President Mwanawasa has terminated the appointment of Zambia’s amdasasador to Libya Mbita Chitala and recalled him with immediate effect.
The action by President Mwanawasa has been propmted by an article on the Union Government of Africa, which ambassador Chitala wrote and is posted on the internet.
This is contained in a statement by State House Chief Analyst for Press and Public Relations, David Kombe.
According to the statement, in the course of the article, Mr. Chitala advocates policies contrary to those of the Zambian government and attacks majority of African leaders for not adopting such policies and establishing a Union Government.
In the article, he argues that it is a lame excuse as some of the leaders have arguments that they have to consult their people and that there is need to integrate the regional economic communities.
The statement further said Mr. Chitala was not given any authority by relevant superio officials of the Zambian government.
Mr. Kombe said the article has caused untold embarrasment to President Mwanawasa and the government of Zambia.
He disclosed that a Foreign Minister of the country whose leader was described in very unkind words has intimated that he will send a note of protest to the Zambian government regarding the article.
[ZNBC]
| Opinion: The Federal Union of African States Must be Established Now By Ambassador Mbita Chitala 26/01/2008 16:29:00 |
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Introduction This presentation addresses the subject of the historical necessity and inevitability of the federated African state. The central argument of the article is that continental integration and empowerment can only succeed if the coordination of efforts is at a continental level through first, the formation of one all African State, that is, by way of a political decision and that economic integration shall only be complementary. This article does not discuss the benefits that will be derived from Africa’s political integration (insure peace keeping, combat disease, environmental concerns, poverty, corruption, oversee good governance, equi-distribute Africa’s wealth) as this is already a settled argument nor does it discuss the method and road map for achieving this historical inevitability as this is a detail to be designed by professional managers. This write up is aimed at imploring African leaders to make the political decision and establish the united one African state as they meet at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 31 January, 2008. Status of Africa’s Unity Post independence Africa presents a divided and balkanized states, weak, and for more than four decades has continued to be a play ground for unabated abuse, exploitation and oppression of its peoples by other more organized political regions as exemplified by the hegemonic control the Europeans and Americans still hold on Africa. Africa’s age old yearnings for political and economic integration have been thwarted, of course variously explained by many factors and interest opinions. These factors include the influence of self-seeking, narrow-minded nationalist African leaders who have continued to opt for personal glory and fame at the expense of the larger Africa using the legalistic excuse of sovereignty, the influence of the vestiges of colonial aberrations and neo-colonial psyches and dominion where Africa in the international division of labour has continued to play the role as a supplier of raw materials and net importer of manufactured commodities which in the process condemns Africa to continue being exploited by way of unequal exchange. In the area of consciousness, cultural imperialism has been ensuring that Africa is divided between two blocs – Anglophone and Francophone – and this division has been sustained by the former colonial powers variously such as establishing institutions like the British Commonwealth with their British Council, and the French Francophone with their Alliance Francais. These have continued to sew divisions among Africans by false ideologies such as the Christian-Moslem dichotomy, the Arab-African dichotomy and the ethnicity or tribal ideologies that are used to divide and weaken Africans. With globalization, Africa has further deepened its integration to the global finance capital from a weak stand point where it cannot get an equal share of the benefits of globalization. African countries have attempted to unite the many small post colonial social formations to address this issue of poverty, underdevelopment and insecurity of Africa but often have fallen short because of the above reasons or because they used unsustainable unworkable methods such as desiring to have economic integration before political unity. The most notable attempt was the Abuja Treaty – Regulation CM/464 of the 26th OAU Council of Ministers who wanted to create five regional communities who would play the role of the future continental common market. The recommendation was based on the realization that integrating 53 differently ruled African States would be unsustainable because of the unripe consciousness, the influence of geography, ecosystems and operational precedence. This attempt failed and more regional communities continued being formed. In pre-Abuja Treaty, there were 8 Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including SACU, MRU, ECOWAS, CEPAL, ECCAS, IOC, IGAD and UMA. In post Abuja Treaty, more RECs have been established. These include SADC, UEMOA, CEMAC, COMESA, CEN-SAD, EAC. All these have been set up in spite of duplication of programmes and their multiplicity, cross cutting membership and inefficiencies have compromised African integration. An attempt towards rationalizing them has failed because of lack of political will and resentment and opposition by the established public service supported by entrenched rules and contracts. It is unacceptable for African leaders to continue procrastinating or making lame selfish excuses of going to consult their peoples and so on such as has been the case in the last ten years. There is no need for these countries to hold referendums as Muammar Gaddaffi challenged his colleagues at the Accra Summit. The opposition to integration that was exhibited by Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa in Accra is regrettable as it was based on the false assumption that these three countries would on their own develop to be sub imperialist powers. It is gratifying that Liberia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Chad and Libya came strongly for immediate political unity. The rest remained look warm. It is no wonder the Africans in South Africa and Kenya have already shown their leaders what they think of their acts in Accra. What is required as the first act is to agree on political integration by establishing the Federated Union of African States. This was the consensus that was reached after the transformation of the OAU into the AU on 9th September, 1999 at Sirte in Libya where all African Leaders committed themselves to the establishment of the United States of Africa. “Those who want to move on a snails pace or are opposed to Africa’s political integration should be left out for now. Their own nationals will deal with them in due course and compel them to join the bigger good – the Federated United States of Africa.”It was therefore amazing at the meeting in Accra, Ghana in July, 2007 that about 50% of African countries continued to give lame excuses at delaying this historical necessity which has as a result continued the tendency of the marginalization of the continent in global affairs as well as deepened the underdevelopment of its people. As the leaders go to meet again in Addis Ababa on January, 31st, 2008, all progressive Africans are hoping that the final solution to African Unity and integration will be found. Now, Africa has entered the globalization process from a point of weakness. New constraints have emerged, particularly with timeframes imposed by initiatives such as the EU, the WTO, China and so on. It is therefore imperative that a new momentum and initiative within a better structured continental framework with improved follow up on both the political leadership and rationalization and implementation of one African economic set up be launched. Political Integration First, then Economic Integration Former Zambian President Dr Kenneth Kaunda and former Algerian President Ben Bela are the only two Africans still living who can attest from first hand account the ideals yearned by Africa’s founding fathers of a strong and independent one African State that was championed by African heroes such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Neyere, Patrice Lumumba, Toure, Gamal Abdul Nasser, Emperor Haile Sellassie, Jomo Kenyatta and other African patriots. These ideals have been taken up by a few progressive African leaders notably Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and the Senegalese President Wade who have been trying to persuade fellow African leaders to move forward on this African integration process. In the last ten years, Libya has had to spend a lot of money and effort trying to have the project realized. Muammar Gaddafi and the leaders of this progressive tendency have been opposed by a conservative fringe whose chief response has been that they are not ready or they must first consult their people or that they are afraid of losing their sovereignty or simply remain non committal. This bloc has been lukewarm and has chosen the road towards Africa’s integration by first strengthening regional economic groupings and assumed that the integration process will ripen on its own. The logic of this route is to further divide Africa. This is the route championed by African colonial masters now united as the European Union. It has been argued by some African leaders and supported by neo colonial think tanks at the secretariats of the Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union and the United Nations that the challenges Africa faces is for the Regional Economic Communities ( RECs) to harmonize their programmes so as to attain convergence and ultimately the African Economic Community. Even though the REC’s are not among the organs of the African Union (AU), it has been argued by these think tanks that they can still be used as building blocks of the African Union government as they were anticipated to be for the African Economic Community under the Abuja Treaty. It has been obvious from all and sundry that such an approach would forever thwart the advancement of the African confederation and would play in the hands of Africa’s enemies who want to continue subjecting the continent to age old disadvantages such as imperialist exploitation and marginalization of the Africans in global affairs. To the progressive Africans, it must be obvious that this incremental approach is not only unsustainable but must be overthrown and be replaced by a Nkrumah/Nasser and currently Gaddafi/Wade approach that argues for “seek ye the political kingdom first, and all would follow”. The argument that Africa should first rationalize and harmonize the more than fourteen (14) regional economic cooperation groupings and use them as the basis for advancing to Federal Africa is a view point that is against historical experience. In practice, it is utter mechanistic nonsense and is a road to continued balkanization of the continent, weakening Africa and ensuring that it continues to be a market for imperialist capital. Only political unity can advance the economic integration agenda and break the suffocating tentacles of imperialism which have for the last 200 years constrained Africa’s advancement. The only Question at Addis Ababa and Africa’s Prayer It is important that Africans, as they meet at Addis Ababa on 31st January, 2008 realize that unless they create political space in the sense of an all Africa Federal State, all what Africa has always aspired for will be in vain. We will have to wait for another generation to attempt at unity again. What a waste of ten years investment of our time and resources! At the Accra Summit of the African Union in July, 2007, the decision to establish the federated State of Africa was postponed for six months to allow for further national consultations. About 50% of African States mainly in the CEN-SAD group were for the immediate establishment of the United States of Africa. Another group mainly from the SADC area was lukewarm to the ideal and politely opposed the immediate creation of the African Union State. They regressed to the outdated Abuja Treaty argument of basing unity on the gradual development of regional groupings. Today, Africa faces the challenges that Nkrumah and his colleagues faced at the beginning of this argument which resulted in the creation of two blocs – the Casablanca and Monrovia blocs among African leaders. The question then was principally how to advance the decolonization of Africa. The bloc led by Nkrumah, Nasser, Nyerere, Haile Sellasie, Ben Bella, Kaunda, Toure, Lumumba and others won the day against the African reactionaries who advocated for some regulated independence. Today, there are about 53 politically independent African States – most of them are weak and are simply outposts of imperialist exploitation and subjugation. It is necessary, nay, a historical inevitability that Africa must first address and achieve political unity under one State for any meaningful progress to be made towards playing any equal role in the global community. The harmonization and rationalization of the REC’s will also follow naturally as politics will lead. The argument which has been advanced by some of our leaders that political unity will only be reached if and when all African States accede to the ideal by way of consensus is obviously, not a useful position. For practical reasons, this 100% unanimity is utopian as some African States are under the hegemony of imperialism or are simply reactionary and/or will never be allowed by their imperialist masters to accede to Africa’s political integration. These countries should not be allowed to hold progress of other Africans. They should no longer delay this movement towards Africa’s emancipation and unity. Those who want to move on a snails pace or are opposed to Africa’s political integration should be left out for now. Their own nationals will deal with them in due course and compel them to join the bigger good – the Federated United States of Africa. About The Author |
Mr Chitala was just expressing his opinion. i dont think he was wrong. i dont agree with the union government, of Africa, but people should be free to give their opinion.
Trust Mbita Chintundya Chitala not to follow diplomatic etiquette and Protocol. I wonder if unwent orientation at the diplomatic school in Lusaka before his posting.Some careers are averse to radicalism,diplomatic service is such a one
Well done Levy. Mbita went beyond his call of duty. Levy, on this one, you have scored 100%.
There is nothing wrong in one, as Mbita did, expressing their feelings about issues that border on the pan-Africanism. I also have a feeling that generally African leaders have a tendency to shield each other except for Levy who described Robert Mugabe as a sinking titanic. Transformation of Africa is inevitable. The process is just being delayed by isolated and scared leaders. I propose that certain mechanisms should be put in place and individual countries should seek in-country consensus by way of referenda. Let us make progress.
L.T. find mbita’s article and post it the website so that we can read the article in full since it’s somewhere on the internet? I think ba Mbita baliba bosha kuli Gaddafi, I’m sure alebwela na Oil money ukufuma pa Libya.
4 Bwana Dickson,
Mbita did not speak in an ordinary capacity he is a Diplomat and whatever position or statement a diplomat issues it is taken as the official position of the Government he represents.In diplomacy there is a special way of communicating which does not antagonise anyone, that is why it is called diplomatic language.Even when there are differences in opinion between Governments they are dealt with “diplomatically” which means in a manner that is private, confidential mutally respecting and consultative. Even when a country wants to protest there is a protocol to be followed which means issuing a protest note. Chintundya was clearly wrong and deserves the sack
I have found Mbita’s article at www[dot]tripolipost[dot]com. At the very end of the article, it states that the views expressed in the article were personal and not official and I ‘went’ through the article, it seems fine to me. This could be overreaction from ba levy. May be he just wants to replace Mbita with someone from the ‘family tree’!
I was astonished to hear the news that Mbita has been fired due to expression of his own opinion. Mbita is just expressing his opinion of he is entilted as his human right.
so for the president to him is of no value but intimidation to of us entitled to such ideas.
I’m very disappointed by our beloved president, who is a lawyer with full knowledge of freedom of expression.
Mr president, am very disappointed, we need to see change of how to hire and fire, not as it is.
Zambian man.
Lusaka
AU: please as you look at Kenyan violence do the same at Darfuw
oxox
7-8
I am sure you do not comprehend the serousness of what Chintundya has done.He is a diplomat and hence whatever he says regarding other Governments and officials is considered the official position of Zambian.It is like a Judge or Magistrate, once in court whatever he says is the official position of the court there is nothing like a Judges personal opinion. Besides by his utterences he has put the election compeign of another Zambian for the post of AU secretary General in Jeorpardy
Mbita Chitala deserves to be sacked. He has insulted other countries in the name of democracy.
#10 CITIZEN,
Who can you blame really on this issue because we all know that Mbita is a politician, one of the MMD founders, he can open his mouth and mind anytime. This is what you get when you send a politician to do a diplomat’s job. And don’t blame Mbita if bo Inonge does not get the AU job.
mbita is a foolish man who does not know when to talk and shutup.
good riddance
Mr. Chitala`s remarks are tantamount to declaring war n another country. Let no one lament his sacking in the name of freedom of expression. That is a total misuse of freedom of expression especially in his capacity as a diplomat. This is a lesson to both the appointing authorities and the appointees. Send credible people in the diplomatic mission otherwise tukalasebanafye lyonse.
Ba Chitala,you were under oath to represent the government’s view not beliefs or Opinion.you should have known your job’s description.Don’t forget the fact that ignorance of the law is what keeps our higher courts functioning.Sorry ba Mbita
abraham mutale no15. u re 100% rite whilst i admire mbita’s political guile he contravened convention and as such he must account for his actions
I have just read the article in question by Ambassador Mbita Chitala. It is devoid of diplomatic language. Clearly Mbita has not yet “graduated” from the revolutionary UNZA student politics of the 1970s. His article hits the nail on the head and it is too frank to originate from a diplomat. I have an inkling that Chitala was not happy to be in diplomatic service and so the article was his way of fast tracking his own recalling. Did the appointing authorities really see a diplomat in Chitala?
I have just read the article in question by Ambassador Mbita Chitala. It is devoid of diplomatic language. Clearly Mbita has not yet “graduated” from the revolutionary UNZA student politics of the 1970s. His article hits the nail on the head but it is too frank to originate from a diplomat. I have an inkling that Chitala was not happy to be in diplomatic service and so the article was his way of fast tracking his own recalling. Did the appointing authorities really see a diplomat in Chitala?
Mbita Chitala, well done. Call a spade,a spade.
Your opinion is well thought, and magnificently written. Mwanawasa is just scared of intelligent and independent thinkers. I don’t see anything wrong in your article may be, because I’m not narrowly minded. It is better to be fired, than to pretend,all is good. Nice to know,some Zambians move with time.
annonymous # 1,
I have always reminded you that you are dumb and a poor manager of your time. You keep doing yourself a lot of justice every time you post those thoughtless views online. Trust me, you could best use the abused time in learning rational arguments and smart discourse from some school or through personalized counsel from the wise people.
Wikipedia,ambassadors or High commissioners are deplomatic official accredited to a foreign countries to serve as the official REPRESENTATIVE of his or her country.Mr Chitala fail short.
I think we have mindless diplomatic bloggers on this site. I have read an article of I person expressing his views which any good leader in this world would appreciate, and then we get these so called diplomats jumping all over the guy and praising Levy. There must be something wrong here. Aren’t people close to our leaders suppose to give them data that is as real as possible? Or are we still in those old days emperor’s clothes non sense? I guess you have to be a brain dead bootlickers serve these African leaders,in the name of diplomacy.
No wonder they can’t even tell off Mugabe or this Kenya chap for stealing an election and yet innocent people are dying. SHAME. VIVA MBITA & VIVA BLOGGIN
You keep doing yourself a lot of injustice every time you post those thoughtless views online.There is everything wrong with Chitala’s article him being a Diplomat.
Awe suwa tashichela mumo! Apapene suwa ninshi kaposoka? Dont worry my brother, there is life in Thamanga, elyo nachiopena bad! Vili bad bad vinthu, but ma half yalipo pa Zed, osati monga monga mwamene vinalili pa nthawi yija ya Kafupi. Isenifye yama tukesa mipelako space pa Soweto Market, the pride of Kafupi success! Nakalebalika shikulu, at iwe mudala tawali kwati bambi abapala bena Bulaya, uli wafi data, bebe bomfwe abale dauta!
On this one I would like to commend the President. Well done he is rude and lacks diplomatic ettiquette. An ambassodor is a countrys representative and requires permission to issue statements such as the one he issued. It is about time. Chiluba fired him after he messed up maize marketing and now President Mwanawasa has fired him. He deserves to go! Zambia does not need people like this man representing it.
The article is not official,but a personal view. At the end of Chitala’s article it clearly states, This is personal view. Meaning,it is not supported by his government.
The tastes good. Those are personal views. And by the way, what is the stance of Zed Govt on United States of Africa and who divided Africa into countries?
Well done. Any words spoken by any government official at diplomatic level will be perceived to be a reflection of the government he is representing. I think this was a very irresponsible article whether right or wrong. It is a very interesting article and I don’t challenge his position. However, as stated earlier anything he says reflects governments position and in this case he should have asked for authorization. Last words…….
YOU ARE FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Again, Levy has shown his unaccommodative attitude towards progressive individual thinking. Perhaps the mistake Mbita made was not to emphasise the fact that he was writting this article in his personal capacity at the very beginig of the article. Content-wise, he is right in many areas especially when he talks about the lukewarm attitude our leaders have towards issues that require a sense of urgency. I don’t agree though with the idea of forming a federated state of Africa, but political and economic integration as one union of independent states. I think he could have improved his tone, he sounded bitter at something, maybe thats what angered levy the almighty.
The man must have seen it coming, he is not stupid. He deserves to be relieved of his position, it’s completely un-diplomatic. All the same, I fully understand his frustration with our leaders and their execuses. Unfortunately, as said, he has jorpadized the posion of Dr. Inonge Wina, what a shame.
Mr Chitala
The divisions among Africans by ideologies such as the Christian-Moslem dichotomy, the Arab-African dichotomy and the ethnicity or tribal ideologies are real. Look at Darfour and Kenya today.
So is the division of Africa along Anglophone and Francophone or even Portuguese lines. It is FOLLY and DANGEROUS to bury one’s head in the sand and hope these differences will automatically be wiped by simple signatures of heads of state. Your solution will create even more serious problems than those it intends to solve. Remember the theory of unintended consequences.
ctd: Agreed; African unity is important but it has to be approached with rational calculation and well thought out strategy not utopia. Africa is extremely heterogeneous(racially, ethnically, economically, politically, religiously etc) Don’t get carried away by the fraternity in diplomatic circles. The reality for ordinary African citizens is fractious. You are providing a simplistic solution to a very complex and project
Mbita does not understand his position and therefore deserves to be fired. Besides, it is diversity that makes the continent of Africa uniquely beautiful. To seek to unite it is to ignore such a rare gem of a diverse people. I smell oil money running through each paragraph in Mbita’s article. Viva ba Mwinsho ba Levy!
Nemesis I thought she was Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika? You call her Inonge Wina??
African leaders never want to know the truth. Mbita Chitala, you are one of the victims of Levy’s refusal to hear the truth. One African government is coming whether Levy or not. Levy must tell the truth e.g Is he exporting Zambian electricity to Zimbabwe?
pipo,levy always dreams before firing some one.it is not right iwe mwanawasa be realistic.viva freedom of speech and expression.to hell with your presidency!
This issue has nothing to do with Dr Inonge Mbikusika Lewanika. If the AU job was ordained by God to be hers, it will be hers.
They are all a bunch of fat pigs sitting in accra and givig each other tuitions of how to rig elections, nothing good for the common man will come out of there. Viva Mbita. Those chaps deserve to know the truth.
Which ***** sent him there in the first place? The calibre of Zambian diplomats speaks volumes about the appointing officer. The London Office has shop-lifters. This is what happens when sensitive appointments are made on friendship and not merit basis.
Mbita Chitala was very careless in his article, He lacked diplomace, was void of His Presidents/Countrys position on the subject matter. In a way, the offencive sentiments made by Mbita Chitala also attacked His appointing authority. By and Large, he was short of diplomatic qualities. To think that the article was done in his personal capacity is to think like a cadre, If Levy says something, whether in his personal capacity or as President, it represents Zambia even if some may ague againts. the same for Mbita Chitala
Chitala knew that his sentiments were miopic and holpless, nowander he wrote “person capacity” at the bottom. He is very dull.
This is what you reap by appointing ambassordors and High commissioners any how.Its like our diplomatic service only contains a bunch of disgraced politicians.Come on guys let levy appoint people to head foreign missions on merit.
God job Chitala Africa has a great need for Leadership
Chitala keep writing. I see you have a dream for Africa. One day it shall come true.
Chitala is a very calculating individual? He knows that MMD has only 3 years to ago. Chitala is smart enough to know that his actions would cost him his job. Believe me, “chiatala’s mother did not raise no fool.” Chitala is about to abandon a sinking ship. Look out! On the unity of africa…it would never work? look back at what happened in Rwanda…and now it is kenya! we still have to unite as tribes, before can unite africa…Gluco & mudala keep your UNIP flame burning?
A diplomat does not have personal opinions. Mbita fumbled big time!
I am of the view that the actions of our Mr. Chitala may prima facie portray a bad picture about the organisation of our government. It shows total disorganisation and entropy if I may borrow this word from physics. He was in a diplomatic position and hence he should have handled this issue or atleast expressed his views in a diplomatic way, I mean a way which does not attack and confront other leaders as that article seemingly did. While he has all the rights to his own opinion, by virtue of his position, he should have first consultated the Zambian government before publishing that article. I think Levy has acted not on personal ground but to save the image and position of the country.
He deserves to be fired. How do you go against your country’s foreign policy when you are an ambassador. Quit and become a journalist!
Actually I suspect Gaddafi gave him a pay check for the article. so he is laughing all the way to the bank!
It is rather curious that Chitalas article purports to beg for a speedy,comprehensive UNITY govt in africa, yet in the same light is in contradiction of the desired unified support for the sole Zambian candidate to the AU Chair from which such a push can be better realised with clout and authority. It appears to me that ‘Derrik’ Chitala has reverted to his old UNZA ethnic based politiking.I hope this will not adversely factor into the election.
It is rather curious that Chitalas article purports to beg for a speedy,comprehensive UNITY govt in africa, yet in the same light is in contradiction of the desired unified support for the sole Zambian candidate to the AU Chair from which such a push can be better realised with clout and authority. It appears to me that ‘Derrik’ Chitala has reverted to his old UNZA ethnic based politiking.I hope this will not adversely factor into the election.And furthermore Mr Chitala’s smarts, education as well as career experience render his disclaimer ‘personal viewpoint’, all but moot.
Which ever the way he took to address the issue.He mentioned the truth.He is a man for Africa and he sees where Africa is going.
Gaddafi is an advocate of Union of African Governments. And for sure, Mubita has been bribed to do waht he did.
Patriot #20
I was just expressing my opinion. This is what i keep saying, PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINIONS!!!!!!!!!! and i just did that. i dont care whether you agree with me or not.
Mbita takes calculated moves! Just to recap,, he changed his name,,ka! So what can stop him to say whatever gives him an opportunity to capture free publicity? I guess he would like to be home and start presidential compaigns with some funding from ,,,, missions? If his life is spared,,watch the spece ,, my guess is that he is going to upset the MMD leadership contest big style as they go to the convention,,,
So much going in here.Like the man that he is, known for spitting venomous remarks without regard for timing,he has once againg earned the ire of LPM.Remember the trio of Dean, Dipak and Tricky Dick at the airport lampooning FTJ about how they saw Zed slide down corruption-wise,he is caught again in the act.Thanx Tricky Dick,I owe you a beer at Stanley Bar.You are your own man.
#56 Muntuza
The tag Tricky Dick REFERS TO Richard Sakala and he was nowhere the airport at the time.The people that participated effectively in that press conference were Dean Namulya Mungomba, Derrick Chintundya Chitala,Deepak Jignish Patel and Ronald Damson Siame Penza. Chuulu Kalima and Simon Zukas did not participate. They had just returned from a Paris club meeting.
Well then TRicky Dick shud read Derrick Chitala in this case
Chitala is a dreamer and a great example of why our African countries are in such turmoil; we focus on the wrong things. Political “unity” on an empty belly never worked. Any attempt at uniting Africa federally would result in a mass exodus of peoples to the richer African nations. South Africa wouldnt want that naturally. Chitala and Levy should focus on developing the Zambian economy by eliminating waste first. Basic business sense tells you cutting costs adds to bottom line immediately. Stop dreaming y’all and get working.
Mbita was given a fat brown envelp from Gaddafi who wants to be the first president of African Union. Via Levy for firing Mbita
That article (Mbita’s) can be edited into diplomatic language and still speak the man’s opinion. As it is, it brings out Mbita’s old Lumpenism to the fore. It is very unkind let alone undiplomatic. But it also displays what really Chatala is good at. Chitala is a party functionary, a radical element who should have been used in the party structures where radicalism can pass as a norm. Physically and in person Mbita is a cool culculating man but some inner things never die. A lesson for appointments aimed at appeasing people and finding slots for those when they fail to perfom elsewhere. I cant agree more to KSK analysis.
Mbita was expressing his opinion.The president,just want to be around people who are ”YES BWANA”” INDE BWANA” syndrome. Iam afraid we donot have the freedom of expression. No wonder we are poor because the society is so closed up or are threatened by people who have a vision and see the world in a different way.
What is suprising me in our current goverment is. Howcome most people apointed by our president don,t last long????eg Nevers Mumba,Mundiya Sikatana, Mbita Chitala,Vernon Mwanga and manymore…….can somebody help me please!!!!!!
People have been wonderring why minister of imformation Mr. Mulongoti would say something unpleasing, why should they if they know the meaning of his name.Ask the bembas to tell you what Mulongoti\Umulongoti means.It could mean a seawage,water,oil or a gun pipe.
Bo liswaniso the migration to ‘better’ states would be only temporary. People would flock back to their countries sooner or later. many factors would send them back.like the union starting to deliver, people wanting to better theuir homecountries etc. In the US this migration happened briefly and people now dont migrate unneccessarily.
I agree that sudden unity would mean Nigerians migrating to Zambia to buy up land and appoint themselves chiefs! With the levels of corruption in Zambia, this would happen in a matter of days. I would advocate creating a common standard for now like same transport systems like roads, rail to encourage trade among states and gradually we will begin to unite. A common language like ‘enhanced’ Swahili 2.0 would do Africa alot of good too unlike using colonial languages!
Mbita Chitala’s article is well-thought out and presented lucidly. It presents the current scenario inasmuchas the Africa integration issues are concerned. The man has merely addressed the symptomatic problems that continue to drag Africa back to the pere-historic times. The majority of Africa’s leader do not see past their own greed and vested interests. My view, as I agree with Chitala, is that we must be seen to have the inner desire to move forward ss Africa and Africans. Therefore, the personal opinion as expressed by the learned gentleman is perhaps not inended for congenital simpletons like Levy Mwanawasa and his blind supporters who think Chitala’s recall was justified. Viva Chitala
#66, “…the personal opinion as expressed by the learned gentleman is perhaps not intended for congenital simpletons …”
Not all “learneds” are wise, yeah freedom of expression, I don’t blame him for that but what he did was unwise, if i were the president, i would definitely sack him, not that he has said out his views but the ignorance displayed thereof.
anyway he is a politician i’m told and not a diplomat … but still more better get rid of such “cobwebs” …
This is the very reason, we can not go anywhere because people are scared to express their views. I can not believe some one could be fired for puting forward his or her Ideal. That is why irrespective of anything else United States of America, will always be a greatest country God gave human beings.Too much power Mr President.it is a ridiculous
Is Mbita a trained diplomat or just a mere politician? After reading his article iam made to believe that the comrade was indoctrinated by Gaddafi. As a diplomat you toil your own Prez.. beliefs whether good or bad. This guy could not do that. He failed lamentably. Or in case you want to post personal notes on the blog, as a diplomat you consult the relevant officials for approval. Because what you say is taken as your country making the statement. Just like the Prez.. cannot make a statement and later he says it was personal. The office denies that. So Chitala was wrong. Thank God, he apologized but the damage is insurmountable. He is a street politician. A cadre. Levy appoint trained staff
WATTS K # 69, I totally agree, comrade Chitala crossed the line of basic diplomatic etiquette. He should have known better! Perhaps Gadaffi will give him some retirement dollars seeing that his “Pan Africanist enthusiasm” cost him his job?
#66 It is Chitala who can see not beyond the fat brown envelope of US Dollars from Gaddafi. The article is full of emotion lamentably fails to elucidate the complex mechanics of African integration.Issues like, Monetary and fiscal, racial and ethinic divides/conflicts, policing crime from Cape to Cairo minus borders.Revenue base and expenditure decisions. New Asian imperialism in Africa. At best it is a (pipe dream) a house made of cards and without foundation. Nothing wrong with dreaming though! Just don’t get your pipe dreams offend your appointing authorites if you are going to use your position as a plaform to air your views.
WOW!! Its been a while i left the zed for the USA, i was 22 and iam now 32. Having lived here this long has taught me a few things about our the motherland and our country in general. Ambassador Mbita is a very intelligent man, he happened to air his views in forum and at a time when the stars were not lined up properly. Coming from a political background, my father served in UNIP under Kaunda for quite a while and he himself was an ambassador, i feel that his comments have a lot of truth, but our leaders are not ready to accept that. This is the reason Kenya is in its current state, this is the reason why African leaders are giving Mugabe hugs and handshakes instead of its time to go…
continuation from above, instead leaders of telling Kibaki in Kenya
to step down and let rule of law prevail, leaders are silent, fearing for their own grip on power. Ba Levy went too far on this one. You don’t fire your officials for speaking their minds. But then again, Zambia is largely dependent on borrowed money, so Levy feels like he has to be in good books with whom-ever he thinks was offended by Mbita. People like Mbita are educated people who can be hired globally and do not need a govt. job to support themselves, this exactly the type of people we need, but we are not ready yet, in the USA, this is called freedom of speech, in Africa, its called BITING THE FINGER THAT FEEDS YOU!!
#72-73 free speech is not the issue here but rather diplomatic protocal. Foreign diplomats based in Zambia may have personal adverse opinions on several issues here but they moderately express themselves in a diplomatic manner (failure to which they are recalled). Are you sure Mbita doesn’t need that priveledged job? As for his pan Africanist theories, Theoretician #71 has aptly described the impractical nature of this idea. Perhaps a union along the lines of the EU would be more realistic as opposed to the pipe dream “United States of Africa”! by the way, who would be the supreme leader of this federation? dictator Gadaffi??
One Prof Ali Mazrui in his The African Television series points to African leaders’ faith based (as in religion) decisions/projects rather rational calculation of how intended benefits will be achieved (lack of feasibility study/analysis) as the reason for Africas failed economies. He cites one former ivorian president who built a 5 star hotel in his home village and a failed iron and steel project in the then Zaire. Chitala’s pipe dream is based on a faith (like Christians believe that Jesus will come again or Moslems believe that Mohammed is the last prophet). Faith requires that you believe without question. He believes that United States of Africa is a magic wand. Which once waved will w
ctd:He believes that United States of Africa is a magic wand. Which once waved will wipe out all of Africa’s political, economic and social problems. The real world does not work like that.
In my small professional job, I have represented Zambia on SADC and UN fora. When I make a statement or presentation, it is taken as Zambia’s official position, period. In fact at these fora, I am called “Zambia” because people will not easily remember my name, but the country I am representing. There is no room for personal opinions. You can only do that when you come back to Zambia and write on blogs like Lusaka Times under a pseudonym or at your local pub in Kabwata! Hon. Chitala deserves what came to him.
Derrick as we called him at UNZA has fumbled big time. This is the language he spoke when he was a communist at UNZA. The communist became a capitalist! This is mojo language and certainly net befitting of a diplomat. He deserves to be fired and owes Africa an apology. Well done your excellency!
This Mbita Chitala, is he the same person as Derrick Chitala/ Sorry to ask as I left the country for quite sometime now.
Good Job on this one Chuchu. A diplomat has no personal opinion. Those supporting him on this forum are either ignorant of how diplomacy works or they are just feel that they NEED to condemn chuchu for whatever decision he makes, be it right or wrong. Derrick was not fired for expressing his views as an individual but as a diplomat. You dont choose to take off the diplomatic hat when it suits you. Just like the pope cant condemn islam or other religions in his ‘personal’ capacity becoz he is a pope 24/7. Good riddance derrick
Former Ambasador Chitala, african countries are failing to see through their ethnic diferences to co-exist as one nation; and that is why we have problems in kenya, sudan, chad etc. So how do you expect people who cant even live with their neighbors to becom one under an african umbrella? You personally are against certain tribes in Zambia, isnt it therefore bizzare that you can be propagating for a US of Africa? Something tells me that Gaddafi paid you to use your flowery language to put his case accross. I hope you well paid well for it becoz now you dont have a job. Good for you
Mbita Chitala has done what a Diplomat shouldn’t do. A diplomat represents his country and not himself.
Also he’s advocating of a Speedy installation of the Africa Union Govt raises suspicion. It is clear that the idea is not practical at the moment due to atleast two Factors.
1. Political Factor
2. Economic Factor
Many african Countries have election problems. A number of countries have rebels. What would prevent this chaos from spreading to other African Countries (Including currently peacefull ones)? If there can be ethnc violence within some countries, how can one expect a speedy uniting of the whole Africa?
to be continued.
Why is it that the newspaper and websites the article was published on are not mentioned? Is there a reason?
I have read the article and found the ideas Mr Mbita as very down to earth. It is people like him that we need in Africa, and paricularly, perhaps, in Zambia,
Continued from # 82
On the economic side, there is a huge imbalance in terms of wealth between Countries. Which Rich African country would want to subdise the rest of Africa?
The third major factor I forgot to include is the religious fator. Different countries have different pre-dominant religions. I don’t think Islamic Nations would want to lose that Identity. As a result, if Afirca was to have one govt, we would see a move to make the whole continent Islamic. Any resistance to that move would lead to more bloodshed on the continent. Gadafi is in the forefront. would he and other Islamic Nations agree to a Circula AU?
Well done Levy. Mbita deserves the sack.
By the way, what would be the official language of the United States of Africa?
Derrick has done the most stupid things in his time and this is the icing on the cake.Even LPM’s fiercest critics have applauded this dismissal. Back to the drawing board Derrick…it didn’t take long to return there did it ?? Many a person had predicted he would shoot himself in the foot again…some people just never learn!!
LPM has finally done something sensible and right.
#83 what is down to earth about US of Africa? Can you imagine running a US of Africa civil service from port elizabeth through harare, luasaka, kinshasa, Ndjamena, addis abbaba lagos, montrovia, darkar, tripoli in English, french, portuguese, arabic and swahili. How will the President be elected? I suppose he shall mostly emerge from francophone and arab Africa.And suppose President Gadaffi calls for a holy Jihad againist Israel what should sub sahara Africa do? The Asian tigers are making huge economic strides without such nonsense of United States of Asia
N0#79. Derrick is Mbita he decided to drop the Derrick bit a few years ago.
We are better off realising simple SADC than chasing lofty dreams that will not feed, clothe or educate African citizens but just support huge burden of Afro kingdom officialdom
Hmmm, ba Anonymous (#87); arent you one who was saying “Mr Chitala was just expressing his opinion. i dont think he was wrong. i dont agree with the union government, of Africa, but people should be free to give their opinion” in #1? Now you are saying “LPM has finally done something sensible and right”!! Ninshi? Have you finally been convinced or you just lack the backbone to stand by your views? Or are there two “anonymous” characters on this forum? Anyway good to see that you have now seen the sense in wat others are saying.
Gaddafi’s initial dream was for a united states of Arabia comprising middle east countries and north Africa.His arab and islamic kinsmen said NO. Needless to say those countries too are recording massive GDP growth rates and improving the livelihood of their citizens without the United States of Arabia. I remember one arab diplomat friend of mine remarking that the problem with the arabic world is that every leader wants to be a hero of islam and arabs, leading to confusion and conflicting strategies.They did’nt trust Gaddafi. Then he turned to Africa and some gullible chaps have swallowed the bait,hook line and sinker.
Gaddafi’s initial dream was for a united states of Arabia comprising middle east countries & north Africa.His arab & islamic kinsmen in the arab league said NO. Needless to say those countries too are recording massive GDP growth rates & improving the livelihood of their citizens without the United States of Arabia. I remember one arab diplomat friend of mine remarking that the problem with the arabic world is that every leader wants to be a hero of islam & arabs, leading to confusion & conflicting strategies.They did’nt trust Gaddafi. Then he turned to Africa & some gullible chaps have swallowed the bait,hook line & sinker.
Shallow minds are often challenged by scholars. And in our environment where the best brains are unemployable, such are the norms. Being fired for an intelligent personal opinion! Should we all throw our independent thought to the wind in order to get bread on the table? What a shameful government. I am with you on this Mbita. Well done.
Vita Mbita son of the continent. The colonial masters divided the continent and they’ll make sure it remains like that. Where there is oil and diamond, they’ll make sure they spark a plug. In Angola, it had to take Cuba to oust rebels backed by imperialist USA.
well chitala’s is rather too simplistic. a union is not something that you achieve in a day in the context of diversity.africa is beautifully diverse and we need to reach a point of appreciating our diversity before we can get into any union.
on the diplomatic part, hasnt chitala noticed that most people even in the west only express their opinions after they have stopped representing thier governments? free speech is fine but for me, any one who accepts to represent his/her government should be prepared to sacrifice some freedoms, particularly that of speech.
When one values their own freedom of expression they gotta stay away or reject appointments that would eventually want them to be tongue tied and dumb regardless of smart and intelligent one is. Mbita Chitala has to appreciate that he cannot change the majority of self=interested African leaders. Chitala is well aware of diplomatic ettiquette and is obviously not dumb. There is obviously more to his article than the eye can see.
if Derrick was as clever as we are lead to believe,he should resigned his position before publishing such a thought provoking article.it is difficult to understand how his percieved intelligence allowed another sacking to appear on his already colourful cv.maybe being sacked was the plan from the outset ??
There are some very intelligent folk on this forum, after thinking through this whole Mbita thing in great detail, i change my stance in #72-73. It is simply not easy for Africa to just become united in that way, it took a long time for countries like the USA to achieve the union, not 3 or 5 years. Mbita making that in his ‘personal capacity’ was simply not acceptable, remember he was called “His Excellency the Ambassador of Zambia” this is a respectable term bestowed upon him as the chosen representative or mouth-piece of his great master LPM, whom he brough great shame upon.Too bad Mbita, i hope the doors of UNZA are still open for you, maybe they are still short of lecturers there?
There are some good things in Chitala’s article, some of it idealistic which is not always bad to be but alas some of it impractical or needing more than just a signing/agreement ceremony. BUT he needs to work on his way of expressing frustration. You don’t need to be insulting and totally self indulged in order to be heard especially at the level he was. He SHOULD have used more tact. Ultimately, he deserved the sack which of course he got.
Chitala was only expressing his opinion just like Chibombamilimo was expressing his opinion when he said Maureen should succeed Levy and he was not fired
You diplomats you seem to have been so much wrapped in diplomatic ettiqutee that you want to convince everyone that what Derrick did does not deserves level minded discussion. For once forget about Derrick committing unpardonable sin of breaking diplomacy. You are not stating your positions on the US of Africa but simply ridicling Derrick for what you did. I am Pan Africanist and want Africa to unite. Please state why you think it is not workable. Reasons should not be because some countries are poor and some are rich. The idea actually of a US Africa is to bail out those nations that are not doing well on the economic front
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