British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has said that the incident that happened in Mongu during the Kuomboka ceremony involving President Lungu’s Motorcade and that of Opposition UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilama’s motorcade appeared provocative.
In a speech at the 2017 Queen Elizabeth’s birthday party, the British envoy said that respect for the head of state is a cardinal rule in international relations and democracies.
However, the British Ambassador was quick to point out that the manner in the UPND leader was arrested on the night of Monday 10th April represents a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain.
The British envoy warned of the hard-liners, who will use any excuse to promote heavy-handed tactics and creeping authoritarianism.
Below is the full speech
SPEECH BY FERGUS COCHRANE-DYET, OBE, BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER, AT THE 2017 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY: THURSDAY 27 APRIL
The last 12 months have been an extraordinary period in modern British political history. On 24th June the British people woke up to the momentous news that they had voted to leave the European Union after over 40 years of membership. Despite predictions to the contrary, the UK economy has continued to perform strongly – indeed unemployment levels have fallen further below 5% and growth levels keep surpassing expectations. Meanwhile a new prime minister was rapidly appointed and an orderly transition ensued. The British political system, many centuries old, is tough and resilient.
The next historic date came on 29th March this year when the UK invoked Article 50 to begin the formal process of leaving the EU. Then came the surprise announcement of the general election to be held on 8th June. Political pundits are enjoying a field day.
We must await the election result to see what is likely to happen next. But I will make two comments.
Firstly that Britain is, has always been, a global nation, forging a web of connections around the globe. Empire and mass immigration have cemented this. London is one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cities, with almost every language and ethnic group represented, including a large Zambian community. While Europe will always be immensely important for the UK, we are keen to enhance other links, such as with the Commonwealth, taking advantage of the next Commonwealth Summit to be held next year at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. I am delighted that a fellow Commonwealth mission, Canada, has recently co-located with us in the British High Commission’s Lusaka office.
Secondly, trade between UK and Zambia suits both our interests. Trade and investment underpins our economies and creates jobs. An example of this mutual benefit is provided by Zambia Sugar, mostly owned by British Associated Foods through Ilovo Sugar, which exports a quarter of its total production to the EU, of which half comes to the UK. This is good for Zambia and good for the UK. Access for this sugar to the EU is duty and quota free –
and it would be in Zambia’s interest for this preferential access into the UK market to continue.
Turning now to Zambia, the last 12 months have been eventful here too. During the August elections, I visited polling stations in Eastern Province as an EU election observer. ECZ coped well with formidable logistics: I inspected one remote polling station near Petauke that had no roof and was enclosed by a reed fence, but was nevertheless staffed by all the right people and equipped with all the right equipment. Unfortunately the elections proved a turbulent period for Zambia. It will be important for Zambia to do better next time, drawing on the EU election mission’s expert recommendations.
The UK quickly accepted the election results and recognised the new government. We have encountered a welcome readiness by the President and by his Ministers to engage with international partners to further the country’s development. There is much to be done together, including in the agricultural sector, where the UK works in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, and through CDC have invested £60 million in that highly successful Zambian company, Zambeef.
Sadly, one legacy of the elections is an entrenched political divide that has spawned the recent upsurge in tension. I have three observations to make following consultations with the Foreign Office in London.
First, respect for the head of state is a cardinal rule in international relations and democracies. The incidents in Western Province appear provocative. It should be possible to combine polite respect, and adherence to Zambian protocol, with disagreement and even legal challenge. I repeat that the UK, along with the rest of the international community, have recognised the Zambian government. Her Majesty the Queen rapidly congratulated HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the President of the Republic of Zambia, and we look forward to working in partnership with Zambia until the next elections.
Second, beware the hard-liners, who will use any excuse to promote heavy-handed tactics and creeping authoritarianism. The manner of what happened on the night of Monday 10th April represents a blot on Zambia’s record that has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals. The UK hopes this blot does not spread into a larger stain.
The UK firmly counsels that the best response to political divisiveness is more dialogue, not less; more openness, more freedom of expression, more media freedom, more tolerance, not less. Law and order is important, yes, of course, but must be underpinned by dialogue and compromise on all sides. We know this from decades of experience in Northern Ireland. I am being badgered by the BBC, by international investors, who are worried; Zambia has long been a beacon of peace and harmony, Zambians should not take this for granted.
Third, this political impasse is a huge distraction from what should really matter: the economy, of course. The UK commends the Government for embarking on a much-needed, Zambia Plus economic reform programme to address serious problems. We, together with other international friends of Zambia, are already assisting Zambia to implement reforms. The UK, as a development super-power, and with our position on the IMF Board, is well placed to help.
The challenge for Zambia is to reprioritise and mobilise revenue, and manage increasing debt, so that spending stimulates economic growth and protects the poorest, rather than disappearing into subsidies that benefit better-off Zambians and even British High Commissioners, instead of the 60% who still live in poverty.
During my first year in Zambia as British High Commissioner, I have particularly enjoyed travelling to far-flung corners of this lovely and friendly country. I have handled raw emeralds at the Kagem mine near Kitwe; sat with villagers near Pemba discussing goats purchased through cash transfer programmes; and even danced with the Minister of Higher Education at a Lusaka ball. I have discussed State House’s mischievous vervet monkeys with HE the President – along with rather more important matters of state. I have had tea at my Residence with the imitable Fred M’membe wearing his trademark communist party cap. Like many of us, I have gazed in wonder at natural spectacles along the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa rivers, and hoped for effective action to prevent poachers robbing future Zambian generations of these rich national assets.
Appeared provocative!!! How?
Free senior headman Mooya(HH).
There is a clear difference between appeared to provocative and provocative,,,, ,and this speech was not for lungu and PF,,so stop jumping up and down on a chibuku tin
In simple Zambian English he is saying :
HH and UPND were at faulty and the law must take its action.
Thanks
BB2014,2016
It was provocative but not worth sentencing others to death.
Lungu also was provocative, why follow behind 60 rejoicing vehicles?
In simple British English, he is at sixes and sevens over the incident, it appeared provocative, he is not sure whether to say no or yes.
Where is Cabinet Office and it’s Secretary to the Cabinet? GRZ and PF should learn from the UK, I quote from the British High Commissioner’ statement “I have three observations to make following consultations with the Foreign Office in London”
Why doesn’t GRZ and it’s officials consult Cabinet Office before making statements affecting the Zambian peoples. It’s now like every PF cadre or GRZ official is a spokesperson for Zambia. And this is the reason(s) the country is now divided. Cabinet Office should give some guidelines to it’s civil servants.
For those who think they know how to read, but only cherry pick what pleases them, let me paraphrase:
Having been an election monitor, there is room for improvement in Zambia’s election process simply meaning the process was flawed. Read the EU report on last election. The ambassador is acknowledging that this is the root of our current situation.
Secondly, the Mongu incident APPEARED provocative and has been exploited by PF hardliners and a police IG desperate to keep his job.
Worry about Brexit, fake Ambassador iwe!
When a child steals and you slap him/her for stealing, the issue should not be HOW you slapped but why he/she stole – thats where the problem is.
Clearly this wise ambassador has truthfully shown how HH has been disrespectful to the head of state who is RECOGNIZED world over.
For you still referring to HH as president of Zambia, dont say you were not warned – the judges will be on your throat to keep HH company in jail
Your forefathers (British colonial masters) have spoken.
Its unfortunate when you have a party like PF who can not read between the lines.
The British High Commissioner is a diplomat and has been extensively schooled in matters of diplomatic communication.
Diplomatic communication has stages. What the High commissioner issued was the first stage but contained clear indication of flawed electoral process, police brutality, political intolerance, dwindling freedoms and humans rights.
The next stage will be direct and confrontational to warn Lungu like they did to Mugabe.
According the high commissioner Zambia under Lungu is slipping back into authoritarian rule like that the one we endured during UNIP.
Lungu must act now and release and release HH before he gets the second level communique at which point it will be too late to…
What free trade are you talking about? Have a look at this:
The Associated British Foods group (ABF), owner of Silver Spoon sugar, is avoiding tax in Zambia, one of the world’s poorest countries. Our new report, Sweet Nothings, shows that since 2007 Zambia Sugar has generated profits of $123 million, but admits paying “virtually no corporate tax” in Zambia, taken over US$83.7 million (US$13 million a year) – a third of pre-tax profits – out of Zambia into and via tax havens including Ireland, Mauritius and the Netherlands, deprived Zambian public services of an estimated US$27 million as a result of the company’s tax avoidance schemes and special tax breaks.
See ActionAid full article on google
JOB CREATION:
On the main road to the home of Zambia Sugar Plc, a large sign advises visitors: “Welcome to Mazabuka – 4km to the sweetest town in Zambia.”
Lying around 100km south-west of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, the town has been described by the chief executive of Zambia Sugar’s parent company as an island of “relative prosperity” in a country where malnutrition and poverty are still rife.
George Weston, 48, who earns £918,000 a year plus an annual bonus of £864,000 leading Associated British Foods, is right. Jobs created by Zambia Sugar in and around its Nakambala Sugar plantation in the Mazabuka district are vital to local livelihoods.
And it is a growing business, an important part of the Kingsmill bread, Primark clothing, Silver Spoon sugar, Twinings Tea and Ryvita…
@Ichalo Lifupa – spot on.. he has to consult Foreign Office in London as he is a civil servant unlike what we have in Anthony in Sweden and Mwamba the crook in RSA who is cutting deals everywhere!!
To me i would say it was a comedy! How on earth can a president be driven in that manner? There were six hundred policemen in western province but failed to handle a president motorcade by providing proper guidance. He was endangered by the police’s incompetence.
If you want them to stop commenting on country issues then then tell your to stop sending Mutati from going begging .
Its alright for you to condemn the international community for showing concern about how Lungu is treating opposition supporters . What if the opposition suddenly get an upper hand by the grace of God and start revenging and avenging the strocities suffered under Lungu. Would you still be arrogant as to condemn the international community.
I know because most you think like chickens which only realises that life can be difficult when it hears its destined for the pot. KK and and Sata s followers know well how life can change when the leader who favored you dies
When Lungu is dead most of you will be back to square one and join us in opposition.So why not make…
“the best response to political divisiveness is more dialogue, not less; more openness, more freedom of expression, more media freedom, more tolerance, not less.”
“beware of the hard-liners, who will use any excuse to promote heavy-handed tactics and creeping authoritarianism.”
Did the PF DUMMY bloggers see the above statements.
I AGREE WITH YOU MUSHOTA AND YOUR COMMENT IS A CONFIRMATION TO ME THAT YOU KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE ENGLISH PEOPLE. INDEED WHAT THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISIONER MEANT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE SAID.
When a Briton says it appears he is basically non committal. Being the experienced diplomat he is, he will sound neutral. Its up to an intelligent mind to read between the lines. The critical part of his statement is the international response to the manner of HH’s arrest and lack of dialogue between government and the opposition.
@ 1.10 flag wanzelu,
Yes the HC was diplomatic. He could easily have said HH was very wrong in his actions, but he did not want to appear to be hard in the opposition.
Hr makes his message clear by emphasizing the need to recognise and respect the head of state as a tenet of democracy.
He further emphasised the need to follow the law and protocols even when one has grievances.
He also deliberately emphasised that the results of the elections reflected what was announced ant thus, Britain recognises his Excellency President Edgar Lungu as having been duly elected.
He further deliberately stresses that Britain is committed to work ing with the duly elected of president Lungu until 2021.
Look, the above statements were extremely deliberate and should send a message to the…
@ 1.10 flag wanzelu,
Yes the HC was diplomatic. He could easily have said HH was very wrong in his actions, but he did not want to appear to be hard in the opposition.
Hr makes his message clear by emphasizing the need to recognise and respect the head of state as a tenet of democracy.
He further emphasised the need to follow the law and protocols even when one has grievances.
He also deliberately emphasised that the results of the elections reflected what was announced ant thus, Britain recognises his Excellency President Edgar Lungu as having been duly elected.
He further deliberately stresses that Britain is committed to work ing with the duly elected of president Lungu until 2021.
Look, the above statements were extremely deliberate and should send a message to the UPND, at least with UK and the Commonwealth view of last year’s elections and the need to respect the current government till 2021
@Advice
Diplomats have no right to reject any form of government.
Even Idi Amin was recognised as leader of Uganda by the British . Their interest is not intervention but to just voice their concern.
Even right now if a clever soldier can take over Zambia there is totally nothing Britain can do because their job is to just voice concern more especially in poor countries like Zambia.
Look at Mugabe , he has killed so many of his people and rigged elections. What did the international community do? They accepted the elections but made it difficult for Zim access credit.
Ask your self why IMF is beating about the bush when Lungu s regime is desperate for cash?
The international community only intervene in countries where their strategic interests lie. That is countries…
@ 1.22 wanzelu,
You are forgetting or missing the points the HC makes as basis for recognition of the the president, his Excellency ECL.
The HC did not say he recognised ECL as president because he is in power, NO!
Rather, he gives background as basis for recognition; he says UK, EU and the international community accepted the outcome of the August elections, and thus recognise ECL as Head of State.
He deliberately says ECZ did their best even in the midst of difficulties and the election went well. But says “unfortunately” there was tabulance.
In other words, he is saying the tabulance were baseless. I therefore conclude that it implies there was no basis for even the petition.
That is why he is urging HH to accept the results and recognise ECL as Head if State…
@advice
I dont know how old you were during KK era but if you can not remember how KK ruled for 27 years let me school you abit
KK used to hold elections in which he would stand against a Frog. Obvisiously he would win whether you voted Yes or No. At no point did the diplomats refuse to recognise him as duly elected president.
The point here is whether elections were unfair or not diplomats are obliged to accept the outcome as they have done in many countries for many years.
Basically its not upto them to decide who leads a country but they only get involved if the people were to reject the leadership whether its legally elected or not through massive protests like we saw in Arab spring.
In the case of Zambia people are still not sure what to do. Until such a time when…
@ 1.24 wanzelu,
I hope you are old enough yourself to remember that the international community at that time never sent any election observers to the country.
This was because no one in the international community considered Zambia as a democracy but dictator ship.
Thus, no one even dared congratulate KK for beating the frog in the so called election.
So the recognition of KK as head of state was not based on him beating the from in an ‘election’ but merely because he was a leader if a nation, called.
So, don’t compare HH with a frog; he is a human being who competed meaningfully but lost.
I have already helped you above understand that the HC started by laying a basis for recognising ECL as president, the he was duly elected in the August elections as monitored by EU…
I have already helped you above understand that the HC started by laying a basis for recognising ECL as president, the he was duly elected in the August elections as monitored by EU and the international community.
@advice,
International election observers are merely invited by the state and not sanctioned by the UN.
Lungu could have chosen not to allow the international observers if he wanted and nothing could have happened.
Mugabe always tells international observers not go to Zim.
Anyway thats besides the point. The point is international community do not care who gets into power in another country. Whether a leader get into power by force or fraudulent elections he will still be recognised by the international community. So even if HC knows that Lungu rigged elections there is nothing he can do but to recognise Lungu as president.
But the opposition has the right to see electoral justice done. Right now Lungu is just delaying justice.
Free HH now.
Whom are cheating that the international community does not care? They do care that is why they spend all that money to support election and monitor. If the elections in Zambia were fraudulent, they would have said so. They have the means even to hack our computer system to verify results, which i am sure they did and found out that HH lost.
The UN sent a delegation just like EC, AU, SADC, and many other international non-governmental organisations world-wide. They all justified the results and affirmed that PF and ECL won. Do you really everyone in the world is wrong and only HH and UPND are right? Why should ECL be favoured by so many different segments of the international community? Nothing, it means he won fairly and surely. HH and UPND should just accept they lost because if they…
“Lungu could have chosen not to allow the international observers if he wanted and nothing could have happened.”
@ 1.27 wanzelu,
To ‘allow’ simply means to accommodate; it means there is interest from the other end and you simply accept.
At the time of KK no one even expressed interest. So there was no one to allow even if KK may have been willing.
The international community is not disillusioned as you might think.
Recognising those in athaurity is not the same as recognising someone as having been duly elected; that makes the difference.
Everyone knows that the current leader of North Korea is leader of that country.
But you will not hear anyone sending confirmatory message for being ‘duly elected’ because he was not elected.
Lungu is recognised by the…
Lungu is recognised by the international community as leader not because they found him leading, but because they saw him win the August election, which they monitored and accepted.
So the international community recognises Lungu as duly elected before recognising him as head of state.
why do these people continue this mangaling issueing of statements,,when we go to there countries we never issue statements at all let Zambia be for Zambians
Simply because they don’t ask for donations from us.
Are you upset because your man has been found pants down? Let them talk, their voice matter more than those useless South African opposition leaders.
Because you are perpertual beggers yet you mineral rich…these guys suppliment your budget as Lazy would rather invest in overpriced imported Chine hammermills than in frontline services.
Ok.. he is careful in what he says. Otherwise it is OK
After Brexit, the Brits are desperate for friends and will befriend even obviously crooked dictators like Lungu. Don’t be surprised if they go back to Uncle Bob with tail between their legs and kowtow to him also. Britain has lost its world leadership position and now its moral leadership. DESPERATE!
Well said and analysed Ambassador. I thank for this comment. Thank Mr. Ambassador.
On the main road to the home of Zambia Sugar Plc, a large sign advises visitors: “Welcome to Mazabuka – 4km to the sweetest town in Zambia.”
Lying around 100km south-west of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, the town has been described by the chief executive of Zambia Sugar’s parent company as an island of “relative prosperity” in a country where malnutrition and poverty are still rife.
George Weston, 48, who earns £918,000 a year plus an annual bonus of £864,000 leading Associated British Foods, is right. Jobs created by Zambia Sugar in and around its Nakambala Sugar plantation in the Mazabuka district are vital to local livelihoods.
And it is a growing business, an important part of the Kingsmill bread, Primark clothing, Silver Spoon sugar, Twinings Tea and Ryvita crackers empire…
We are happy people and we doing well with the courts and trouble makers will be dealt with .
@Bemba man! tribalism or is it the bemba language will never put food on your table. be objective in your thinking poor gullible cadre
Bembas will always be happy when their poodle attacks sane and orderly people. Bembas are chaotic people. Just see what Fube and Sampa are doing at Laz.
Just talk to ecl nicely. Hh will be released. H
Mukuni has phone number for ecl. Instead of callin on him he choses to offer solidarity to a suspect.
At this time ecl is holding power . Unless you want hh to stay longer in chimbokaila. Tb.ticks.bedbugs.roaches.
Then the country will risk loosing out on aid
Kaluwa – Continue dreaming — HH is not facing tramped treason charges. The whole international community (who certified the elections free and fair) saw it.
Although Mushota hasn’t commented yet, I agree that this is distraction from what really matters. But this is exactly what HH was looking for: Attention.
I think all people know by now that HH is just a “Chiyanga” looking for attention.
Also UPND, there is a country for all of us called Zambia. Just because Zambia is peaceful does not give you the passport to misbehave without boundaries. Freedom has got borders, just like anything else.
Why do you have to wait for mushota to sh*t on your behalf, don’t you have your own sh*thole?
Well said! “I repeat that the UK, along with the rest of the international community, have recognised the Zambian government. Her Majesty the Queen rapidly congratulated HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the President of the Republic of Zambia”…enough said. Also “respect for the head of state is a cardinal rule in international relations and democracies”
UK and every civilized world would not accept our August 11 circus as un election,he is carefully saying by our low standards as Zambians and Africans their was nothing the world could do to stop a determined African corrupt dictator from shamelessly declaring himself winner.The cost of addressing dictatorship may be to high in un environment like ours where certain sections of our population does not mind dictatorship so long the dictator is their relative.
If it is provocative can the charge be Treason or traffic offence? Why didn’t the police clear the road in advance?
let him state his country’s position on the incercaration of of our leader..
No sense, he told you that already – let me simplify it for you…
Its a good thing to arrest this guy insulting the president but they were small mistakes in how you man handled him, maybe you should have used slaps only and not tear gas?
You get it now?
No No no he said
“.a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain.”
English comprehension was supposed to be taught at o levels…..it seems not.
He indirectly said it was ok. You should learn to read diplomatic rhetoric. If it was not ok, he would have asked for his release or condemned it.
Lungu shouldn’t behave like a retarded child. Very stup!d action of exercising excessive force on a meek and decent HH. Did he have to tear gas the house? Was that absolutely necessary? And Lungu should be man enough to let justice take its course, allow the petition to be heard. We know Lungu didn’t win the election and is jealous of HH and very insecure hence the stup!d childish behaviour.
Very nice speech by the High Commissioner. Let those with ears hear. When the international community have deemed elections free and fair, it does not make sense for an aggrieved party to proclaim that they do not recognize the victor – and ask the international community to side with you. Simple logic does not agree. The opposition’s behavior in Mongu is very sad, and to diminish it’s significance is simply stu.pid and very dangerous.
Wantanshi, the Ambassador is saying that he monitored the elections personally and also read the report by British Monitoring Team, and they are satisfied that Lungu won and QUICKLY ACCEPTED the results. HH and UPND worked hard to win but lost. The Ambassador goes to say that it is only UK but the entire international community. Know this, if PF had stolen the election, the Developed Countries who have the capacity to hack our computer system would have supported your claim, but they checked and doubled checked and are satisfied that no rigging took place. HH and UPND are wasting their energies on something that does not belong to them and have no any other support apart from the claim itself. This is the reason why HH is resorting to this misbehavior because he cannot prove his claim…
Brain washed tribalist with no substance to write about, what a shame. We voted and gave more votes to ECL than HH. There is no hate here. If anything, it is you and your tribal party who hate ECL so much for beating you rich god twice!!!!! Just leanr to live with defeat because you will never force the Zambian society to bend towards your tribal reasoning!
I love my beloved country Zambia. I respect my current president ECL .I also love and respect my next president in 2021 HH. To all my country men and women I send my love and respect to you in all 10 provinces of Zambia regardless of color , tribe or education. You are all appreciated because you all make Zambia great.I also pray for wisdom and strength for HH and family and I hope he is charged with careless driving and indespline and not treason. We want him out so he strategize for the next campaign and election. PLEASE LET US NOT ALLOW POLITICS TO DIVEDE US …..
“The incidents in Western Province appear provocative. It should be possible to combine polite respect, and adherence to Zambian protocol, with disagreement and even legal challenge. I repeat that the UK, along with the rest of the international community, have recognised the Zambian government.”
Well said, the incidents were from the point of view of an observer, provocative. So is the British High Commissioner saying in diplomatic language. He also emphasizes on the need for polite respect and adherence to Zambian [presidential] protocol. Then he goes on to say that the UK along with the rest of the international community have recognised the Zambian government [of current President Edgar]. In other words, the inmate from Chimbokaila is an impostor of a president.
He was dancing to ECL tune
He’s definitely being very diplomatic, mincing his words and choosing very carefully what he has to say and how he says. For example he talks about ‘respect’ and links it to international relations. ‘Provocative’ is the word straight out of Lungu and PF’s dictionary. Even then you just have to read his follow on words to see he’s condemning Lungu and his dictatorship tendencies, albeit being very diplomatic at it.
This is where the international community fails their responsibility, always choosing to play reactive role instead of being proactive and applying preventative measures.
I miss that hard-hitting high commissioner, his predecessor James Thornton who always said it like it is.
Anyway heed his message about investors and the media asking him questions about HH’s…
I dont know what HH has been feeding you to be this dull – even when clearly someone says HH is wrong you interpret it wrongly as praise, what kind of people are you?
Munone
And what do you think he means by this….
“…..a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain….”
??????. You think he means stains on PF chitenge materials ??
Hehehehe.
@Spaka, its a blot on Zambia’s record mainly caused by the opposition UPND’s terrorist activities.
-Refusal to accept the outcome of the elections
-Namwala saga,
-Mwaliteta terrorist activities,
-Burning of public institutions UPND cadres -etc and Government’s radical reaction to the culprits.
It’s both ways
Hehehe that was a telling off of lungu….otherwise he would have said it is an internal matter.
Spaka like lilo,
There are various ways of interpreting the High Commissioner’s remarks. The “blot” could be a metaphorical reference to HH’s misbehaviour. When the High Commissioner hopes “that this blot does not spread into a larger stain….”, he could be referring to HH’s misbehaviour spiralling completely out of control, if not kept in check, and putting the country’s national security and stability at risk.
Today’s UK the situation is to shoot the driver of a suspected terrorist vehicle. Dangerous games should not be encouraged. I know HH has lost a lot through these election losses and his frustration can be understood. But restraint is important.
“….a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain.
The British envoy warned of the hard-liners, who will use any excuse to promote heavy-handed tactics and creeping authoritarianism…”
For those who don’t understand international relations …..lungu has been warned.
“….Access for this sugar to the EU is duty and quota free –
and it would be in Zambia’s interest for this preferential access into the UK market to continue……”
Lungu and his kaponyas dare not upset the international community.
The mere fact that the ambasodor has spoken means lungu has been but on notice…….
Another shallow thinking UPND follower, why do you have to insult yourselves this much? He has not warned anyone here apart from HH. Have you heard him talk about releasing HH? Think think think think….
Munone
“…a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain…
So to you that means it is business as usual ??? Stop showing your stupidit.y in public.
He is not talking about materials or soup pouring on a shirt……iwe.
I wish I could help you @ Spaka Like Lilo but it looks like whoever bewitched you over deed it to a point where there is no repair to you brain damage.
I still ask you – Did the wise ambassador ask government to release HH?
Secondly, did you understand what he meant when he said the Queen and all British people were QUICK to accept election outcome together with OTHER countries?
Just these two points clearly contradicts the entire UPND to the core.
And now look at you, still talking blindly even when msg is so clear.
The ambasodor did not say it is an internal sovergn Zambian issue, that is the key, but instead says the world hopes this will not continue…in diplomatic terms this means lungu is on notice…
By the way the British high commissioner going to Petauke, Eastern Province in Lungu’s village to measure how free and fair the last elections were was probably the wrong idea. He should have gone to tightly contested areas and be at the tallying centre in Lusaka to actually ascertain how the results were manipulated. Petauke would have been almost 100% for Lungu so that’s a wrong yardstick to base your conclusions on.
Bloggers are also reminded that unless elections have a form of what happens in some Western African countries where actual shootings happen or obvious hacking and mayhem of the Mugabe style, international observers usually go for ‘zero-safe’ option of declaring elections free and fair, fearing not to inflame an already volatile situation. They usually emphasise…
ECL was born and grew up in Kitwe. He is better known in Kitwe than Petauke. He went Mukuba Secondary School where his class of excellence is.
They usually emphasise ‘improvements’ rather than dismissing and encouraging rejection of the elections.
By the way the purported speech appears to have been cut off… I don’t think it’s complete as it is missing a conclusion. Was this deliberate or did this come from propandandist Richard Sakala’s newspaper.
Stop smoking weed and you will see the light.
Road rage ended up being treason and you need the British to understand that. Shame on all of you. The curse of the black skin indeed? What games do you play over there? Catch the monkey?
What road rage? Where on earth does one have a road rage issue with a Presidential Motorcade? That is so silly.
“…..I am being badgered by the BBC, by international investors, who are worried; Zambia has long been a beacon of peace and harmony, Zambians should not take this for granted…..”
By this he means the kaponyas should not think they own zambia and can harrass other tribes.
Lungu and his violence is on notice….
“During my first year in Zambia as British High Commissioner, I have particularly enjoyed travelling to far-flung corners of this lovely and friendly country. I have handled raw emeralds at the Kagem mine near Kitwe; sat with villagers near Pemba discussing goats purchased through cash transfer programmes; and even danced with the Minister of Higher Education at a Lusaka ball” of course there is mention of heavy handedness in a very subtle way too. My question to his excellence the Ambassador is ” Where are the chemical weapons upon which Britain and friends attacked, killed Iragis and destroyed Iragi as a nation? Where is the heavy handedness in locking up a citizen who tries to endanger the life of His Excellence of our country. Some of us treasure him as much as you treasure your…
HH PAY ATTENTION
“The UK quickly accepted the election results and recognised the new government.”….”I repeat that the UK, along with the rest of the international community, have recognised the Zambian government. Her Majesty the Queen rapidly congratulated HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the President of the Republic of Zambia”
He has to say that otherwise civil war breakers out but take note….
“……a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain….”
Again so the kaponyas understand he does not mean soup staining your shirt…..
Spaka like lilo – The “blot” he is talking about are the consequences of arrogance by somebody refusing to accept results that have been accepted by the international community.
All UPND members, the best thing to do now is start apologizing for misleading HH by giving him illegal confidence – off course you apologize to EL, he is the only one to pardon HH after convicted.
“….a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain…”
He does not mean a stain of pouring soup on your shirt, no , he means lungus violence and thuggery
Lungu and his his thugs are on notice.
They can not touch membe now..
HH is a hero of Zambian democracy….
When you are dull and you are in a class of dull people you might think you are clever. PF supporters think they are clever when actually they are dull following blind leaders.
To those who know current affairs and world politics if the UK ambassador had declined to comment and had rather said the incasiration of HH is an internal issue best left to the authorities then lungu can celebrate but he has been told off…..
“.a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain…”
Lungu is on notice.
Look at how dul.l the kaponyas are….lungu has been told off and put on notice.
If this was not the case the ambassador would have declined to comment saying the matter is a Zambian internal issue.
HH has been elevated to be discussed at the same level as lungu and GRZ.
he has castigated lungu.
“…..a blot on Zambia’s record which has been picked up by the international media and noticed in foreign capitals and hoped that this blot does not spread into a larger stain….”
I expected the CATHOLICS and OTHER CHURCHES to talk like this, in a BALANCED MANNER and EMPHASIZE DIALOGUE. Unfortunately we have lost it as many respected institutions INCLUDING SOME CHIEFS have taken sides! Now a BASIC but IMPORTANT THING, DIALOGUE is being proposed by OUR EX- COLONIZER bcoz we have failed to respect ourselves to find time to listen to each other and handle the situation. We need to reflect and do better! IF LET THE OUTSIDER TAKE THE LEAD TO BRING US TO THIS DIALOGUE, that will be SOME MANIFESTATION OF FAILURE TO RULE OURSELVES! To START WITH, LET THOSE WHO HAVE NOT OBEYED THE LAWS ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR MISTAKES and understand that there is a PRESIDENT and GOVERNMENT in place and those in LEADERSHIP, LET THEM REACH OUT IN A MATURE WAY TO THE OPPOSITION TO BRING THEM TO…
At least mr bwaafya you are objective.
Thank you bwaafya – When you compare the High Commissioner’s speech and that of the Bishops and the traditional leaders, imagine how embarrassing our elders are – really embarrassing.
@spaka like lilo:you really trouble heart!no matter how you rant online,HH shall remains in Chimbokaila!!
You kept on yapping on failed petition,but UK High Commissioner is clearing stating that ECL is Zambian president until 2021.SO WHATS YOUR TAKE?
Again its clear here that HH has been blamed left,tight and centre thats why you cant see any Zambian protesting but from a few tribal elements in 3.5 provinces.
Its life as usual in Zambia now.HH is old enough to know that blocking a presidential motorcade is a crime.so his arrogance took him too far in mongu,so let the law take its course.he is still innocent and merely a suspect,so courts will clear or convict him-simple!!!
SOON,THE LONG WEEKEND STARTS AS LAW BREAKERS SUCH AS HH DANCE TO THEIR TUNES IN POLICE CELLS!!!
The petition is a different issue. The ambassador is talking about lungus thuggish behaviour and attacks on democracy…..if this was an internal Zambia issue he would have not commented.
The immaturity of celebrating one’s incarceration just to fix them is what drives African countries down to the lowest level of human development. How do you explain alleged blocking of a presidential motorcade to treason charges? That is just silly and a sign of dictatorship.
The PF when a US senator speaks candidly against their demi god, they shout sovereignty but here they are praising the British high commissioner just because he’s alluding to acceptance of their tinpot dictator even when he’s clearly condemning the same dictator. Just because he’s being accepted by a foreign govt that went to monitor the elections in his village doesn’t mean he was legitimately elected. He imposed himself by colluding with the elections commission and stole the votes. To this day he has…
To this day he has refused to allow his biased Kangaroo court to hear the petition. He will never escape the fraudulent way he acquired the presidency no matter the amount of recognition or respect he demands – it will haunt him for the rest of his life.
@Alternative: as one blogger put it-“The world needs to understand that our dear HH did close the trap door on himself when he tested the law to its limit. Only a few days after the Mongu episode, the MAST quoted him as saying: “WE ARE CLOSE TO GETTING TO STATEHOUSE.”
Refer to The MAST of 11 April, 2017 headlined WE ARE CLOSER TO GETTING INTO STATE HOUSE, HH TELLS MONGU RESIDENTS.
At the same forum, GBM was quoted: IN AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED, HH IS THE PRESIDENT. This declaration followed up the Limulunga road delinquency and provided the state with the context within which to interpret the ‘obstruction’ and thus intention was imputed to what otherwise might have been a mere omission. A tamed (silent) tongue does not betray its owner.” -Chalo Nkhanza (27/4/17, 1313hrs). For me that…
…US Senator represents a lone voice by an opposition member with no support of the American people whereas Fergus Cochrane-Dyet is OFFICIALLY speaking on behalf of the British people as their representative. Clearly you have the intelligence to differentiate between the two and I don’t have to delve into any details!!
The Mongu Motorcade incident is subjudice so its against Diplomatic Protocol for the High Commissioner to make a comment on matters b4 the Court. How can the High Commissioner say the incident was “provocative”.Provocative to who and by whom? The Election Petition is still in Court so how can this High Commissioner recognize Lungu b4 the Petition is concluded? There is something very.. very wrong with this Brexit High Commissioner. So does the British govt condone the Barbaric Raid on HH’s home? Does the British govt approve of HH’s arrest and detention on trumped up Treason charges? How can the British govt condone such Gross Violation of Human Rights? The British PM ,Theresa May should recall this ever bungling High Commissioner from Zambia. We don’t expect a High Commissioner from…
The original drafters of our constitution have spoken, “UK quickly accepted the election results and recognised the new government.” This means
1.that what HH has been hallucinating about and not recognizing HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu as Republican President is illegal and punishable by law.”
2. “The incidents in Western Province appear provocative. It should be possible to combine polite respect, and adherence to Zambian protocol, with disagreement and even legal challenge. I repeat that the UK, along with the rest of the international community, have recognised the Zambian government. Her Majesty the Queen rapidly congratulated HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the President of the Republic of Zambia, and we look forward to working in partnership with Zambia until the next elections.”This is…
Very wise speech badala but be careful with M’membe. He will misinform you and mislead you about Zambia.
Contd
.”This is a diplomatic way of saying the charges against HH and others are genuine and the law must take its course.
I thank God I had the privilege of attending English lessons whilst I was studying in the UK. The Ambassador is well schooled. Instead of UPND lunatics keep insulting President Lungu and the PF party leadership over a clear and straight forward matter, they better come to terms that the charge against their so called “leader” is very serious and its time the went to a convention. We have time and again advised HH and GBMthat money CANT buy Zambians to LOVE you, NO!
SO THE BRITSH HIGH COMMISSIONER HAD A MEETING WITH FRED MEEMBE…… WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ?
ABAUME ……. INVITED BY DIPLOMAT….. I THOUGHT THERE WAS AN INTERPOL WARRANT OF ARREST FOR FRED MEEMBE….. MOSHO TALK….
IN FRED’S ABSENCE, THE DAILY NATION ,MOSHO, COSMO AND OTHERS TO NUMEROUS TO MENTION TALKED TOO MUCH… LET THEM ACT NOW….
Lungu is on notice ….they can’t touch membe now.
“The UK, as a development super-power, and with our position on the IMF Board, is well placed to help.”
Kaponyas, in other words IMF help is not automatic but depends on human rights of zambians citizens including the opposition.
He is a diplomat and well trained to be diplomatic all the time. He is saying two things just for our friends who God did not give the gift of understanding,the PF and UPND cadres.
1. That HH’s convoy must have given way in Mongu somehow(mark my word somehow and also my words HH’s convoy)
2. That to go and waste tear gas and break stuff to pick HH was completely unnecessary
I hope this is clear
A well thought analysis and balanced comment from the British Ambassador. God bless Great Britain and Zambia!
He is the High Commissioner not Ambassador get it right, even LT got it wrong on the head line
The message is “The manner in which the UPND leader was arrested on the night of 10th April 2017 represents a BLOT on Zambia’s record, picked up by International media, reverberated and noticed in foreign capitals which is a sure excuse of creeping AUTHORITARIANISM.
That does not absolve someone of the crime committed. Had HH behaved in Mongu, all that wouldn’t have happened to him, unless there were materials of interest in the bunker.
All you HH sympathisers must realise the offence your leader committed which has brought all the heat on his head. At least try to be honest with yourselves;
1. Was HH ever arrested for calling the president a chimbwi no plan? was he ever arrested for name calling the ruling party or its leaders?
2. Was he ever arrested for taking a stance of not recognising the presidency of ECL?
Apparently by doing all the above he thought he was not being noticed enough! Well he got noticed now and he should face the consequences of his actions. Yes the manner he was arrested was too excessive but the offence still stands you dont do that anywhere in the world!
Did mwanawase arrest and jail sata for calling him a cabbage ??
The abossador even mentioned he met fred membe……that is further proof lungu is on notice…
Spaka like lilo – Mwanawasa found a way to fix Sata over the non bailable motor theft case — which. That was worse than this one.
Very wise speech honourable. I hope HH has listened. But just take precaution with with the people you invite. Please have tea with genuine people not the likes of M’membe who can never present our country correctly.
Now let the honourable talk to HH and convince him to accept Edgar Lungu as the President of Zambia.
@ FDD FOR 2021
All PF cadres and sympathisers have without much ado condemned HH with trampled charges of treason. The British High Commissioner never even mentioned that charge who may understand it better than the majority of Zambians. The High Commissioner mentioned respect of head of state and provocative involving both UPND and PF cadres. Where does treason emerge in all this? Yes lack of respect can be alluded to however, respect is earned and not imposed on people. Non the less PF had the privilege to make security arrangements well in advance even alerting UPND cadres to that effect. Security flows can not be excuses attributed to opposition in government. Get off HH on Zambian scene(God forbid), the DENT created will need atonement, bizzare the world is not foolish, world…
This is a top diplomat , small brains will see it as simple English.
Provocative incidence ?
who has the power to prevent such an occurrence?
who plans Presidential movement ,
who can control traffic ?
Who is provoking who ?
The one who was not declared president but thinks he is the president.
Ba Upnd do you ever at one time sit down and ask yourselves why HH acted the way he did? What was going on his mind? What would have happened if state police took HH for an assassin and opened fire? Take a breath and visualize the situation. His action was irresponsible to say the least.
Did it ever occurs yo you that HH did not know lungus convoy was racing behind ?
And did not see the sweeper by his side? That was the critical point – the last car in HH’s convoy should have stopped and then a chain reaction should have followed, but no – they were all under instruction not to give way to anybody.
“….I have had tea at my Residence with the imitable Fred M’membe wearing his trademark communist party cap…”
Is this not the same membe PF issued an arrest warrant for ??
It seems these are not internal matters of a sovereign Zambia any more….membe can not be touched….that was a warning to lungu.
THE THE HIGH COMMISSIONER HAS MADE VERY IMPORTANT REVEALING OBSERVATIONS:
“RESPECT FOR THE HEAD OF STATE IS A CARDINAL RULE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DEMOCRACIES””
“HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN RAPIDLY CONGRATULATED HE EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ZAMBIA UNTIL THE NEXT ELECTIONS”
UPND HAS BEEN ON RECORD TELLING US THAT ECL HAS NOT BEEN RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. A VERY BIG LIE WHICH IS A VERY BIG DENT ON THE CREDIBILITY OF HH/UPND.
GOD HAS A WAY OF EXPOSING LIES. AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE INCARCERATION OF HH IS NOW EXPOSING THEIR LIES. THIS IS GOOD. NALUMANGO WAS REFUSING THAT UPND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARSONIC ATTACKS ON PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE. BUT GOD EXPOSED THEM WHEN…
UPND is a tribal party.
PF is a majority party of theives from you know where.
HH’s UPND has really lost it.even his tribal supporters never get tired.i simply cant support a loser like HH.its clear that HH is UNVOTABLE in 6.5 provinces!!even in 2021 (if HH wont be convicted),he will surely lose to PF!!!most of UPND online cadres live abroad and do not vote.besides,they read lies on ZWD,hence not knowing how unpopular HH is on the ground.MANY ZAMBIANS CALL HH AS A TRIBAL,SATANIC AND ARROGANT POLITICIAN.HH’s support from none bantustan Zambians is less than 25%!!!just try to visit 20 homes of none bantustans in Lsk and CB and you’ll notice that out of those 20 homes only 1 or 2 will be pro HH’s upnd.the rest will clearly tell you that they cannot vote for HH no matter what!!WHEN PF WON 2015 AND 2016 ELECTIONS,ALL STREETS WERE FULL OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF…
Lungu only won by some 13,000 fraudulent votes , What are you talking about ?
Lungu only won by some 13,000 fraudulent votes , What are you talking about ?
If lungu was so popular where was the landslide victory ? Why is he afraid to show his popularity in court ?
I just wonder how the Americans and British would’ve reacted to a seemingly ‘provocative’ act from a person who did not recognize its government ( one hostile to their govt?) are they not the people who invaded a country they did not like under the pretext of it having weapons of mass destruction? Do they still have moral leverage? Were they not in South Africa during the diabolical Apartheid regime which treated blacks less than human? When did they become more civilized than us to give us lectures on blots and stains on democracy? Of course the police were dramatic and overzealous in the arrest but they had behaved with utmost restraint in a situation where the British or Americans could’ve taken lives- they didn’t shoot at the rival motorcade!
The Ambassador has cleared the air, HH and UPND have no international political claim for the claim that UPND and HH won the election. This should go as a very strong message to HH and UPND that the international community will side with Lungu and PF’s government to have a governable Zambia. The international will provide all the necessary intelligence support to the government of the to ensure social order, political stability and economic progress. HH and UPND are hitting their heads against the wall. The Britsih government has made it clear, they will work with ECL’s government until the next elections. If the British say this, so does the EU, NATO, USA and other big nations. UPND has work to do, they should tell their members the truth, that they lost. This is the bitter pill they…
Interesting observation. Typical English style of telling who ever can listen that when Elephants fight the grass suffers. The British high commissioner has been to Petauke people are suffering. To Pemba people are suffering. Who is provoking who? He did not say. Who is observing the law? He neither clarified. Who is heavy handed we all know but we do not want to acknowledge. The Bible says be quick to listen and slow to answer. And yet we can observe the self righteous already saying they do not respond to those who provoke them. The BHC is on the side of the suffering masses who voted diligently even though the were voting in shacks and those who are selling goats with a smile even though they have no food on the table. The royal majority hungry ones are busy fighting for crumps at…
The level of diplomancy here is very high. Actually when a diplomat speaks like that it actually means he has condemned HH’s behaviour in the strongest possible ,terms. However he has also condemned the manner he was arrested under the smillar strength of terms. Its possible for us to speak of our differences with much grace. Actually the high commissioner has spoken with so much grace than our men of God in our country. Its easy to listen to such such words and be reflective. Hard line speeches actually only worsens situations.
Ask him what would happen to Jeremy Corbyn if he attempted to pull that stunt on the queen? Corbyn was heavily criticized for appearing to ignore signing the national anthem and you want to preach about heavy-handedness?
A snake on the loose can be dangerous to healthy and peace. Three Mansion!
I am only pleased they managed to bring back some of the money stolen during privatisation how I wish they had more time to search the bunker fully for more.Can we not ask the courts for more time.Answer me people of my callibre.
Finally from me today: just what is wrong with UPNDonkeys? You mean they cannot read a simple message?
1. The British Commissioner has stated that the British government through NO LESS THAN Queen Elizabeth II, has recognised the President of Zambia as Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Who is more right between the Queen and HH?
2. The Queen’s government has advised the need to recognise the government in power, and that if that does not happen, it will be the source of all conflict including incarceration.
3. The Queen is saying that She has no quarrel with the arrest of HH including his charge for treason, her only concern is the manner of his arrest.
4. The British are urging on the need for HH to practice civilised behaviour in modern politics.
Well, UPNDonkeys, do you think the British…
Bally in telling lungu off he also reminded him that he had tea with membe.
Contd….
Well, UPNDonkeys, do you think the British Queen is wrong?
I have had tea at my Residence with the imitable Fred M’membe wearing his trademark communist party cap”….is this not the membe PF issued an arrest warrant for ?
Bally in this he is saying your arrest warrants are trash…..this was very deliberate.. ..having tea with a man PF want to make public enemy number one.
Membe is now untouchable would you agree bally Mr terrible ?
I can see zambia going back to Dark days of UNIP, nobody spoke against Kaunda, it was the biggest crime of you ever did, what HH did was wrong but he shouldn’t be kept in jail up to now, is the freedom of speech and expression already dying in zambia, let people be free to speak their mind and express their feelings. HH should be released as soon as possible,Lungu have some common sense please, what goes up always comes down,
I can see zambia going back to Dark days of UNIP, nobody spoke against Kaunda, it was the biggest crime of you ever did, what HH did was wrong but he shouldn’t be kept in jail up to now, is the freedom of speech and expression already dying in zambia, let people be free to speak their mind and express their feelings. HH should be released as soon as possible,Lungu have some common sense please, what goes up always comes down,
@ 1.10 flag wanzelu,
Yes the HC was diplomatic. He could easily have said HH was very wrong in his actions, but he did not want to appear to be hard in the opposition.
Hr makes his message clear by emphasizing the need to recognise and respect the head of state as a tenet of democracy.
He further emphasised the need to follow the law and protocols even when one has grievances.
He also deliberately emphasised that the results of the elections reflected what was announced ant thus, Britain recognises his Excellency President Edgar Lungu as having been duly elected.
He further deliberately stresses that Britain is committed to work ing with the duly elected of president Lungu until 2021.
Look, the above statements were extremely deliberate and should send a message to the UPND, at least with UK and the Commonwealth view of last year’s elections and the need to respect the current government till 2021
Everything has been said by BHC and everything has been heard by the wise Zambians.we now know the stance of the international community.How ever we can also predict the new president in 2021.So dont look down upon any one.we pray for the release and wisdom of our future president…
“I have had tea at my Residence with the imitable Fred M’membe wearing his trademark communist party cap”….is this not the membe PF issued an arrest warrant for ?
He is throwing your arrest warrants in the bin. This must be a very bitter pill for lungu….
Msimuko mathias has spoken sense.it’s always good and up building to listen to constructive coments. Thanks man
For goodness sake this is not judge Fergus Cochrane-Dyet. He is just another person. But Zambians and their obsession with white men! They think god has spoken
Spaka like lilo,
There are various ways of interpreting the High Commissioner’s remarks. The blot could be a metaphorical reference to HH’s misbehaviour. When the High Commissioner hopes “that this blot does not spread into a larger stain….”, he could be referring to HH’s misbehaviour spiralling completely out of control, if not kept in check, and putting the country’s national security and stability at risk.
@ 1.22 wanzelu,
You are forgetting or missing the points the HC makes as basis for recognition of the the president, his Excellency ECL.
The HC did not say he recognised ECL as president because he is in power, NO!
Rather, he gives background as basis for recognition; he says UK, EU and the international community accepted the outcome of the August elections, and thus recognise ECL as Head of State.
He deliberately says ECZ did their best even in the midst of difficulties and the election went well. But says “unfortunately” there was tabulance.
In other words, he is saying the tabulance were baseless. I therefore conclude that it implies there was no basis for even the petition.
That is why he is urging HH to accept the results and recognise ECL as Head if State.
The HC is wise and intelligent, identifying and pointing the causes of the current strife and setting a basis for dialogue
All those urginging the president to initiate dialogue must learn from the good counsel from the British HC.
You can’t just say there are problems, therefore start dialogue. What are the problems? How have they been caused? Who has caused what?
Once you identify the the issues and who have done what, then you can dialogue.
In summary, concluding by what the HC has said, there was no basis for refusal to accept the August election outcome. No basis for the tabulance that followed, no basis or need for any petition.
The petition had no basis, no wonder the lawyers just resorted to creating and discussing preliminaries so that they are seen to be doing something since they were hired.
Remember that while all the petition comedy was taking place EU observers were around and…
Remember that while all the petition comedy was taking place EU observers were around and that process also helped them to consolidate their take on the results.
And partly the conclusions alluded to by the HC regarding election outcome were drawn from the petition process.
This ambassador is just blowing smoke in your
@ 1.24 wanzelu,
I hope you are old enough yourself to remember that the international community at that time never sent any election observers to the country during the KK vs Frog election.
This was because no one considered Zambia as s democracy but dictatorship.
Thus, no one even dared congratulate KK for winning the so called election.
So the recognition of KK as head of state was not based on him wining an ‘election’ but merely because he was a leader of Zambia.
So, don’t compare HH with a frog; he is a human being who competed meaningfully but lost.
I have already helped you above to understand that the HC started by laying a basis for recognising ECL, that he was duly elected in the August elections as monitored by EU and the international community.
THE INCARCERATION OF HH HAS WORKED OUT VERY WELL BECAUSE IT HAS HELPED US ZAMBIANS TO KNOW HOW TRIBAL, ARROGANT, PROVOCATIVE, DISHONEST, VIOLENT, UNTRUTHFUL, HH/UPND HAS BEEN.
JUST IMAGINE HOW THEY LIED TO THE WHOLE WORLD THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DID NOT RECOGNIZE ECL. HON KALABA TRIED TO INFORM THE NATION THAT EVEN THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND CONGRATULATED ECL, BUT HH SAID IT WAS NOT TRUE AND THAT KALABA WAS TELLING LIES. SURELY HOW DO WE TRUST HH? YES ECL IS NOT PERFECT, BUT TELLING LIES BLATANTLY LIKE THAT IS VERY BAD. IT WILL TAKE A VERY LONG TIME FOR FOR ZAMBIAN VOTERS FROM THE 6.5 PROVINCES TO HAVE ANY THREAD OF CONFIDENCE IN HH/UPND. IN NWP, UPND VILLAGERS WERE TOLD THAT ECL WAS GOING TONSURRENDER POWER TO HH IN NOVEMBER 2016, THEN THEY CHANGED TO JANUARY 2017, THEN TO FEBRUARY…