As the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit convenes in Washington DC this week, the event represents a positive opportunity to open up new channels of cooperation between the United States and the region.
However in the case of Zambia, the U.S. administration must curb its blind support of the Patriotic Front (PF) government, which is responsible for growing political violence, repression, and failure of governance that threatens the nation’s stability, says the Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR).
“It’s a disgrace. People are suffering under this incompetent and brutal PF government, but the United States continues to give its tacit support,” said Robert Amsterdam, international counsel to the CDDR. “The U.S. administration must wake up to the worsening situation in Zambia. During his visit to Washington, Vice President Guy Scott must be grilled on critical issues such as President Michael Sata’s health, the PF’s failure to deliver the draft constitution, and the widespread harassment of journalists and opposition MPs.”
Delegates to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit should ask Dr. Scott why multiple judges have been fired and the independence of the judiciary violated just to help Post newspaper owner Fred M’membe and Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito avoid having to pay a K14 billion debt to the Development Bank of Zambia, Amsterdam says.
According to the 2014 annual report by non-governmental organization Freedom House, Zambia received a “downward trend arrow” due to the ruling party’s ongoing repression and harassment of the political opposition, including through the increased use of the Public Order Act, hindering its ability to operate in general and to campaign in by-elections.
The United States government has a known record of supporting the PF despite its poor record on rights and democracy, dating back to their forceful demands for parallel vote tabulation in the 2011 elections.
Most recently, the U.S. funded Zambian chapter of the Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI) – a major Obama Administration project – was expelled from the Grand Coalition of NGOs, an umbrella group calling for immediate delivery of a new Constitution promised by the PF. This came after YALI sided with the Zambian government, calling for the constitution to be delayed until 2017 – a plan that was immediately endorsed by the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the lack of governance in Zambia has led to severe mismanagement of the economy, rising inflation, a near collapse of the Kwacha and rapidly increasing food prices. The only response from the PF government has been to stir up tribal conflicts.
“The U.S. administration must support unity and peace in Zambia, instead of endorsing the PF’s efforts to sow divisions and ethnic conflict,” said
Amsterdam, pointing out Guy Scott’s own recent tribal slurs in an interview with the BBC, as well as Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba’s deeply divisive comments to ZNBC on Monday when he claimed that “educated” Zambians wanted to “hijack” the constitution.
“Many observers feel that Zambia is running on auto-pilot right now, as the president has made only a handful of appearances in recent months and hasn’t directly addressed the nation in a very long time,” said Amsterdam. “In this vacuum of leadership, it appears that Vice President Scott and Justice Minister Kabimba are once again defaulting to conflict and division as their language of power.”
“Washington has a responsibility to support the public safety of all Zambians and the stability of the nation – they must immediately stop enabling the abusive conduct of the PF,” said Amsterdam
The Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights represents a diverse group of citizens and civil society in Zambia. More information about the CDDR, including the full report to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, can be read on http://cddr-zambia.org.
it is about time the world got to know the truth. I have always wondered why voices of reason in PF fail to advise against the PoA, infringement of personal liberties, harassment of political leaders and journalist. Surely, this is the easiest thing to do. Dr Kasonde, Mr Yaluma. Mr Simuusa, Mr.Yamfwa, Dr Katema..you guys are very educated and it is sad that you are being misled by a Mwebeshi Reject Wynter Kabimba and other horde of kaponya’s like Kambwili and Kampyongo
As long as Robert Amsterdam is the answer, I will not have it. As long as the CDDR or whatever they call themselves retain Robert Amsterdam among their membership, I will not have it. As long as Robert Amsterdam speaks on behalf of CDDR, I will not have it. Not in my name nor that my country. We have competent and upstanding people to speak for us. Not Robert Amsterdam. I refuse.
YOU KASAI OBATALA STAY AWAY FROM ZAMBIAS ISSUES. GO TALK ABOUT MAIMAI REBELS IN YOUR COUNTRY
We don’t have a Zambian called Robert Amsterdam. Speak about your evil society, that sent evil people who claim South Africa is their promised land. Thanx ANC that is dealing with this wicked race.
you think USA will remove PF developmental Government from power for your village Party? You will cry and cry till you stop.
Amsterdam is not speaking for Zambians but Bandas, to to hell with you Robert. We don’t need a useful i.dio.t like you to speak for us. We capable people who know how defend ourselves when and if there is need. We mbwa we (you d.o.g.).
We, Zambians, know the reality on the ground. Period.
You lizards and fellow amphibians, what are doing about the reality that you know? Nothing. Apart from making noise behind a your computers. Tell that Zinjathropus in state to vacate and relocate to some hospital ward in Mpika where it hails from.
In what capacity is this ***** speaking.
Robert Amsterdam kabiye uko. Why z this dude so interested in Zambia?
Amsterdam is not a Zambian and his views don’t represent the situation in Zambia. He is exaggerating issues because of his differences with some circles of the govt. Zambians should take up their own issues and not rely upon a capitalist lawyer bent to reap off certain people who think he can help them to get into office!
Zambians suffering under the repression of PF government know it well. However, other sources local and international have equally established the sufferings Zambians are going through under PF government such as foreign representatives based in Zambia who have spoken against it, civil organizations, opposition parties who have been at the receiving end of suffering and individuals who have been arrested,beaten and locked up by Zambia police under instructions from PF state house. This damaged reputation of PF repressive government will stick at international forum for discussion. PF should not direct its vile to MMD, UNPD, FDD, Hertage or Milupi, Mpombo, Musoni and Ellias Chipimo but take the fight to Robert Amsterdam or Washington.
Seeing is believing. Please come to Zambia with an open heart, open mind and open hands. You will be amazed to find genuine promotion of Human Rights and Peace and democracy. The Us government is right in its support for young democracies, such as the one we have in Zambia.
The starting point should be to shame all organisations who have given this chap the status to be the spokesperson on Zambian affairs; to soil our beloved country. Amsterdam does not appear able to articulate issues; what is he complaining about? What has Kabimba’s comment or opinion on the constitution got to do with him when the MMD failed to give us a new constitution in over 20 years of administration? Why can’t YALI have a different opinion on the constitution roadmap? What has the Nchito/Membe billions got to do with him when the MMD government failed to get back the Chiluba millions? He is not Zambian, has not been to Zambia for ?years and somehow he thinks that he is the best person to comment on Zambia. WTF does he smoke?
The only right we do not promote is for homos and lesbians.
Zambia is one of the most peaceful countries in the world (even under the PF govt). Its still one of the fastest growing economies in the world(aha……even under the PF Govt) 2014, good road network, good railway system…..and the soon to come national airline…..schools, hospitals, universities, some very hardworking MPs always on the move inspecting and making sure developmental projects are on course. Who is Amsterdam by the way?
I say, Washington this is the place
What a comment from a lizard!
@SISTER, you cannot not be serious. Much as we despise Robert Amsterdam, we as a Zambian people need to be objective. I will only agree with you on two things; first that Zambia is peaceful and second that it’s one of the fastest growing economy in Africa.
Zambia’s road network is beyond terrible. The only roads that are paved are the main ones. Try to make a turn from say great east road into any road and see how bad these roads are. Our road networks are the same as Welensky left and there are no new ones to speak about. Schools are in deplorable conditions with an average of 85 pupils in a class. As far as hospitals, all the people in government take their families to South Africa. The whole country has one MRI and one dialysis machine. Women give birth on the floor.
As far as the railway system, there is none to speak about. The national airline you are talking about is a non- starter not in this age of Emirates! Why do you think British airways and KLM withdrew their services from Zambia? It’s because they cannot compete with emirates. Our national airline stands no chance at all!
As for MP’s even Sata called them useless. As a matter of fact, they don’t even know where their president is. His ministers are unashamedly building shops and mansions and as only as a docile person does, we watch helplessly!
this Amsterdam guy is a lost lawyer since he does not live in Zambia and don’t know what is on the ground, he just speaks blindly moreover is told lies by these disgruntled politicians who are still at this time don’t believe that president sata beat them clean and that he is the head of state. these same people they see the development but pretend as though they are not seeing.
Amsterdam is probably just putting more of the Banda’s stolen money for his fat pockets. What an odious bag of slime, trying to undermine the whole nation internationally because of a simple court case against his client. It should be criminal
Zambia is the only country I know of, where the president has fired court judges in order to concoct a desired legal outcome. Do you think these scandals are happening under closed doors? Absolutely not. The circus is happening on the world stage and in broad day light.
Amsterdam just like the entire Zambia Railway Systems group that plundered Zambia Railways Limited assets are part of a conspiracy to bring disrepute to the government.
Even in Hell, H.H will never rule. What human rights, give the same chaps condeming Govt jobs, when their bellies are full, they will find time for the toilet and think of nothing but themselves. So for now, just eat the funding youre getting from international donors.
what is wrong with we Zambians? seriously, is there no truth in what mr Amsterdan is saying? the opposition in our country is denied their democratic rights of speach, freedom of assembly etc, what we should be ashamed of as Zambians is the cowardice to fight an oppression that is happening.