President Hichilema’s recent address to Parliament regarding the application of national values and principles has garnered widespread praise from various stakeholders across Zambia, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the importance of ethical governance and societal progress.

President Hichilema said it was a great honor and distinct privilege to address the Third Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly , focusing on the advancements in National Values and Principles as outlined in Article 9(2) of the Constitution of Zambia.

National Values and Principles/

The President said the National Values and Principles play a crucial role in shaping the character and trajectory of our nation, serving as guiding principles for our conduct and informing the formulation and execution of state policies. As articulated in Article 8 of our constitution, these values include Morality and Ethics, Patriotism and National Unity, Democracy, Constitutionalism, and Human Dignity, among others.

Addressing Social Challenges

President Hichilema voiced his concerns regarding prevalent social issues such as early marriages, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse, and gender-based violence. President Hichilema explained that to address early child marriage and teenage pregnancy, government in 2023 sensitized 192 chiefdoms and over 2.5 million people on the dangers on the vice.The President added that 106,277 community leaders and 1,441 community welfare assistance committees have been sensitised in an effort to strengthen community action towards ending early child marriages and teenage pregnancy.He further noted that to curb alcohol and substance abuse, the government February 2024, launched the national policy on drug and substance control.

He said collaborating with religious institutions, traditional leaders, and various partners, the government has undertaken extensive sensitization and awareness programs nationwide to combat these vices, to forestall a deterioration in our value system.

Strengthening Marriage Counseling Services

Expressing alarm at the rising number of divorce cases, particularly among young couples, President Hichilema called upon the church, traditional leaders, civil society, and community organizations to bolster marriage counseling services. The Head of State said he was alarmed at the high numbers of divorce cases especially among young couples rising from 31,000 in 2022 to 36,000 cases in 2023.

Additionally, he urged affected individuals to uphold the solemn commitment of marriage by fostering virtues of peace and harmony. And importantly he emphasized the importance of respecting the institution of marriage to be driven by an individual commitment to uphold values.President Hichilema stressed the need to build strong marriages where couples and families are able to resolve matters amicably.

President Hichilema indicated that continued countrywide awareness and sensitization and Gender Based Violence campaigns are being conducted.He added that he was also disheartened by the increased cases of Gender Based Violence to 42,965 recorded in 2023 from 33,536 in 2022, of which some cases have led to death.

Addressing Cyber-crimes

While acknowledging the positive influence of social media and the internet in our communities, President Hichilema regretted their misuse.President Hichilema observed an abuse of social media platforms, stating that to ensure safety and security, the government is implementing the revised National Information and Communication Technology Policy.

“Government has also strengthened the enforcement of various laws to protect citizens against cyber-crimes,” he said.

Consequently, he reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the enforcement of existing laws to safeguard citizens against cyber-crimes. The President therefore called on all users of the cyberspace, to be driven by values which include self respect, respect for others and the security of our country.

Promoting Youth Development

Commending the progress achieved in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for youth skills development and creating conducive learning environments, President Hichilema encouraged the expansion of similar programs in the future.
He said we now see equity, equality and social justice being restored as many of our children now have an opportunity to learn in a dignified environment .

President Hichilema said the UPND government will continue with these endeavors in order to uplift the living standards of Zambians.

Good borrowing culture

President Hichilema called on all those that are benefiting from various grant led initiatives to adopt a culture of paying back what they are given to perpetuate access of these resources by others. This value is key in creating a good borrowing culture which will transcend generations.

The President reiterated that he remains committed to fostering good values and called on each and every citizen to do their part.

Promoting Virtues of Democracy

President Hakainde Hichilema says the government is committed to deepening Zambia’s democracy and constitutionalism as the surest way for people to enjoy their rights and freedoms to participate in decision making.He said that the government has created an environment that promotes the tenets of good governance, integrity and upholding the rule of law.

President Hichilema said his administration has assured a peaceful political space and access to information by making it possible for 44 new radio stations and 18 new television stations to be licensed countrywide.He noted that these media houses operate freely without any interference from government, while stating that political parties and civil society organisations are now able to make full use of these facilities, to advance their agenda.

The President said he is elated that Zambia has been named among the top three most democratising countries in the world, by V-Dem.
“This recognition underscores our government’s continuous efforts to promote the virtues of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,’President Hichilema said.

And the President noted that in order to enhance participation of eligible voters, the government is undertaking a continuous countrywide roll-out of the voter registration exercise.To strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks for upholding the rule of law, President Hichilema indicated that the government has enacted the judicial training institute of Zambia act no. 14 of 2023 which establishes the judicial training institute.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema added that his administration’s development efforts are centred on uplifting the livelihood of all the people in the country. He cited the provision of clean water and adequate sanitation, quality education and healthcare, access to electricity, social protection and youth empowerment, as well as provision of maternal health services, as key priority areas for the government.

The President explained that through the flagship intervention, the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), equity, equality and social justice are being restored. He noted that going forward, the CDF will be used to promote community-driven local development.

He added that to further promote equity and human dignity, his administration has continued to implement various social protection programmes, including the social cash transfer, shock responsive social protection, emergency cash transfer and the food security pack.

And the President made a call to the businesses, churches and NGOs to join the government by adopting schools for the home grown school meals.

‘To this effect, over 2.2 million vulnerable learners from 82 selected districts are being supported under the home-grown school meals programme,’ he revealed.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent address to Parliament regarding the application of national values and principles has garnered widespread praise from various stakeholders across Zambia.

Chief Chisunka of Mansa District, Luapula Province, emphasized the importance of addressing societal issues such as early marriages and teen pregnancies through the application of national values and principles. He commended President Hichilema for highlighting these critical issues and urged collective action from the government and traditional leaders to tackle them effectively.

Additionally, Chief Chisunka applauded the President and the government for their efforts in increasing the constituency development fund (CDF), which has positively impacted livelihoods across the country. He noted that the equitable distribution of CDF has contributed to addressing community challenges and emphasized the need for expedited fund distribution by local councils.

Mitchell Manda, a lecturer at Cavendish University specializing in constitutional and international law, praised President Hichilema for championing the rule of law and promoting democratic tenets. She commended the government’s strides in promoting democracy and agricultural adaptive measures, expressing optimism that initiatives to promote irrigation farming will enhance food security in Zambia.

Sunday Mwape, Director of National Values and Principles under the office of the Vice President, hailed President Hichilema for his address, emphasizing the importance of national values and principles in guiding the nation towards prosperity. Dr. Mwape urged citizens to refrain from indulging in alcohol consumption, citing its detrimental effects on society.

In addition to local stakeholders, international figures like Walid Hasan, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Zambia and Palestinian Ambassador to Zambia, lauded Zambia’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and good governance. Hasan highlighted Zambia’s recognition by Varieties Democracy Institute as one of the top democratic countries globally.

Furthermore, Bishop John Mambo, Chairperson of Chikondi Foundation, expressed support for President Hichilema’s commitment to addressing alcohol abuse among youths.

President Hichilema’s address to Parliament covered key thematic areas including morality, ethics, patriotism, national unity, democracy, and constitutionalism, receiving accolades for its importance in guiding the nation towards a better future.

World Bank, recognizing the pivotal role of energy in Zambia’s development trajectory, has taken decisive steps to bolster the nation’s energy sector. With a commitment to fostering sustainability, the World Bank has earmarked a significant $100 million grant. This funding injection is specifically designed to enhance the operational efficiency and financial stability of Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO.

In a bid to bolster Zambia’s energy sector and pave the way for a sustainable future, the World Bank has allocated a $100 million grant to enhance the operational efficiency and financial stability of the country’s national power utility, ZESCO.

This grant is part of the larger National Energy Advancement and Transformation Program (NEAT), a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Zambia’s electricity landscape by 2033. With an overall budget of $700 million, NEAT is poised to revolutionize Zambia’s energy infrastructure, ensuring financial sustainability, reliability, and resilience in the face of climate change challenges.

Achim Fock, the World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, emphasized the significance of this grant in addressing Zambia’s immediate energy needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth. “This International Development Association grant represents an important step towards supporting Zambia to secure a sustainable and resilient energy future for its people,” Fock stated.

The first phase of the NEAT program, spanning from 2024 to 2026, will focus on enhancing ZESCO’s financial performance and operational reliability. Additionally, it will bolster electrification financing mechanisms through support for the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). Notably, the program will streamline Zambia’s procurement process for non-hydropower renewable energy projects, aligning with the country’s commitment to diversify its energy sources.

Yadviga Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy in Eastern and Southern Africa, underscored the importance of increasing renewable energy capacity to enhance climate resilience. “The deliberate focus on increasing renewable energy capacity by a substantial 1,458 megawatts demonstrates the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Zambia to diversify its energy sources and enhance climate resilience,” Semikolenova stated.

The NEAT program not only supports Zambia’s energy policies outlined in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), Vision 2030, and National Energy Policy (NEP) but also aligns with the World Bank’s broader mission of eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

With the infusion of this grant, Zambia is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards a more reliable, sustainable, and resilient energy future, ensuring access to affordable and clean energy for all its citizens.

Early this month President Hakainde Hichilema officially declared the prolonged dry spells in Zambia as a National Disaster and Emergency, citing the devastating impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon on the country’s agriculture, water availability, and energy supply.

The declaration, made in accordance with the disaster management act, underscored the severity of the situation, with millions of Zambians at risk of food insecurity and livelihood disruption. President Hichilema has outlined short-term measures including humanitarian relief efforts, importing food and electricity, and promoting alternative energy sources, alongside long-term strategies focusing on water harvesting and irrigation development to stimulate agricultural production. President Hichilema indicated that the government would realign the 2024 national budget to achieve the targeted measures.

Meanwhile Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO, is navigating negotiations with Mozambique to secure an additional 120 Mega Watts of power in response to the nation’s electricity deficit. Energy Minister Peter Kapala revealed this initiative during a parliamentary session addressing Zambia’s energy challenges.

ZESCO plans to withdraw 120 Mega Watts from the export market, aligning with existing bilateral contracts, to bolster domestic supply amidst the crisis. Additionally, ongoing negotiations between ZESCO and Ndola Energy Company Limited aim to resume operations at a 105 Mega Watt power plant by April 2024.

The government emphasized strategic institutions’ uninterrupted operation during load shedding, prioritizing entities like health facilities, water utilities, and industries. While ZESCO initiates load shedding to mitigate reservoir depletion, it anticipates monthly revenue losses of approximately $35 million. Long-term strategies outlined include renewable energy expansion projects and the completion of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to sustainably address Zambia’s energy needs.

ZESCO commenced 8-hour daily load shedding on Monday, March 11, 2024. The decision followed a meticulous assessment of water levels in the Kafue and Zambezi basins.

Source: World Bank

Our Civic Duty Association OCIDA has disowned the letter written under the guise of Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu calling on the US Government to impose sanctions on Zambian Government Officials.Leslie Mbula, an OCIDA trustee, stated that the organization has disowned the letter written under Mpundu’s name and expressed disappointment in the misuse of his reputation. Mbula also revealed that OCIDA has formally requested Mpundu to consider retiring from his leadership position within the organization, signaling a potential shift in leadership amid growing concerns over OCIDA’s direction.

Members and supporters of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA) have voiced their concerns over the alleged hijacking of the organization by Brebner Changala, prompting calls for his departure from the association. Additionally, they have urged Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu to consider retiring from his leadership role within OCIDA, stating that it is time for new leadership to take the reins.

Addressing the press in Lusaka on Thursday morning, OCIDA members expressed their dissatisfaction with Changala’s recent actions, which they claimed were not in line with the organization’s mission. They accused Changala of hijacking OCIDA and issuing statements without the consent of the members or the organization’s trustees, who are legally responsible for its oversight.

“In the last few months, statements have been issued in the name of OCIDA without the agreement of the association or the sanction of the trustees,” the members stated. “We are particularly concerned about a letter written to the American Embassy under the guise of Archbishop Mpundu, urging the US Government to impose sanctions on Zambian Government officials. This is not the stance of OCIDA.”

The members emphasized the importance of maintaining order within the organization for effective operations and expressed their disappointment in Changala’s failure to adhere to OCIDA’s principles. As a result, they called for his removal from the association, citing his actions as untenable.

Meanwhile, OCIDA members also called on the Catholic Church to safeguard the name and integrity of Emeritus Archbishop Mpundu from exploitation by opportunistic individuals. They expressed concern over the misuse of Mpundu’s name for selfish political purposes and emphasized that OCIDA’s primary objective is the promotion of good governance and economic management, without aligning with any particular political stance.

Below is the Letter sent to US Ambassador

Sanction Against President Hichilema And His Group undermining Democracy

Mr Michael Gonzales
United States Ambassador to Zambia
P. O. Box 320065
Lusaka, Zambia

8 March 2024

Dear Ambassador,

RE: Petition for the United States Government to impose financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and travel bans against top Zambian officials undermining democratic rights in Zambia

Refer to the above captioned subject.

Formed in June 2020, Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA) is a registered civil society organisation in Zambia working to advance democracy, good governance, and human rights. It is made up of senior citizens whose only aspiration is to advance the public good.

We, in OCIDA, are deeply alarmed by the continued abuse institutions of governance and the erosion of democracy in Zambia today under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and his ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Of particular concern are the violations of democratic rights such as the right to public assembly, free speech, freedom of association, and the right to a speedy trial. Also worrying is the continued abuse of state institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Independent Broadcasting Authority, the Zambia Police Service, the National Assembly of Zambia, and the Judiciary.

On several occasions, OCIDA and other organisations such as the Zambian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Law Association of Zambia and Chapter One Foundation have called on the Zambian Government to respect and enable the expression of these fundamental democratic rights. Our combined calls have fallen on deaf ears. What we have instead witnessed over the last several months are further restrictions on these rights. Public rallies by opposition parties continue to be banned by the Zambia Police Service, the Judiciary continues to engage in what appears to be wilful delay of the resolution of urgent political matters affecting the main opposition party, the Executive arm of government continues to interfere in the operations of other institutions, the leadership of the national assembly continues to undermine democracy in parliament, critics of the government continue to face intimidation and threats from state institutions and public officials, and leaders of the opposition continue to face arrest from the police based on what appears to be politically motivated charges. This is not the Zambia we want. This is the Zambia we rejected in August 2021.

In view of the continued abuse of governance institutions and the violations of democratic rights in Zambia, OCIDA calls on the United States Government to impose financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and travel bans against the below-named officials of the Government of the Republic of Zambia whose conduct has aided this continued suppression of democracy in Zambia. We make our call in the wake of the recent decision by the US Government, as part of its democracy-centred foreign policy, to impose similar sanctions on members of the Government of Zimbabwe who are at the forefront of restricting democratic rights, tolerating corruption, and abusing governance institutions. It in this light that we petition the administration of President Joe Biden, through the US Embassy in Zambia, to impose sanctions on the following officials of the Zambian Government:

1. Police Inspector General Graphel Musamba

Since his appointment as Inspector General of Police in April 2023, Mr Musamba has presided over the prohibition of opposition party meetings. Not a single public rally called by opposition parties has been sanctioned under his command. Mr Musamba has cited unspecified security concerns and inadequate manpower as justifications for this continued violation of the right to public assembly, even in instances where opposition parties have offered to provide their own security. It is impossible for multiparty democracy to be seen as a legitimate political system of government if political parties, created by the Constitution of Zambia, are not allowed to freely meet their members and conduct their activities.

In a truly functioning democracy, citizens are and must be free to exercise the right to peaceful assembly at any time they wish, including outside the elections. The job of the police service is to facilitate the enjoyment of this right, not to curtail it. Mr Musamba’s continued violation of the right to peaceful assembly represents a threat to national peace and stability, a danger to the survival of Zambia’s democracy, and a blatant defilement of the Constitution of Zambia, which mandates the police to protect and defend human rights and democracy. As Elias Chipimo noted in April 1980 when criticising the restrictions on political and civil rights under then President Kenneth Kaunda, the multi-party system is “the surest way of avoiding coups and eliminating the disgraceful tendency of presidents ending up with bullets in their heads.” Alarmingly, the current Inspector General of Police has proved to be an apostle of state-sponsored lawlessness as he has been in the forefront of not only breaking rather than enforcing the law but also undermining the very multiparty character of the Republic.

2. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu

Mr Musamba’s efforts to undermine democratic rights in Zambia have been aided by the conduct of his superior, the Minister of Home Affairs and Infernal Security Mr Jack Mwiimbu. Under Mr Mwiimbu’s leadership, the Zambia Police Service has been turned into a private militia of the ruling party. As well as supporting the police’s continued refusal to sanction meetings organised by opposition parties, Mr Mwiimbu has also presided over the numerous arrests of nearly all opposition party leaders in Zambia, except those aligned to the ruling party, on frivolous charges. All these developments have occurred whilst the minister and his police officials continue to ignore the offences committed by members of the ruling party and the government, even when the same are formally reported to the police by the victims. As a result, a two-tier policing system has been created under his command: one for members of the opposition and another for members of the ruling UPND.

In addition, governance institutions such as the Registrar of Societies have been repeatedly suffered abuse from Mr Mwiimbu’s ministry. For instance, a former Registrar of Societies who refused to carry out unlawful changes to the leadership of the main opposition party – changes that were aimed at instigating factional divisions in the main opposition Patriotic Front party – was unceremoniously hounded out of office and replaced with a malleable official who has not only obeyed the illegal commands but also paved the way for the installation of a pliant leadership in the main opposition party.

Mr Mwimbu is also ultimately responsible for the police’s ongoing efforts to frustrate the registration of an umbrella alliance of opposition parties, namely the United Kwacha Alliance. Citizens have the right to associate with a political formation of their choice, and the job of the Ministry of Home Affairs is to enable the enjoyment of this right, not to undermine the freedom of association. Democracy is at great risk of collapsing when democratic rights like the freedom of association are restricted. And when people lose trust in the capacity of formal institutions to represent them, they are likely to resort to democratic means of expressing their discontent – and indeed of changing governments.

3. Speaker of the National Assembly Nellie Mutti

A known supporter of the ruling UPND, the Speaker of the National Assembly has been at the forefront of undermining democracy in parliament. Ms Nellie Mutti has presided over unconstitutional changes to the leadership of the official opposition in parliament (consequently trampling on the rule of law by overlooking matters that are before Court over the same issue), been quick to suspend opposition lawmakers at will, especially those who question her judgement, and has, on several occasions, curtailed opposition and independent MPs from debating freely in the House, especially on matters that relate to criticism of the Executive.

This demonstrated partiality by Speaker Mutti harms Zambia’s constitutional democracy in that it violates the principle of separation of powers and the right of parliament to scrutinise the activities of the Executive as part of promoting accountability. Multiparty democracy is strengthened when all three arms of government carry out their activities in a manner that enhances or promotes checks and balances. Ms Mutti has proved, time and time again, to be a mere appendage of the Executive, committed to advancing the interests of the ruling party rather than the greater cause of democracy. Her continued adverse actions risk undermining public trust in the capacity of parliament to truly be a people’s House and ultimately in the very integrity of the democratic system.

4. Chief Justice Mumba Malila

When Mr Mumba Malila was appointed Chief Justice, OCIDA was among the many Zambians and organisations that then and subsequently commended his appointment. Our hope that Mr Malila would provide leadership to this vital state institution, without whom democracy cannot flourish, was based on his impressive track record of defending fundamental freedoms and human rights not only in Zambia but also in international organisations where he had worked.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Chief Justice Malila has proved to be a great disappointment. Our faith in his leadership has since decreased considerably. Not only has he lamentably failed to provide effective leadership in ensuring speedy trial for politically sensitive cases, especially those whose outcome have a significant bearing on the state and direction of Zambia’s democracy; he has also, in an unprecedented move, deployed the Judiciary to intimidate and attack, through press statements, ordinary citizens who dare to criticise the institution’s performance under his watch. The capture of Zambia’s main opposition party by the executive branch of government has been enabled by the conduct of the judiciary under Mr Malila’s watch. Judges handling the matters have sat on them while the Chief Justice continues to criss-cross the world, giving speeches to unsuspecting audiences, some of them emphasising the importance of speedy trial and judicial independence.

Mr Malila’s proximity to President Hichilema – demonstrated in regular shared public spaces and the Chief Justice’s penchant of inviting the head of the Executive to address judicial meetings – has also raised public eyebrows about the extent of judicial independence under his watch. These fears have been aided by several instances where announcements that must come from the Judiciary are first made by the President. A clear example is how the President recently announced to the public a Statutory Instrument that was yet to be signed by the Chief Justice. How did the President know about it? The only hypothesis is that the President could have been the author.

5. The Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri

The Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri is a former personal lawyer of President Hichilema. Any hopes that Mr Phiri would rise above these personal historic ties to conduct the affairs of his office in an impartial manner were extinguished long ago. Instead of defending public interest and the integrity of the legal system, Mr Phiri has been in the forefront of refusing to sanction the prosecution of government and ruling party officials whilst doing the opposite for members of the opposition. Not only has his conduct undermined the integrity of the legal system; it also represents a threat to the legitimacy of the multiparty political system. DPP Phiri has clearly shown that he is working with the President on many cases to undermine democracy and human rights.

6. Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis

Ms Mwangala Zaloumis is another official with known ties to the ruling UPND. Appointed to the role by President Hichilema, she has since led the Electoral Commission of Zambia in disfranchising citizens by way of excluding candidates of the main opposition party from taking part in elections to the benefit of the UPND. Complaints from opposition parties about the abuse of state resources by government officials during by-elections have also been ignored by Ms Zaloumis. The multiparty system rests on having an independent electoral commission that enjoys public trust and is impartial in its conduct. The current leadership of the Electoral Commission of Zambia is far from these requisites and represents a danger to peace, stability, and the survival of democracy in the country.

7. President Hakainde Hichilema

If there is one person who deserves sanctions for undermining democracy and democratic rights in Zambia, it is President Hichilema. Not only is he the one responsible for the appointment of other democracy-threatening officials like Mr Musamba, Mr Mwiimbu, Ms, Mutti, Mr Malila, Ms Zaloumis, and Mr Phiri; President Mr Hichilema has also aided their conduct by neglecting to reprimand or sanction them for undermining civil and political rights. The Police, for example, has been used as a tool to suppress political opponents or arrest government critics. In fact, Mr Hichilema has praised Mr Musamba’s harrowing performance, publicly stating that he wished he had resurrected the latter from retirement much earlier.

The President of Zambia as Head of State and Government must be a fountain of justice and equity and presidential functions must be performed with dignity and transparency. The President must be above partisan considerations when treating citizens whether in opposition or in support of government. All these principles are provided for in the Constitution of Zambia under which he took the Oath of Office. Unfortunately, President Hichilema has not lived true to these ideals. His administration has divided the country on ethnic-regional lines. Key Government positions are now a preserve of members of his ethnicity and adjacent tribes in Western, Northwestern, and Central provinces. We are witnessing a purge in government and State-Owned Enterprise of Zambians who hail from the Northern or Eastern provinces based on the belief that they are supporters of the main opposition party. In recent months, civil servants hailing from these provinces have been displaced from their positions and replaced with people who come from Southern and Western Zambia. This state-sponsored polarisation has created tension in the country and undermined nation building and stability. The spirit of One Zambia One Nation is now but an illusion.

President Hichilema has also ignored growing incidents of corruption in his administration, including among members of his oner circle. Not only has he failed to publish his assets and declarations as a way of showing leadership; he has further ignored calls to do so from several people including Zambians and non-Zambians such as yourself, Ambassador. This is not the character of a man who is committed to fighting corruption.

Having highlighted how the conduct of the above officials continue to undermine democracy in Zambia, we reiterate our call that targeted sanctions against these specific individuals be imposed on them to serve as a deterrent. We believe that such a move is an imperative at this juncture, if the United States is to be perceived as fair and consistent in its application of foreign policy values, central of which is democracy promotion and the sanctioning of those who undermine it. Although many people think the current President of Zambia is a darling of the United States, we believe that the interests of the two nations are by far larger than the interest of an individual leader – especially when that leader is in the forefront of undermining democracy and abusing institutions of governance.

We look forward to your action-oriented response.

Yours faithfully,

Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore G. Mpundu
Chairman, OCIDA