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PF Central Committee Member Warns Against Supporting Illegalities in Party’s Ranks

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PF Central Committee Member Warns Against Supporting Illegalities in Party’s Ranks

Patriotic Front (PF) Member of the Central Committee for Industry, Frank Ng’ambi, has issued a warning that supporting illegal activities could lead the country into unprecedented chaos.

Ng’ambi, who is the former Member of Parliament for Chifubu in Ndola, expressed his astonishment that some Zambians are endorsing the Miles Sampa-led PF faction for conducting an illegal convention last week.

He stressed that illegal actions should not be condoned because even in the ruling UPND, there are dissatisfied members who could hold an illegal convention and replace the current party leadership led by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Appearing on Muvi TV’s special program, Ng’ambi, who represented PF Vice President Given Lubinda, emphasized that the convention that elected the suspended PF Matero Member of Parliament was illegal.

“Basically, anyone can wake up in the morning and have a convention, are they going to admit them? If that happens, are they going to admit them without the chairman of the party, without the Secretary General, without the members of their National Management Committee? Because in any political party, there are fallouts,” Mr. Ng’ambi stated.

He further questioned whether the State House is involved in the challenges faced by the Patriotic Front, adding that it may indicate that the state is acting behind these factions if they expect PF to win the 2026 election.

Mr. Ng’ambi explained that only the Secretary General of PF is authorized to call for a convention.

Regarding PF rebranding, he mentioned that the process is progressing well, evident by the inclusion of more than 20 young people in the Central Committee. He assured the public that PF will have vibrant leaders to secure victory in the 2026 general elections.

In addition, Mr. Ng’ambi asserted that the Sixth Republican President, Edgar Lungu, did not cease to be PF President after the 2021 General Elections. He noted that Mr. Lungu had taken sabbatical leave, as the PF Central Committee opposed his resignation as PF President.

Mweetwa Advises PF to Leave Diplomats Alone

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Mweetwa Advises PF to Leave Diplomats Alone

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has offered a word of advice to the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, urging them to refrain from involving diplomats accredited to Zambia in their internal party disputes. Mr. Mweetwa expressed the government’s concern regarding the behavior of certain Patriotic Front Members of Parliament (MPs) who have continued to engage with foreign diplomats, including the American Ambassador to Zambia. These interactions are meant to address party issues that should ideally be resolved within the party itself.

Mr. Mweetwa, who also serves as the Minister of Information and Media, challenged the Patriotic Front to clarify whether they now view the United States of America as a defender of democracy, given their previous accusations that the U.S. and other Western countries played a role in imposing President Hakainde Hichilema on the Zambian people.

In recent developments, Patriotic Front Members of Parliament paid visits to various foreign missions in Zambia, including the European Union, the American Embassy, and the British High Commission.

However, the US Embassy Head of Security advised the team that if they want to set up an official meeting they should use the official channels.During their visits,PF issued a warning regarding the consequences of these diplomatic missions’ perceived support for the alleged destruction of democracy and the circumvention of the rule of law in Zambia.

Mweetwa’s advice to the PF underlines the government’s interest in maintaining diplomatic relations while urging the opposition party to focus on resolving internal matters internally. These developments come amidst ongoing political tensions within PF.

Police Seize Suspected Counterfeit Replica Foootball Jerseys in Kamwala

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Police Seize Suspected Counterfeit Replica Foootball Jerseys in Kamwala

The Zambia Police Intellectual Property Unit (IPU) recently carried out a successful operation, resulting in the seizure of 89 suspected counterfeit Replica Jerseys from Tich ‘B’ Investments shop located in the Kamwala area of Lusaka. The shop’s owner, identified as 45-year-old Mike Bwalya Chibale from the Silverest area in Chongwe, has been arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in the counterfeit trade.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) holds the legal rights to the Replica Jerseys branded as “KoPa,” which are officially registered as intellectual property. The IPU’s operation targeted the suspected counterfeit jerseys valued at K40,050, ensuring that consumers are protected from fraudulent products.

Chibale has been charged with the offense of making, importing, or having in his possession coverings, labels, reels, or any reproductions, replicas, or representations of a trademark or mark, with the intent to deceive and apply them to goods. This action is in violation of Section (1) (g) of the Merchandise Marks Act, Chapter 405 of the laws of Zambia.

The accused will soon appear in court to answer for the charges brought against him. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of adhering to trademark and intellectual property regulations, warning traders against engaging in the sale of counterfeit products.

Reuben Kamanga, General Secretary of FAZ, expressed his gratitude to the Zambia Police for their continuous efforts in combatting the sale of fake replicas. Kamanga noted that a significant legal precedent was set in February 2018 when a Chinese national was sentenced to nine months of hard labor for selling counterfeit products. The hope was that such penalties would deter individuals from dealing in fake replicas.

Kamanga encouraged the public to make authentic purchases through FAZ and authorized dealerships, ensuring that they receive genuine, high-quality products.

ACC witness exonerates Lusambo, Wife over Silverest property

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ACC witness exonerates Lusambo, Wife over Silverest property

A state witness has told the Lusaka Magistrate Court that former Lusaka Province Minister does not own any property in Silverest Residential area in Chongwe.

Francis Chiteta, a Human Resources Manager at Silverest also said Mr Lusambo’s wife Nancy does also not own any property in the area.

This is in a matter in which Mr. Lusambo’s Nancy has been charged with concealing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Testifying before Magistrate Faides Hamaundu, Chiteta said he started working at Silverest in 2021 and that he never witnessed any transaction done by the Lusambos.

He stated that there are no records showing any transaction done by Mr Lusambo or his wife.

Mr Chiteta said he has access to all company records and he never came across any that showed that the Lusambos paid for any property.

Mr Chiteta further clarified that ownership of property in Silverest only happens when title deeds are issued.

He said Mr Lusambo and the wife have never been issued with a Certificate of Title because they did not purchase any property there.

When it was time for cross examination, the ACC prosecution told Court that they did not have any questions for their witness.

The matter has since been adjourned to December 12th 2023.

Lusaka High Court Rejects Injunction Application Against Miles Sampa’s PF Presidency

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Lusaka High Court Rejects Injunction Application Against Miles Sampa’s PF Presidency

The Lusaka High Court has dismissed the application for an injunction against the election of Miles Sampa as President of the Patriotic Front (PF) and Member of Parliament for Matero Constituency. The application was filed by former Leader of the Opposition, Brian Mundubile, and sought to challenge the legitimacy of Miles Sampa’s presidency.

Judge Situmbeko Chocho presided over the case and ruled that she could not grant an injunction before determining another related matter. Miles Sampa had previously filed a case seeking an injunction against PF members Given Lubinda and Nickson Chilangwa, who were holding themselves as Acting President and Secretary-General of the party, respectively. The judge emphasized the doctrine of equity and decided that Mr. Mundubile’s case should wait until the issues raised in Mr. Sampa’s matter were resolved.

Furthermore, Judge Chocho explained that she could not assess the legality of the extraordinary convention where Miles Sampa was elected until the matter brought against Mr. Lubinda and Mr. Chilangwa was decided. The judge’s decision highlighted the interrelated nature of the cases and the need for a structured legal process to handle the disputes.

Miles Sampa is represented by Lusaka-based lawyer Jeah Madaika. Two days ago, Brian Mundubile filed an injunction seeking to restrain Miles Sampa and Secretary-General Morgan Ng’ona from assuming their positions within the PF. The ongoing legal battles within the PF have added a layer of complexity to the party’s internal dynamics.

In her concluding remarks, Judge Chocho underscored the importance of maintaining an equitable legal process and emphasized that an injunction should not be used to encourage a multiplicity of actions. The proceedings under Cause Number 2023/HP/1899 have been stayed pending the determination of the related case under Cause 2023/HP/1866, and Mr. Mundubile has the option to seek joinder under the latter case.

This development sheds light on the ongoing legal disputes within the Patriotic Front and highlights the intricate legal proceedings involved in addressing the matter of party leadership.

RUGBY: Zambia Out of Victoria Cup

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The Zambia 15s Rugby Team is out of the Victoria Cup following a second defeat.

Zambia posted its second consecutive defeat at the 2023 Victoria Cup in Uganda.

The Lawrence Njovu coached team on Wednesday lost to Kenya by 36-12 at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala.

Zambia started the 3-nation Victoria Cup 30-8 loss to hosts Uganda last Saturday.

Kenya will now face Uganda in the last match of on Saturday at King’s Park Arena in Kampala.

The international community should help to force Hichilema repeal the remaining oppressive laws

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The international community should help to force Hichilema repeal the remaining oppressive laws

By Venus N Msyani

While in opposition President Hakainde Hichilema promised to repeal and get rid of all laws undermining human rights in Zambia. He hasn’t repealed all yet and he is showing no sign he is ready to do that. The international community can help to force him do.

No need to explain. Hichilema was referring to Pubic Order Act, Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, Criminal Defamation of the President, and others such as the Penal Code.

Six months into his presidency, Hichilema seemed completely forgotten about the promise. On March 10th 2022, while addressing Parliament on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles Hichilema even threatened to apply existing laws to deal with social media abuse.

The threat exposed hypocrisy because Hichilema administration had not passed any law to deal with social media abuse. It was clear Hichilema was referring to existing Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. The laws he promised to get rid of after being elected into office.

Local groups, organizations, and individuals promoting human rights started doubting Hichilema commitment to honor his promise to get rid of all oppressive laws.

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard appeared to feel the same. After visiting Kenya on her three-nation high level mission to Africa, Callamard travelled to Zambia before proceeding to her final destination South Africa where on March 28th 2022, she was expected to launch Amnesty International global assessment of the state of human rights.

While in Zambia, the Secretary General met with President Hichilema in the capital Lusaka. Callamard counselled Hichilema to move with speed in honoring his commitment to human rights.

In December 2022, President Hichilema abolished the death penalty and repealed criminal defamation of the president. Public Order Act, and Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act were spared. They continue to undermine human rights in Zambia.

The country democracy process is under threat. Freedom of expression, assembly, and association continue to be undermined. Zambians are being denied permit to protest. Opposition cannot gather and mobilize their parties.

People are avoiding to offer checks and balances. They are afraid of being arrested for hate speech, facing prolonged detention in poor detention facilities, and cruel treatment while under detention.

Torture allegations are being reported. Recently, opposition leaders by the name Sean E Tembo fell sick while in detention. He spent five days in custody. In short, Tembo was detained beyond what the law requires. Human rights experts will agree this too amounts to torture.

It is very clear President Hichilema and his administration has forgotten about his promise on human rights. Another meeting with Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard could help. Hichilema must move with speed to repeal Pubic Order Act, and Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

Government Launches Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility to Boost Farming

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Government Launches Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility to Boost Farming

The Zambian government has introduced the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility credit window, marking the beginning of the registration process at district agriculture coordinators’ offices. This initiative, designed to support and promote sustainable agriculture practices, aims to provide accessible loans to farmers.

Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, revealed that these loans will be made available through banks at a competitive interest rate of 12 percent. The minister emphasized that all beneficiaries will be required to enter bonding agreements, committing to selling their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). This commitment serves as a market facilitation strategy, ensuring food security for the nation.

During a ministerial statement presented to the National Assembly, Minister Mtolo clarified that the loans would be provided in the form of farming inputs. This targeted approach aims to benefit those farmers who are not covered under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), allowing them to access essential resources for agricultural production.

It is important to note that the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility will not distribute cash to farmers. Instead, the focus is on providing the necessary inputs and support to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the country.

The launch of this credit window is a significant step in advancing sustainable agriculture in Zambia, offering financial support to farmers and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to food self-sufficiency and economic growth. This initiative holds the potential to improve the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers across the country.

A reminder of the turbulent past under PF

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A reminder of the turbulent past under PF
The 42 Fire Trucks
The 42 Fire Trucks costing $1million a piece

The Late Joseph Kaunda put to rest

A dark day in Zambia’s democracy as UPND President Hakainde Hichilema survives Police shooting on his way to church

Changes at the Police Service Confirm PF Murdered the Innocent Citizens -UPND

Joseph Kaunda was executed; murdered by the very people who were supposed to protect to him-HH

Two arrested journalists likely to be charged with defamation of President Michael Sata-MISA

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) cadres carry a mock
coffin in protest against the continued stay of Wynter Kabimba as the
ruling party’s secretary-general in Lusaka yesterday

PF cadres in Kasama
A vehicle, owned by PF cadres that was trailing Mr. Hichilema’s convoy
Police preventing UPND from campaigning in Kaoma
Police trying to quell Kitwe Riots
A tired looking Kambwili being held to remove his shoes at Woodlands Police Station by a family member.
A tired looking Kambwili being held to remove his shoes at Woodlands Police Station by a family member.
Police move in to arrest protesters
Njenje Chizu failing to walk after he was released from police cells
Njenje Chizu failing to walk after he was released from police cells
Dr Nevers Mumba Inside a Police Cell at Woodlands Police Station
Dr Nevers Mumba Inside a Police Cell at Woodlands Police Station
Post workers run for safety after teargas is fired by Zambia Police
Post workers run for safety after teargas is fired by Zambia Police

HH leads the UPND leadership in visiting GBM who has been locked up in Ndola Central Police
HH and GBM
Teargas canisters thrown by Police
Teargas canisters thrown by Police to disrupt an MMD meeting
Police in full riot gear stopped the UPND Press conference
Police in full riot gear stopped the UPND Press conference
Mazabuka residents hiding in maize fields during the recent riots after two people were killed by the police.

By Memory Siabonga

How UPND is Stealing Zambia’s future

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How UPND is Stealing Zambia’s future

By Mubanga Malama

In recent months, police have consistently cited resource constraints as a reason for failing to issue opposition parties with permits to hold public gatherings.
Amidst the unravelling internecine wrangles in the opposition PF, police have suddenly found enough resources to send a heavily armed platoon of officers to barricade the PF head office. The mission? To provide security to the weakest faction claiming control of the PF. In scenes reminiscent of the cold-blooded murders of Lawrence Banda, Vespers Simunzhila and Mapenzi Chibulo, police fired volleys of rubber bullets last week to disperse crowds of PF cadres protesting the brazen theft of their head office.

The difficulty in comprehending the current state of our politics is that this brutality is unfolding right under the watchful eye of President Hakainde Hichilema, a leader who in his campaign swore to protect and uphold the rule of law. Interestingly, the US and Britain who are his strongest backers and countries which in recent years have supported Zambia’s ascent to becoming a beacon of democracy in the SADC region have opted to fold their arms and watch the UPND annihilate the country’s democratic credentials.

It is fact that Hichilema’s main political foes are all drowning in a sea of legal troubles and those that have dared to show him a semblance of a backbone have been politically defanged, posing no threat to his authority. Any discerning Zambian can tell that the political vandalism unfolding in the PF has an endgame, the result of which is to pave the way to removing Edgar Lungu’s immunity. But should the country’s democracy be imperilled just to achieve this agenda?

Sadly, instead of solving the intractable challenges facing the country, a responsibility for which they were elected, Hichilema and the UPND have squandered the goodwill bequeathed to his party by the electorate. As things stand, there is no turning back from this destabilisation agenda because their political fortunes are warning and waning so fast. Its thus not surprising that the return of President Edgar Lungu to active politics which in all turns and purposes should have been a damp squib is now garnering generous coverage. Suddenly a leader that was embarrassingly whistled into retirement is fast gaining public sympathy.
It is rather disappointing that the judiciary is also lock in step with the ruling party in efforts to destabilise the opposition with other state organs bucking this trend. While there is no denying that the Lungu Presidency was brutal in dealing with dissent, Hichilema’s UPND is proving to be more clinical and lethal. The President seems to be winning in his bid to perfecting and moulding an embarrassing record which his predecessor failed to achieve. Indeed, the UPND’s diversionary tactics are paying dividend as the wrangles in the PF take centre stage. Makes you wonder, is this the Bally that we so viciously fought to send to State House?

The tragedy herein is that the UPND’s actions are tainting Zambia’s democracy and the modicum of respect we have left in our political tank is slowly being stolen before our eyes. For the time being, the country’s psyche has shifted from the usual bread and butter issues. This is exactly what the governing party wanted. You can tell, screams of rising costs of mealie meal, fuel and other essential commodities have now taken a back seat with Miles Sample, a cunning but pliant politician with a cheap political price over his head taking centre stage.

The success of the UPND’s stratagem is that nobody is talking about Peter Kapala’s alleged dodgy and corrupt dealings with one Shashant Patel and how the Energy Minister’s recklessness is costing Zambians more money at the pump. Did Solicitor General Marshal Muchende receive a US$500 000 bribe from a named former liquidator so he could unfreeze the said individuals accounts? What is the fate of the frivolous Auditor General’s report which in actual sence should be the main topic of discussion in parliament?
What about the never-ending whispers of the Fertilizer gate scandal that ensnared Morris Jangulo’s Alpha Commodities. Will Jangulo ever be called to account for the Fertilizer gate? The absence of answers from government to these burning questions is precisely how the UPND is stealing your future. To their credit, they seem to have embraced corrupt practices without ample tutelage from the PF. While it took PF seven years to obliterate our coffers, it has taken UPND barely three years to break a number of standing records on corruption. With that in mind, the little that Bally promised to fix once elected to office, is now being broken piece meal.

It is sickening that sections of the media have become complicit to the UPND’s scheme by giving Miles Sample and his faction undeserving coverage. Desperate times do indeed breed strange bedfellows. Have UPND members forgotten how the sly Kanchibiya PF legislator Sunday Chanda, who is now a strong member of the PF demolition squad would insult the current Head of State at will? It was Sunday and the PF Media team that christened Hichilema when he was still in the opposition with the moniker ‘an under 5 tribal deviant’.

It was the PF Media team led by Sunday that kept using every available media platform to lampoon HH as a heartless businessman who benefited from the spoils of privatisation. Today, Sunday and many others are being feted by the UPND. A reminder to the UPND that politicians of Sunday’s ilk have no shame to their conscience. All they care about is their bellies. He ate under MMD, then moved to PF and now he is fervently knocking on the UPND’s door hoping his efforts to destabilise the PF will earn his elder brother McPherson Chanda, a free pass from jail. Ironically, McPherson is the only former high ranking PF associate to have been convicted in the UPND era for crimes committed during the Lungu Presidency.

Anthony Mumba, Andrew Lubusha and many others in Sample’s camp also have dates with the law. They are now throwing in their lot with the destabilisation agenda not because they want to rescue the PF from Lungu’s clutches but because of self-serving interests. But for how long can the UPND government sustain this diversionary agenda? Like the PF, the UPND need no reminder that a hungry and unemployed Zambian youth can be a danger especially if let free to cast his vote.

It is also important to consider that many observers that are voicing concerns at these developments have little sympathy or association with the PF but are merely patriots that have Zambia’s interests at heart. For our democracy to flourish, Zambia needs a strong opposition to provide checks and balances to the UPND’s freewheeling antics. It is not too late for the President and his party to change course and whip his subordinates to order otherwise failure to act will consign Lawrence Banda, Vespers Simunzhila and Mapenzi Chibulo’s deaths to a scrapheap of political irrelevance.

[email protected]

Civil Society Health Partnership Calls for Collaborative Efforts in Combating Disease Outbreaks

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Civil Society Health Partnership Calls for Collaborative Efforts in Combating Disease Outbreaks

The Civil Society Health Partnership has issued a call for increased financial support to both public and private media outlets in order to bolster public awareness and sensitization efforts regarding critical health issues, including Anthrax, Cholera, and COVID-19. The organization’s Executive Director, Humphrey Monde, stressed the importance of disseminating information about these pandemics to the public.

Mr. Monde appealed to the government and other stakeholders to allocate resources for potential partnerships with media organizations. Such partnerships would enable the dissemination of crucial information aimed at raising awareness about the health issues affecting the public.

In light of the ongoing battle against Anthrax, Mr. Monde underscored the necessity for collective efforts from all key stakeholders to support the Ministries of Health and Livestock and Fisheries in containing the spread of the disease. He highlighted the importance of enhancing surveillance measures to prevent the spread of Anthrax. This includes taking measures to halt the transportation and sale of meats in areas that are not designated for such activities, such as streets and open markets.

Mr. Monde also called on the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities in their respective communities. This collaborative approach can contribute to early detection and containment of health threats.

Additionally, Mr. Monde cautioned the public about the significance of maintaining high standards of hygiene to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 and the increasing cases of malaria, especially with the onset of the rainy season.

The Executive Director commended the Ministry of Health for its swift response to the Anthrax outbreak in the country, emphasizing the importance of enhancing surveillance systems and mechanisms. The organization’s call for collective action and increased public awareness is aimed at combating the ongoing health challenges and ensuring the well-being of the population.

President Hakainde Hichilema Optimistic About Political Reforms in Lesotho

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President Hakainde Hichilema Optimistic About Political Reforms in Lesotho

President Hakainde Hichilema expressed hope that various political stakeholders in the Kingdom of Lesotho will come to a consensus and implement the necessary reforms that the Basotho people eagerly await. President Hichilema’s remarks came during his visit to Lesotho, where he engaged with key political figures and stakeholders to discuss the reform process.

As the Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Corporation, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of political leaders prioritizing the interests of the people of Lesotho above all else. He stated that the reforms agreed upon after the 2022 elections are critical for stabilizing the kingdom and enabling it to focus on social and economic development.

The President acknowledged the significance of the ongoing engagements with various political players in Lesotho, aiming to yield positive results and assist the kingdom in moving forward. He stressed that SADC’s overarching objective is to establish the region as one of the most stable in the world.

During his visit to Lesotho yesterday, President Hichilema was accompanied by Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, the Chairman of the SADC Council of Elders and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The two leaders held productive meetings with the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Rt Hon. Samuel Matekane, and the President of the Lesotho Senate, Mr. Mamonaheng Mokitimi, among other stakeholders.

In addition, President Hichilema and Dr. Kikwete paid a courtesy call on His Majesty King Motlotlehi Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru, where they engaged in a fruitful conversation on advancing peace and stability within the SADC region.

Upon returning to Zambia, President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the continued support and prayers of the citizens, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to advocating for peace and security both domestically and across the region.

The President’s visit to Lesotho underscores the commitment of SADC member states to fostering peace, stability, and political reforms in the region, addressing the pressing needs of their neighboring nations.

Police Deployed to Guard PF Secretariat Amid Fears of Clashes Following Lungu’s Return to Politics

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Police Deployed to Guard PF Secretariat Amid Fears of Clashes Following Lungu’s Return to Politics

The Zambia Police has been dispatched to provide security at the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat as tensions rise and concerns mount over potential clashes between rival factions following the announcement of former President Edgar Lungu’s return to active politics. Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwimbu revealed the move, emphasizing that the internal divisions within the PF pose a risk to peace and could undermine investor confidence.

Addressing the media in Lusaka, Jack Mwimbu dismissed any insinuations that the government is supporting newly elected PF President Miles Sampa to destabilize the party. He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security within Zambia and addressing the ongoing internal disputes within the PF.

The Minister shed light on the recent extraordinary convention held by the PF, stating that the event was under police protection because the organizers provided timely notice for it. He refuted claims that police had been refusing permits to the faction led by Given Lubinda, clarifying that any issues related to security concerns on proposed rally dates were the primary reasons for any adjustments in the schedules.

The deployment of police to the PF Secretariat comes amid heightened tensions within the party, as various factions grapple for control and influence, particularly following Edgar Lungu’s announcement of his return to active politics.

In another development, Minister Mwimbu commended the security agencies in Zambia for their recent efforts in cracking down on notorious criminals, often referred to as “junkies,” in the Chibolya compound and other parts of Lusaka. He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and security for all Zambians, underscoring the importance of maintaining law and order throughout the nation.

Government Withdraws Retirement Benefits for Former President Lungu After Return to Politics

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Government Withdraws Retirement Benefits for Former President Lungu After Return to Politics

The government has officially revoked the retirement benefits and privileges previously extended to former President Edgar Lungu. The decision follows Mr. Lungu’s return to active politics, a move that has led to the withdrawal of his retirement benefits in accordance with the Benefits of Former Presidents Act.

Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa made this announcement during a press briefing held in Kitwe, explaining that Section 5 of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act stipulates the conditions under which such benefits can be withdrawn. According to the Act, a former President’s retirement benefits and privileges can be revoked if they actively engage in politics after their term in office.

Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that the ruling party is not threatened by Mr. Lungu’s return to active politics. The decision to withdraw his retirement benefits is based on the legal framework established by the Benefits of Former Presidents Act, which aims to uphold the principles of political neutrality for former heads of state.

In a separate development, more milling companies have expressed interest in producing and distributing the Zambia National Service (ZNS) branded mealie meal across the nation. Minister Mweetwa disclosed that the government is currently engaged in discussions with these millers who seek to provide affordable mealie meal to the Zambian public.

He assured that the ZNS-branded mealie meal will be made available in all areas of the country where it has not yet been distributed. This initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and affordable essential commodities for its citizens.

Addressing another issue, Minister Mweetwa refuted claims made by opposition political parties regarding the importation of genetically modified organism (GMO) mealie meal from South Africa to be sold in Zambia under the ZNS Eagles brand. He clarified that such allegations are unfounded, emphasizing that the government is committed to adhering to safety and quality standards in food production and distribution.

Zambia’s Food Security Stable, but Regional Insecurity Looms Large

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Zambia’s Food Security Stable, but Regional Insecurity Looms Large

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for collaborative efforts within the region to combat food insecurity, as the nation grapples with the impact of regional food instability exacerbated by climate challenges and conflicts in neighboring countries.

During a meeting with the World Food Programme Director for the Southern Africa Development Community Region (SADC), Menghestab Haile, President Hichilema highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s food security. He emphasized the challenges posed by prolonged droughts, flash floods, and the looming El Niño, which negatively affect food production opportunities, as witnessed last year.

President Hichilema underscored the importance of addressing the insecurity in Eastern Congo, which remains a top agenda item for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security. He emphasized that the instability in Eastern Congo has far-reaching implications for the development of neighboring nations in the region. Vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, are displaced, oppressed, and deprived of their lives and access to food.

In response to the situation, SADC has decided to establish a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling leaders to meet and collaborate on measures to stabilize the country and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

While Zambia has sufficient food for domestic consumption, President Hichilema acknowledged the pressure stemming from neighboring countries that face food shortages, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the East African corridor, Malawi, and others. This increased demand has impacted food prices within Zambia.

President Hichilema affirmed Zambia’s determination to enhance agricultural productivity for both domestic consumption and exports beyond the region. He appealed to the World Food Programme for expertise to develop strategies to mitigate the anticipated El Niño’s impact in the region.

Zambia possesses favorable agronomic conditions suitable for a variety of foods, but the president stressed the need for full exploitation of this potential and the incorporation of technology in agriculture.

Menghestab Haile, the World Food Programme Director, urged leaders in the SADC region, with Zambia currently chairing the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security, to play a central role in addressing the Eastern Congo crisis. He revealed the dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 800,000 people displaced and about 50 women subjected to sexual violence daily, underlining the urgency for governments to allocate resources to address these issues.

Mr. Haile commended the Zambian government for its governance and leadership, describing Zambia as one of the two SADC member states offering promising change in the region. He stressed the role of Zambia in addressing food insecurity, emphasizing the need for SADC leaders to prepare for the expected El Niño by securing necessary resources.

In addition to discussions on food security and regional challenges, President Hichilema appointed and swore in Kennedy Lishimpe as the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services and Etambuyu Anamela as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation. The president encouraged the newly sworn-in officials to prioritize public service and urged them to work towards economic diplomacy and overcoming drug availability challenges in health facilities. He noted the importance of public servants upholding ethical standards in their roles.

Newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries Kennedy Lishimpe as the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services and Etambuyu Anamela as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, pose for a picture with the President
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