should also be credited for the project’s successful commissioning.

Contrary to President Hichilema’s statements during the KGL commissioning ceremony, Mabumba claimed that Zambia’s relationship with China was in fact fantastic during the PF’s tenure. He argued that it was the previous government’s strategic partnership with China that enabled the country to secure funding for various development projects, including the KGL.

The KGL Power Station, which was commissioned on Friday, is expected to increase Zambia’s electricity generation capacity by 750 megawatts. The project, which was funded by China’s Export-Import Bank, cost approximately $2 billion and took over five years to complete.

During his speech at the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema acknowledged the PF’s role in initiating the KGL project, but also criticized their handling of the project, which he claimed had damaged Zambia’s relationship with China. He called for a review of all projects funded by China to ensure that they are in the best interest of Zambia.

The commissioning of the KGL Power Station is seen as a significant achievement for the UPND government, which has been in power for less than six months. The project is expected to alleviate the country’s persistent power shortages and attract foreign investment to Zambia’s energy sector.

However, the controversy surrounding the project’s funding and execution highlights the challenges facing the new government as it seeks to balance the country’s development needs with its financial obligations. President Hichilema has promised to prioritize transparency and accountability in all government projects, including those funded by China, in order to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

The Patriotic Front (PF) has threatened to hold protests ahead of the Democracy Summit, which is set to be attended by Vice President Kamala Harris. The protests, according to PF Chairperson for Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda, are in response to the government’s failure to address several issues, including LGBTQ rights and the country’s stance on Russia.

The Democracy Summit is a high-level gathering of global leaders that will take place in Zambia later this year. It is being held to strengthen democratic institutions and promote human rights, including LGBTQ rights. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to attend the summit and deliver a keynote address.

Speaking to the media, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile expressed his concern about the government’s failure to address these issues. “As Members of Parliament, we have a duty to uphold the rights of all Zambians, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We also have a duty to ensure that our country’s foreign policy aligns with our values and principles,” he said.

Mundubile went on to say that some MPs have a desire to protest ahead of the Democracy Summit if the government does not take action. “We are considering all options, including peaceful protests, to ensure that our concerns are heard,” he said.

In response to the PF’s threat of protests, President Hakainde Hichilema has called for calm and dialogue. “We understand the concerns of the PF and other stakeholders, and we are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue to address these issues,” he said in a statement.

However, PF Chairperson Nakacinda has dismissed President Hichilema’s statement, saying that the party will go ahead with the protests if their demands are not met. “We have exhausted all other options, and peaceful protests are the only way to make our voices heard,” he said.

Nakacinda also revealed that the party is working with other stakeholders, including the church, to organize the protests. “We are not alone in our concerns, and we are confident that we will have the support of the Zambian people,” he said.

The threat of protests ahead of the Democracy Summit has raised concerns about the potential impact on the event. However, organizers have expressed confidence that the summit will proceed as planned. “We are monitoring the situation closely, but we remain committed to holding a successful summit that promotes democratic values and human rights,” said a spokesperson for the summit.

The PF’s threat of protests has also sparked a debate about LGBTQ rights in Zambia. While homosexuality is illegal in the country, there is a growing movement to decriminalize it and promote LGBTQ rights. Advocates argue that discrimination against LGBTQ individuals violates their human rights and undermines Zambia’s democratic values.

The Democracy Summit is seen as an opportunity to address these issues and promote greater tolerance and inclusivity in Zambian society. However, the threat of protests underscores the challenges that lie ahead in promoting these values.

As the countdown to the Democracy Summit continues, all eyes will be on Zambia to see how it navigates these challenges and promotes democratic values and human rights.

The PF’s threat of protests has also drawn criticism from some quarters, with human rights groups condemning the party’s stance on LGBTQ rights. Amnesty International Zambia has called on the government to take a strong stand in support of LGBTQ rights and to ensure that the summit is not disrupted by protests.

“The government has a duty to protect the rights of all Zambians, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We urge the government to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to address these issues and to ensure that the Democracy Summit proceeds as planned,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International Zambia.

The controversy surrounding the PF’s threat of protests highlights the challenges facing Zambia as it seeks to promote democratic values and human rights. However, it also underscores the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue and promoting greater understanding and inclusivity in Zambian society.

STATEMENT BY APNAC ZAMBIA CHAPTER CHAIRMAN HON MILES B. SAMPA ON THE ARREST OF THE APNAC SG HON MUNIR ZULU

Tuesday March 28th, 2023

About 8am this morning I visited Hon Munir Zulu at the Longacres Police post where he has have been incarcerated since yesterday. Spoke to him at length and he is in usual good spirits. I am keen to figure out today on the charge that the Police have on him but if it’s around the statement on corruption he made last week then it calls for great concern on our freedom of expression on matters of corruption.

Hon Munir Zulu is our elected secretary general (sg) for the Zambia chapter of the Africa Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) and whose role inter alia is to advocate at parliamentary level for a corruption free Africa within our respective Countries.

I was in SA for Pan African Parliament duties last 3 weeks but upon arrival Hon Zulu notified me that he was holding a press conference same day as SG of Apnac he had intel on some grande corruption at Ministerial level. He did not share the details with me but believed he was on firm grounds whatever he was to expose.

He held a press statement on Parliament grounds where all MPs have immunity from prosecution on whatever they say. Hon Zulu disclosed that he had information on two Ministers having received a bribe of $250,000 each for facilitating the Lusaka Ndola road contract recently signed by government. It would be for the two Ministers mentioned namely the Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane and the Infrastructure Minister Hon Charles Milupi to refute and which they have done and if injured, then sue in the Courts of Law as they have stated they will.

It is not for the Police to arrest Hon Zulu on his allegations . He did not commit any crime against the people of Zambia and the state. It’s a civil and not police matter and more so that Hon Zulu has insisted that he is on tera firmer and has solid evidence on his assertions on the two Ministers.

APNAC therefore demands that our SG Hon Zulu should be released immediately and unconditionally from Police custody. We are intouch with our APNAC global office on our options in such circumstances but give the Police time today to release Hon Munir Zulu and leave matters to the two Ministers aggrieved and the Anti Corruption Commision to deal with the matter if need be.

A whistle blower should be heard and not arrested as enshrined by our own laws.

Miles Bwalya Sampa, MP
Chairman
APNAC Zambia chapter

KAMALA HARRIS WELCOME BUT…

By Hon. Bowman Chilosha Lusambo

In our African culture, we are taught to welcome all visitors. It is from this premise that we welcome the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Zambia. We hope her handlers have included a brief stop in Livingstone for her to see our beautiful Mosi-O-Tunya Falls and a drive through Mpongwe, our home village to show her how our hard working people grow our food.

We also wish to use this opportunity to raise a few concerns over the new tide that Washington-Lusaka relations are taking. Under President Hichilema, it is clear to see that Zambia is on a crusade to over-please the West at the expense of other nations with whom we have a long standing relations.

Zambia now finds itself in a very precarious position in the geopolitical landscape which has now affected relations with other countries and the all important debt restructuring programme.

As Vice President Harris visits Lusaka, we wish to remind her and her host President Hichilema that Zambia shall at all times maintain its non aligned position on key global issues. Since 1964, we have ostensibly implemented this policy position and has served the country well. The mistake that President Hichilema and his Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo made when they voted to condemn Russia at the UN summit shall never be repeated. It was foolhardy and should never happen again. Zambia has always been a friend of all nations including China and just for Mrs Harris’s own information, the modern airport she will land was built by the Chinese, the good road network she will be driven on from the airport to her hotel room was constructed by China and the conference room she will speak from was a gift from China.

We wish to also explicitly tell Vice President Harris that Zambia shall not be a pawn in the US’s fights with China and Russia. We will at all times protect our sovereign interests as a nation and as a people.

On the issue of propagating same sex relationships under the guise of human rights promotion, we wish to refer her to our Republican Constitution which clearly stipulates that we are a Christian nation and Christian principles abhors such acts. Vice President Harris must be reminded that same sex relationships might be accepted in the US but in Zambia, such acts will never be allowed. As dynamic as culture can be, there are some boundaries that cannot be crossed. We have accepted a lot of US influences such as language, fashion, music and democracy over the years but we will never adopt same sex relationships. We wish to ask her to accept our position the same way the US has been forced to accept the recent decision by the Ugandan Parliament over same sex relations. Further, Vice President Harris should be informed that she risks being arrested if she promotes g@y rights whilst in Zambia like she did in Ghana as it is a criminal offence to promote unnatural acts in our beautiful nation.

We further wish to challenge President Hichilema as he holds talks with Vice President Harris at State House to look her in the eye and without any hesitation, tell her to her face that Zambia will never accept same sex relationships. That is the greatest leadership test we are throwing at President Hichilema and if he fails this test, he would failed the current and future generations of Zambians.

STATEMENT BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE FORTHCOMING SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY AND THE VISIT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I am pleased to inform the nation that the Zambia Police Service will be policing the forthcoming Summit for Democracy (S4D) to be held in our country from Wednesday, 29th to Thursday, 30th March 2023 in Lusaka.

During the same period, we will be hosting the visit of the Vice President of the United States of America (USA), Kamala D. Harris who will be in the country from Friday, 31st March, 2023 to Saturday, 1st April, 2023.

These two events are of great importance not only to our country but to the global community as well.

As an institution charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and provision of security in the country, it is our mandate to ensure that the two functions proceed safely and in a secure environment.

We are alive to the fact that during this period, there are certain individuals and groupings with an agenda to champion causes that may be alien to our country and inimical to our tradition and cultural values. I wish to warn those with such ill-intentions that our officers are fully equipped and ready to deal with them.
Enough officers will be deployed to cover the summit venue and other areas of concern.

Ladies and gentlemen, the two events will indeed attract a large number of VIP escorts in our city. We would like to appeal to all motorists and the general public to exercise caution and patience during this period as some of the roads may be temporarily closed at certain times to allow the smooth flow of VIP vehicles. In such situations, the public will always be guided on the alternative routes to use.

As I conclude, I wish to assure the general public and our visitors that the Zambia Police Service is committed to ensuring that peace, law and order prevails before, during and after these significant events. We have put in place adequate measures aimed at creating a safe and secure environment for all.

For any emergencies, members of the public are advised to utilize our toll free line 9010.

Lemmy Kajoba
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
28th March, 2023

HOW THE MARCH 2023 ‘DEMOCRACY SUMMIT’ AND KAMALA HARRIS’S VISIT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HH TO CLEANSE HIMSELF FROM “AMERICAN GAY FILTHY”

A. INTRODUCTION

By Dr. Chris ZUMANI Zimba

When African leaders such Uganda’s Museveni, Rwanda’s Kagame, Kenya’s Ruto or Uhuru, Libya’s Gaddafi, Zambia’s Lungu or Kaunda, Zimbabwe’s Mugabe or Mnangagwa, DR Congo’s Kabila, Nigeria’s Buhari and Malawi’s Chakwera spoke against homosexuality at some point, no one doubted their position but were instantly believed and taken seriously. To the contrary, Zambia’s sitting President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and his government have on more than 10 times since September, 2021 responded to denounce their covert support for homosexuality; but their position has received very little believability impact from many local citizens (Nkomesha U, 2022:1; Lusaka Times, 2021:1). Many stakeholders are still highly sceptical and seem to doubt their policy honest.
Why is this particular African president failing to convince his own voters and citizens that he has zero tolerance for gay and lesbian rights?

Why is HH, an SDA church elder and ‘New Head of State’ not taken serious or warmly believed on this issue in particular? In this short article, we have reviewed different literature such as key political statements, government policies, media reports and research findings in attempting to factually answer the aforesaid questions. The article strives to also advance sound policy recommendations on how the Zambian President and government can ‘cleanse’ themselves from this ‘America gay filthy’ during the historical state visit of the American Vice President, Kamala Harris as well as Zambia’s co-hosting of the ‘World Democracy Summit’ this March, 2023.

B. HOW HH HAS ENTANGLED HIMSELF IN & WITH THE ‘AMERICAN GAY FILTHY’

There are multiple direct and indirect reasons why our good president, HH and his team have on many times spoken against homosexuality but are generally not believed nor taken seriously by many stakeholders. Below, I identify and itemize the five key ones:

1. Our HH is seen like one playing ‘hide and seek’ on homosexuality; he does not take a bold, passionate, angry and open position against homosexuality whenever he has an opportunity to meet and talk with American and European leaders, media reporters and investors in New York, London, Ottawa or Paris who champion homosexuality. When he is with them, HH always chooses to avoid ‘any anti-gay talk’ in the faces of the actual homosexual promoters and funders. This is where our HH misses it;

2. All African leaders who are taken serious on anti-gay rights talk have had honest, passionate, courageous and open position against homosexuality in front of BBC, CNN, Sky News, Obama, Joe Biden, Tony Blair, Kamala Harris, etc who are respected gay champions. At no point has our HH denounced homosexuality in the faces of these American and European gay sponsors without fear or apology. This is why he is not taken serious on this issue by many informed stakeholders;

3. The accusations of HH being soft on gays are empirically factual and serious because, our HH has openly embraced and closely befriended Britain and Europe’s number one gay promoter and ambassador called Tony Blair, former Prime Minister (PM) of UK (The Guardian, 2022:1). Mr. Blair is recognized for changing laws that promoted and popularized pro homosexual rights and unions in UK and Europe between 1997 and 2007 when he was PM and Has been awarded and rewarded many times by many gay organizations;

4. So far, Tony Blair has visited HH each year at State House and no one knows the extent of Blair’s influence on HH’s government and policies. Yes, ‘only birds of the same kind fly together’; HH’s close relation with Tony Blair is generally seen as such by many stakeholders (Mandle C, 2023:1). To what extent can our good president dissociate himself from being covertly pro-gay when his number one European ally and policy advisor is no one but Tony Blair?; and

5. HH is ‘tightly hugging’ and ‘politically kissing’ President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris who won on the ticket of promoting and defending gay and lesbian rights both at home and abroad. At all UNGA and democracy summits, the American President and his team have prioritized to preach, protect and promote homosexuality to all their partner countries (Lavers M. K, 2021). Now, the way these American and Westerner gay promoters embrace HH and shower his government with ‘soft human rights’ praises must not shock him when many other stakeholders disbelieve his ‘lukewarm message’ on homosexuality (Nkomesha U, 2022:1). Our good president is just entangled in ‘American Gay Filthy’ especially that homosexuality is currently American priority Foreign Policy under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (Cassell H, 2021:1).

C. HOW OUR HH MUST UTILIZE THE MARCH 2023 TWO US ENGAGEMENTS IN ZAMBIA TO CLEANSE HIMSELF FROM ‘AMERICAN GAY FILTHY’.

1. When he meets this American Vice President in front of the local and international media, HH must proactively bring Zambia’s official position on gays and lesbians to her. With passion, anger and political emotions we know him for, he should just say: “Gay Rights, gay rights what, KUTUMPA UKU”! and let someone translate and explain to Kamala Harris in English. This will be effective cleansing point for our ruler;

2. And at this 2023 Democracy Summit in front of all world leaders, HH gather courage to emphasize Zambia’s position on homosexuality in his speech. In presence of national, regional and world leaders and media, our president must be willing to firmly clarify on this topic and say it without fear or intimidation that Zambian people, cultural norms and religious values are purely anti-homosexual;

3. Our good president must know that many people won’t take him seriously if he only reacts to accusations of tolerating gays and lesbians to fellow Zambians who are already anti homosexuality themselves but are suspicious of his relationship with all the aforesaid America and European gay funders and promoters; and

4. Hence, our good president has an opportunity to politically cleanse himself from this “American Filthy” by making his position clear in the face of these American and European most important champions of homosexuality on earth. Let him redeem both himself and Zambia.

D. CONCLUSION

In the book of Zechariah 4:6, the Bible is very clear that “It’s not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty”. No matter how President HH speaks angrily against homosexuality in some church or political gathering here in Zambia, no one will take him serious if he does not tell off the actual sponsors and promoters of gay and lesbian rights this monthend during these two rare opportunities. It will not be in any way different with an adult man who claims to be highly potent and productive before under age girls of less than 5 years (babies) but always fails to propose female adults for love or marriage when they show interest in him. 9. If our good president decides to make these American gay promoters so soft and nice around him by avoiding the topic before the media, he must be assured that he will retain the political stain of tolerating homosexuality in Zambia both now and tomorrow.

In conclusion, this monthend, Zambia’s President HH will be presented with two important opportunities to cleanse his government and redeem himself from growing gossips of being covertly pro homosexuality. It’s a rare chance for President Hakainde Hichilema to stamp authority on Zambia’s position on homosexuality and shine politically tall like his peers in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Malawi or Sudan. From 29th to 30th March, 2023, the United States of America will co-host the ‘Second Summit for Democracy’ with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, and Republic of Zambia (Cabinet, 2023:1) while US Vice President, Kamala Harris arrives in Lusaka almost during the time for bilateral engagements with the Zambian government after visiting Ghana and Tanzania (Megerian C, 2023:1). I pray for our HH to shine and not sink.

NB: Dr. Chris ZUMANI Zimba is a Zambian Political Scientist, Researcher, Lecturer and Consultant specialized in Comparative Global Governance and Democratic Theories. He holds a PhD from University of Lusaka, Masters from University of Osnabruck in Germany and BA from University of Zambia in Political Science. He publishes political and academic books and articles in his field.

Munir requests to privately prosecute Milupi, Musokotwane.

AFTER being summoned to appear before the police and the Anti-Corruption Commision (ACC) over the accusations he made against ministers Charles Milupi and Situmbeko Musokotwane, Munir Zulu failed to avail himself before the Commission.

In his accusation, Zulu incriminated Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi of receiving a bribe worth $250, 000 from a named company.

According to Zulu the bribe that the two state workers received was over the construction of the Lusaka- Ndola dual carriage way.

Following the allegations, ACC issued a letter on March 24, 2023 requesting to have a meeting with Zulu to discuss his allegations.

But to him, ACC’s move was a clear indication of the commission’s incompetence to investigate matters as he stated in a statement he issued today.

Zulu stated that the commission acted in a very contemporaneously manner by issuing Musokotwane’s denial statement rather than engaging Zulu over his allegations.

“The President under whose office the Anti-Corruption Commission falls by virtue of gazette notice number 1123, issued a statement instructing the ministers to sue me alleging that I was being mischievous,” he stated.

“Based on the above, it became evident that in the eyes of the supervisor, of the Anti-Corruption Commission, there is or was no corruption by the UPND ministers.”

Zulu added that the ACC’s desire and ability to fight corruption on this matter is prejudiced and it is for this reason that he denied to appear before their office for questioning.

“ My observations has proved that the ACC has gone on defence for the ministers by issuing a supportive statement for them rather than investigating them like their job demands,” Zulu alleged.

“I have since sent a request to the office of the Director of Public prosecution to allow me to privately prosecute this matter,” Zulu stated.
http://kalemba.news/…/munir-requests-to-privately…/
By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba

EMMANUEL MWAMBA: SAME MONZE, SIMILAR EVENTS, BUT DIFFERENT OUTCOMES UNDER DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP

By Clayson Hamasaka

I note the write up by PF Presidential aspirant Emmanuel Mwamba on the outpouring of love and solidarity given to him in Monze yesterday when he went to attend the burial service of late Pastor Slyvester Chilimba Hamavwa who is an uncle to President Hakainde Hichilema. The President, First Lady and a lot of UPND leaders were also in attendance.

Mwamba’s write up reminds me of a horrible experience in October 2016 when we accompanied the then UPND President Hakainde Hichilema for a funeral of his relative in Monze East.

That particular day in Monze resembled a war zone as Police indiscriminately threw teargas canisters and discharged live ammo in all directions resulting in women, children and old people scampering for cover. The Police combatants were dressed up in full battledress and carrying heavy weaponry and their presence was overwhelming.

All this was a spirited attempt to block then opposition UPND President Hichilema from reaching his destination to mourn his own relative in his own hometown and place of his birth.

It was only after Monze residents resisted that we finally managed to cross the town to the funeral home in the outskirts of the town.

Now contrast this with Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday who was advised by his PF Party to travel with heavy security, obviously in anticipation of violence, because in their own mind, they still believe Zambians want to avenge the PF’s 10 years of brutality, but Mwamba drove basically all alone, and got lost and was actually assisted by a local 🏍 rider who gave him a ceremonial motorcycle escort all the way to the funeral.

Now imagine this, Mwamba actually arrived when the Head of State was already seated. Normally in security protocols, even Ministers and senior government officials tend to restrain themselves from entering an arena where the Head of State is already seated. In instances such as being described by Emmanuel Mwamba, security would probably have advised him to stay away until the Head of State departs, especially that we are dealing with Emmanuel Mwamba whose profile and identity can not be missed, and whose persistent and vicious attacks on the Head of State are well documented.

In our days in opposition, we had countless instances where our entourage could not be allowed entrance to a venue, particularly if President Edgar Lungu was already seated. In few instances where we could be allowed, it had to take the event organisers to basically protest and allow us to enter. Even then, our sitting arrangement would be very far from the VIP tent.

Imagine that Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday was not only allowed to enter and sit near the Head of State when he (Mwamba) arrived late, but was even given a microphone, right in front of the Republican President, to address the same audience that the Head of State was addressing.

And yet, we hear there are plans to protest by the PF leadership during this week’s Democracy Summit because there is no democracy and no freedoms in Zambia.

And President Hakainde Hichilema has often talked about the futility of tribalism because most Zambians are intervowen by blood or through marriages. PF has unashamedly continued on their divisive crusade even in opposition. Who would have imagined Emmanuel Mwamba one of President Hichilema’s harshest critics is actually related to the President through marriage?

Now imagine the kind of talk that would have emerged if Emmanuel Mwamba was treated in the harsh manner he had anticipated.

These are the images of the 2016 funeral visit by President Hichilema in Monze.

WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, YOU CANNOT LEAD – GREYFORD MONDE

….as he urges the Church not to distance itself on the Governance of the Country

Lusaka, Monday, March 27, 2023 ( Smart Eagles )

Patriotic Front (PF) Presidential Candidate Greyford Monde has urged the Church to take the lead in the Governance of the country.

This came to light during the 15th Graduation Ceremony of Arise and Shine Christian University at BIGOCA Church in Lusaka yesterday where Hon Monde Officiated as the Guest of Honor.

And Chancellor of Arise and Shine Professor Kaluba has noted the need for believers to become Presidents and Members of Parliament of the country.

Professor Kaluba said this is because when the righteous rule, people rejoice, but where the wicked are in forefront people mourn as he recited Proverbs 29 vs 2.

“We are urging every believer to do something in your life. Any course can take you very far. Whether it is Theology or Agriculture,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon Greyford Monde has underscored the importance for leaders to always seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.

While some people state that Politics and Christianity cannot meet, Hon Monde has emphasised that “You cannot achieve as a Politician in void of the Guidance of the Holy Spirit”.

He has also encouraged people take a lead and begin to take leadership roles in the church and outside church in line with governance

Hon Monde said Zambia is one of the richest countries in terms of mineral resources but its citizens have continued to live in Abject poverty possibly because the church has sometimes chosen to distance itself from Governing the people.

He also urged the Church to refuse the agenda of LGBTQ.

He has since commended the Catholic Church for signing a decree where the priests and Bishops are being forbidden from blessing and officiating gay marriages.

“We Got our independence in 1994, and we know that we need to liberate ourselves including this matter. The matter of LGBTQ, there is still a lot of un-independence that is being pushed on us as the people of this country. The Church must ensure to reject such,” he said.

And Hon Monde said the country cannot continue being run with the trend of persecuting all those perceived to be .

“I pray that that those graduating and the Congregation must ensure that the knowledge and experience will be used to high exploits,” he said.

Hon Monde was also a bearer of a message from former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

“The former President Edgar Lungu was saying as you greet the people, ask them to continue praying and to pray for those in authority so that they realise that the time they have is not to destroy but to build the nation to make it strong,” he said.

SmartEagles2023

NAKACINDA DEMANDS GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON PRPGRAMME ON LGBTQI

…challenges HH to tell the US VEEP Zambia’s position on morality

Lusaka, Monday, March 27, 2023 (Smart Eagles)

Should President Hakainde Hakainde fail to state what we stand for as a people, we will protest and send a strong message to madam Harris to take back to Biden, who is married to a woman by the way, says Patriotic Front (PF) National Chairperson for Information and Publicity Hon Raphael Nakacinda.

Hon Nakacinda said he is concerned at the continued advocacy by the US over the advancement of what they are calling human rights to do with gay and lesbian rights.

He indicated that the coming of the Vice President of the US to Zambia presents an opportune time for President Hichilema to express his commitment to the ethics, principles and values of Zambians.

“And tell madam Harris when she comes that they cannot impose their values on us as Zambians. We are a sovereign state…for decades and generations, our culture is clear. We do not believe in gay and lesbians’ rights. We don’t believe in a man and man getting married in a sexual relationship, or a woman and a woman…,” he said.

“We expect the President representing us the Zambian people and stating emphatically the way Ruto has done, the way Kenyata did, the way Edgar Lungu did, the way Museveni has done, the Mnangagwa has done, the way most African leaders have done, stating their position that they can relate with America but that does not mean that we have to impose our values on America or America imposing their values on us.”

Meanwhile, Nakacinda bemoaned the state of the economy under the New Dawn Administration.

“Looking at the economic situation in the country, some of us have begun to contemplate and speculate around the claim that Mr Hichilema is an economist. And since he is said to have graduated from the university of Zambia, we are throwing a challenge to UNZA. UNZA must do two things, if not three things. The university of Zambia should tell us whether Mr Hichilema was attending class or absconding. And if he was attending class we would like to know whether really the university of Zambia is producing sound economists,” he said.

“Because one of the reasons for which he was entrusted with the responsibility of being President is because he marketed himself as one who would manage the economy better. And looking at his performance, we throw a challenge at the university of Zambia to recall that degree because it is damaging the reputation of that institution. If not, if the products are with what the standards so far exhibited by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, they may have to close the school economics at the university of Zambia. Because the performance is not only embarrassing but it has caused untold misery on the people of Zambia.”

I AM READY TO BE PRESIDENT NOW – DANNY PULE
…as he urges President Hakainde Hichilema to address high levels of poverty and homosexuality in the country

By Correspondent Reporter
CHRISTIAN Democratic Party (CDP) president Danny Pule says he is ready to become the next President of Zambia in 2026.

And Dr. Pule has urged the UPND government to urgently address the high cost of living and the birth of homosexuality in the country.

Dr Pule has noted with sadness at the high cost of living, which he says has reached extreme levels making it difficulty for ordinary Zambians to survive.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kitwe today, Dr. Pule said that poverty levels under the UPND administration have reached alarming levels where by most Zambians were losing hope for survival on a daily basis.

He said it was only fair and urgent for the UPND run government to quickly find solutions to the current situation which has exposed Zambians to experience stress.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pule has advised the UPND government to strengthen the application of the law against homosexuality, wondering why President Hakainde Hichilema and his government have become flat in issues of homosexuality.

He observed that the continued re-occurrence of pro-homosexuality campaigns in the country is a result of the weakness in the application of the law against the vice which he described as being against the Christian values Zambia believes in.

And Dr. Pule who is on party mobilization exercise said he was ready to be President now and that he will participate in 2026 general elections.

He said he was on the Copperbelt to organize the party structures in the province before going to Luapula and Northern Province.

“As a party we aim to fight the vices of economic injustice, poverty, unemployment, nepotism and tribalism, our party truly aims at being guided by equitable public access to basic needs and essential goods. And as you know, I am ready to be President now and we shall be President in 2026 because we shall win,” he said.

Dr Pule has further called on all Zambians to join the Christian Democratic Party to prepare for the formation of a government that will reverse the depravity of the country’s Christian and cultural values.

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote…

Thank you to President Hakainde Hichilema & Hon Cornelius Mweetwa MP

One Zambia, One Nation

By Emmanuel Mwamba

Today my family spent time attending the funeral and burial of the late Pastor, Dr. Sylvester Leeds Chilimba Hamavwa in Kazungula Village near Hamapande Rural Health Centre In Monze.

My young brother Cornelius, is married to one of the daughters of Dr. Hamavwa.

Most members of my family left yesterday but I chose to leave from Lusaka to Monze very early today.

When I shared this bereavement with some of my colleagues,they advised that probably I let my family represent me or alternatively go with “heavy security” to Monze.

I chose none of that but chose to go with my wife and son, and no single “security”.

After reaching Monze town around 06;50hrs we branched off to a directed 30km gravel road to take us to headman Hamavwa’s village. Oh my! Didnt we miserably got lost!

This is even after getting directions from various people and with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

We lost over 3hrs as we meandered in forests, villages and plains in the unexpected misadenture!

Finally when we found the road with the help of a motorbike rider, we arrived and immediatel were met by a lot of people, cars and heavy security detail.

And the Presidential Helicopter was already parked in the open field.

President Hakainde Hichilema had just arrived.

President Hichilema was leading hundreds of mourners that had gathered for the funeral of Dr. Hamavwa.

A lot of UPND party leaders quickly recognised me and graciously welcomed me.

Soon I was ushered in to see my dear brother, host and Provincial Minister Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa. He was gracious to allow me to greet the Head of State.

At the gathering and during the procession, Hon. Mweetwa recognised me in the salutation and called me to greet and speak to the people.

I used the opportunity and honour to thank President Hichilema and the UPND for receiving me and giving me assurance of my safety and security.

I also talked about the importance of loving one another in unity despite our political diversity.

I called for the conduct of decent politics and stated that there was no space for tribalism in our politics especially because of inter-marriages that have occured since 1964.

Later in his speech, President Hichilema took time to give me special recognition.

President Hichilema spoke about the importance of the family unit and the Zambian family in general.

He called for peace and unity in the nation. He condemned political violence especially as occurred under the former ruling party, the Patriotic Front Government.

In his speech, President Hichilema used me and my presence at the funeral as testimony of the environment he is promoting to foster peace and unity in the nation.

He said peace and unity was a fundamental pre-requisite to push for national development.

He also informed the mourners that Dr. Hamavwa and Headman Hamavwa were his uncles.

I would like to thank President Hichilema for his kind words and gesture and for his speech aimed at promoting national unity especially as demonstrated at this funeral.

I also truly enjoyed the songs and warrior dances that occassionally graced the speeches.

In his entourage, President Hichilema was accompanied by the First Lady. Mama Muyinta Hichilema, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe and Patriotic Front Mafinga MP, Hon. Robert Chawinga.

There were also numerous officials including MPs, Senior Government officials, Council Chairpersons and Councillors.

Clearly we gave Dr. Hamavwa a decent and colourful send-off.

Further I would like to sincerely thank Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa for showing leadership, tolerance and for taking it upon himself to recognise me and grant me a protocal officer.

This is as it should be.

We are One Zambia, One Nation.

We can co-exist in diversity as we promote democracy and divergent views.

SEXUALLY STUCK CHEATING COUPLE TAKEN TO A TRADITIONAL HEALER AS HUSBAND TO THE WIFE WHO HAS THE CHARM TO UNLOCK THEM HAS SWITCHED OFF HIS PHONE & HIS WHEREABOUTS ARE NOT KNOWN

Western Province of Zambia🇿🇲 cheating Married cheating woman and man that was recently found sexually stuck, has been taken to a traditional healer after four prophets failed to separate the two despite them applying anointing oil on their private parts and drinking three cases of anointing water .

After failing to raise a K40, 000 which the husband to the wife caught was demanding, affected family members started looking for the husband who later switched off his mobile phone and is suspected to have gone back to his home country Tanzania.

Owner of the wife yesterday sent a message to his wife stating that he warned her against cheating and he could no longer stand the shame of living with a wife who allows sexual bluetooth connections with everyone.

The stuck couple which has attracted a lot of mixed reactions from society, was yesterday afternoon taken to a traditional healer Dr Jemba who is up to now still failing to separate the two despite demanding for K20, 000 which he got and used K6, 000 to get other unlocking charms from his friends which have not worked.

The couple say they are feeling unimaginable pain in their private parts and finding it difficult to urinate as the man is just urinating inside the woman.

‘we are using chambers to defacate in front of the people around because we can’t do it with the help of others’, the couple complains.

Facts of the matter are that husband to the wife caught with another man was demanding for K40,000 cash to unlock them after they got stuck while having sex.

Family to the man caught with someone’s wife only managed to raise K18,500.

Separating the two has failed by all means and only the owner of the wife has the magical key to unlock the two secret but now public lovers.

Treating Diplomats with Contempt- The Sad Case of Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Russia, Prince Imasiku Mutangelwa

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

I have been persuaded to personally write this article as many Ambassadors and diplomats recently faced similar harrassment and ill treatment from officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and by their own Government, despite the guidance, provisions and protection contained in their Conditions of Service and Foreign Service Regulations.

I saw some scanty details of the case of Mr. Imasiku trending at some WhatsApp Group of students in Russia and decided to follow up the matter.

RECALL OF DEPUTY AMBASSADOR PRINCE MUTANGELWA IMASIKU

Deputy Ambassador, Prince Mutangelwa Imasiku has been left stranded in Russia by his own government, fending for himself and meeting expensive medical and other bills in Moscow.

His legitimate request for a short extension to enable him attend to a medical crisis he is facing was unfairly rejected without good reason.

In a quest to force him to return home immediately as directed, resulted in his foreign service allowances including those meant for his accommodation and medicals immediately withdrawn.

APPOINTMENT IN FOREIGN SERVICE

Mr. Imasiku was first appointed as Zambia’s Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Angola and sworn-in by President Michael Chilufya Sata in 2011.

Ambassadors are diplomats of the highest rank, formally representing their Head of State, with plenipotentiary powers (i.e. full authority to represent their Head of State and Country).

However for four years Mr. Imasiku’s was unable to take up his post and his case remained unresolved until 2015.

It was speculated that the host country, Angola was reported not to have responded to Zambia’s request for an Agreement to accept him as Ambassador.

In 2015 President Edgar Lungu decided to resolve his case but appointed Mr. Imasiku as Deputy Ambassador to Zambia’s Embassy in Moscow, Russia.

He continued to serve in that position until 2020 when he was suddenly recalled from Foreign Service.

There was a strong perception that this was attributed to his fiery and political views on national matters he frequently expressed on WhatsApp Groups back home where he was very active.

A letter of recall was written and he returned home in 2021.

However, when the new Government of President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, Imasiku was one of those deemed to have been unfairly treated by the previous government and was reinstated.

He reported back to his station in Moscow in December 2021.

But recently, the recall letter of 2020 was strangely actioned upon and repatriation funds sent for his immediate return home.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorities claim the letter of recall from 2020 has never been rescinded.

Imasiku’s repeated request that a fresh letter of recall be written to him, as he couldn’t return home on a letter that was rescinded and changes that saw his fresh return to Moscow, was declined.

His further request for him to be allowed to wind up all his affairs and return home after three months as provided for in the Foreign Service Regulations was also declined.

Mr. Imasiku has a medical condition and for the last five years has been treated and has undergone eye surgeries.

He was due for two scheduled major surgeries on his other eye.

However his request for a short extension was declined and his foreign service allowances withdrawn.

The case of Mr. Imasiku is similar and circumstances that he has faced was experienced by most diplomats recalled recently.

The diplomats were refused and denied a chance to wind up their affairs as provided for by the law and return home in a decent and civil manner.

For Ambassadors, it was even worse, as most of them failed to bid farewell to the host Heads of States as is required by diplomatic etiquette and practice.

Others were placed in financial ruin as salary advances were recovered at once, despite the provisions that this can be recovered back home.

Further their loans with banks and foreign financial institutions left them stranded or they lost property or cars in a bid to settle the commitments before their departure due to the sudden recalls and the unrealistic demands made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs for them to return home immediately.

Others had school children that were due to write exams in months time but their requests for a stay of three months as provided for by conditions of service or their requests for a short extension were disregarded or flatly refused.

One Ambassador was told that President Hichilema had been informed about the conditions of service and foreign service regulations but he had allegedly directed that all diplomats return immediately or Foreign Affairs would cut their allowances.

I am aware about many Ambassadors and diplomats that wrote request letters to Ministry of Foreign Affairs for short extension or demanded that they stay the three months to wind up affairs as provided for in foreign service regulations, but were treated like criminals and ordered to return home immediately as the letters of recall “was with immediate effect”!

BEING REMOVED FROM PAYROLL

Further when diplomats arrived in Zambia, most were civil servants who were employed on permanent and pensionable terms but were removed from the payroll.

For both civil servants and those on fixed-term contracts, they were expected to remain on the payroll until their full benefits were paid as provided for under Article 187 & 189 (2) of the Republican Constitution.

Article 189(2) reads;
“Where a pension benefit is not paid on a person’s last working day, that person shall stop work but the person’s name shall be retained on the payroll, until payment of the pension benefit based on the last salary received by that person while on the payroll”.

But Ministry of Foreign Affairs removed all diplomats that were recalled and were on fixed-term contracts.

For those on fixed-term contract the Ministry cited a circular from Secretary to Cabinet citing a recent case of Anderson Mwale and Others Vs Zambia Open University – 2021/CCZ/001 which was determined by the Constitutional Court and were primotly removed from the payroll before their benefits were paid.

President Hichilema as Zambia’s Chief Diplomat of the country must ensure that his diplomats abroad are treated well when they report or leave the foreign stations and a strict adherence is followed in accordance with the law, foreign service regulations, diplomatic etiquette and practice.

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES PERSIST IN THE COPPERBELT MAINLY DUE TO CONTINUED DELAYS IN KCM HANDOVER TO VEDANTA

By Miles Bwalya Sampa, MP (25.03.2023)

Two days ago drove into the Copperbelt province to watch the Zambia vs Lesotho football match in Ndola. Arrived straight at the stadium barely in time for the match. As was walking towards the stadium, could notice that gone are the days when car convoys would have classy motor vehicles like Hummers, Range Rovers, Mercedes Benz, BWM etc etc sounding loud kopala music 🎶 with passengers all joyful and essentially reaping fruits of their sweat supplying to the Mines and paid huge sums.

All I could notice this time around was ama Vits and Corolla Yango types. Chalyuma (no cash flow) as both Mopani and KCM mines have been in idling for a while and now almost as good as shut down.

The government has indicated in not so many words that they have decided to give back KCM to the legal owners Vedanta Plc to short circuit the prolonged legal battles in preference for cash flow boost into Chingola, Chililabombwe and the entire Copperbelt province residents.

As a pragmatist I was thrilled with that position though some amongst us still want the impasse that is costing Zambia $2M on a daily basis to continue. They worry more about their egos than the suffering masses in the Copperbelt that need money back in their pockets today and not tomorrow or next year.

It’s worrying however that despite various government statements that they had decided to hand back the mine to Vedanta, it’s several months later and no action on that score. I gather now there is thousands of lawyers hired from England by my good uncle the Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane and my good brother the Mines Minister Hon Paul Kabuswe just to come negotiate the hand over process with Vedanta.
To earn more fees or is sitting allowances, the foreign lawyers will prolong talks as much as they can and more lives will continue to be lost from poverty in the Copperbelt while the lawyers argue of where to cross the T and dot the I.

On daily basis jobs continue to be lost and revenue almost to a halt at KCM. A lot of wrong things still happening there like debt payable to renown international rogue copper scammers Trafigura. They capable of suppling air and find themselves in the KCM debtors books for millions of US dollars.

Vedanta has undertaken to pay all Zambian suppliers owed money by KCM on day one of their arrival in Chingola. They have also stated to give each KCM employee a K2500 arrival handshake before embarking on the $3bn recapitalization direct investment into KCM. This is commendable anywhere in the World.

It 2 years down the line since the UPND formed government and may they uplift lives in the Copperbelt province by injecting money into circulation. Vedanta has that money and may you actualize your KCM undertaking to them. Just ensure you lock them to a performance based MOU with strict timelines and walk away clauses for Zambia incase they don’t deliver.

Together We Can
MBS25.03.2023

SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY: A REINTRODUCTION OF “FREEDOM” THROUGH THE EYES OF A POWER HOUSE

By Samuel Banda

A virtual meeting birthed by the United States of America dubbed “Summit for Democracy” is set to be held in Zambia on 29-30 March, 2023, coincidentally that country’s Vice President, Kamala Harris visits just about the same time and we are forced to speculate the importance of this gathering.

The main focus is listed as strengthening democracy and countering authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting respect for human rights.

Going by the focus points and beliefs of the brains behind the summit, America is being portrayed as a firm supporter of basic civil liberties and other human rights.

Under human rights, American policy for Africa and all who depend upon it for support is for Africa to have acceptance of the existence and practice of yakumbuyo, an unnatural act that has received approval by US President Joe Biden has since signed into law, same sex marriage as of December, 2022.

Under human rights as a topic of discussion is a bracket of the minority groups, and going by the agenda of g@y rights by America, it will be no surprise when such a matter is raised in a land that professes Christianity as a core value and just how the majority Zambians have expressly forbidden this culture.

What is more worrying, is that recent happenings have been met with relaxed responses from those in authority, hence the need for a quick reminder that getting complacent will allow western civilization to colonize our minds.

In fact, it is safe to say that we are slowly accepting changes and normalizing cross dressing in public, be it for stunts, fashion promos or just h0m0s£₩u@ls hiding in plain sight.

Zambia’s past regimes, starting from Dr Kaunda, have preached morality as a bedrock of who we are as Africans to the International media putting Zambia as one of the countries with the toughest anti-homosexual laws in Africa, further saying it is one of the most unsafe places for gay people to live.

Former U.S Ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote who was expelled from the country had even threatened that America was going to cut aid to Zambia because of our unwavering stance against h0m0sl$exu@lity.

However, our country today is witnessing advocates for g@y rights seemingly getting comfortable and gaining ground with open campaigns.

The Swedish and Finnish Embassies in Lusaka showed their LGBTQ support by flying rainbow flags. We also saw the first ever g@y protest in Lusaka.

Are waters being tested or is the Summit for Democracy here to put a stamp of approval on queer life.