Solwezi outfits Kansanshi Foundation have scooped the 2023 Copperbelt Netball League with 20 points.
Kansanshi beat Ndola Stars 38-13 in their final match at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Community Queens finished runners up with 16 points following a 24-20 win over Kitwe Rifles.
Kitwe Rifle emerged third in the league followed by Chiwenzi and Ndola Stars in that order.
Kopala Queen finished bottom of the league.
Shepolopolo Zambia starts the defence of their maiden COSAFA Women Cup title with a tricky match against Mozambique on Thursday afternoon at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Zambia and Mozambique faceoff in the 15h30 kick off Group B encounter.
Shepolopolo defender Lushomo Mweemba is confident ahead of the match against Mozambique.
“This game is a must win because we are defending champions and everyone expects to win,” Mweemba said.
Zambia’s second Group B match will be against Angola on October 8.
Coach Bruce Mwape’s side will conclude Group B action on 10 October against Comoros.
In a crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Mansa District Police have apprehended 20 individuals and impounded several motor vehicles and motorcycles suspected to be involved in the illicit extraction of Sugilite, a valuable mineral.
The arrests were carried out on the Chembe-Mansa road between the hours of 17:00 and 22:00, as the suspects were accompanying a tipper truck loaded with approximately 60 tonnes of material believed to be Sugilite.
Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrests and provided further details regarding the operation. Among the detained individuals are several motorcycle riders who were escorting the tipper truck, allegedly transporting Sugilite that was illegally mined in the Butete area.
Hamoonga reported that the police operation successfully impounded various vehicles and equipment, including the tipper truck loaded with suspected Sugilite mineral ore, a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle, six motorcycles, a low bed loader truck, and an excavator. These confiscated items have been secured at the Luapula Division Police Headquarters in Mansa.
The police action unfolded when law enforcement authorities intercepted the convoy of vehicles and motorcycles along the Chembe-Mansa road. It was during this interception that the occupants of the Toyota Hilux managed to escape, leaving the vehicle behind.
Among those currently in police custody are the owner of the Howo Low Bed truck, the truck’s driver, the owner of the excavator, and the excavator machine operator identified as Matthew Miti. Additionally, 16 motorcycle riders and their passengers have also been detained in connection with the illegal Sugilite mining operation.
The Mansa District Police have intensified their efforts to combat illegal mining activities, sending a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated. Investigations are ongoing, and further legal action is anticipated as authorities work to curtail illegal mining operations and protect valuable mineral resources in the region.
Barrick Gold Corporation, the owners of Lumwana Mine located in Kalumbila District, North Western Province, have revealed their ambitious plans for a significant investment of two billion dollars into the mine. The primary aim of this substantial capital infusion is to double the mine’s annual copper production while extending the plant’s operational lifespan.
This momentous investment aligns with the government’s strategic vision of increasing the annual copper production capacity to an impressive three million tonnes per annum.
Mark Bristow, President of Barrick Gold Corporation, has shared his excitement about this substantial commitment. He has emphasized that the two billion dollar investment in Lumwana Mine is a dedicated effort to elevate the annual copper production to an estimated 240 thousand tonnes per annum.
Bristow envisions this investment as a game-changer that will transform Lumwana Mine into a globally competitive and highly profitable copper producer. With this level of funding, the mine is poised to reach new heights and reinforce its position on the world stage.
In a statement issued to ZNBC News by Barrick Gold Corporation, Mr. Bristow expressed confidence in the accelerated work program’s ability to complete the full feasibility study by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the investment is expected to extend plant production all the way to 2028, solidifying Lumwana Mine’s role as a cornerstone of Zambia’s copper industry.
The Center for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) held a press conference yesterday to present its in-depth analysis and recommendations regarding the 2024 National Budget, which was presented on September 29, 2023, by the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Honourable Situmbeko Musokotwane. The theme for the budget is “Unlocking Economic Potential.”
Below is a summary of the speech made available to the media by Mrs Natalie Kaunda, CTPD Acting Executive Director.
The 2024 National Budget marks a significant milestone as it represents the third budget under the UPND administration, following Zambia’s debt restructuring agreement with bilateral creditors under the G20 Common Framework.
Budget Overview
The proposed 2024 National Budget is projected to be K177.9 billion, a K12.6 billion increase compared to the previous year’s budget of K167.3 billion. It reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, with targets such as real GDP growth of at least 4.8 percent, inflation within 6-8 percent, and domestic revenue accounting for at least 22 percent of GDP.
Expenditure
The 2024 National Budget is expansionary, with an overall budget increase of 6.3 percent compared to the previous year. Significant increases in budget allocations are observed in sectors such as economic affairs, education, and health. The economic affairs sector has received increased funding to revive key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.
Revenue
Efforts have been made to shift sources of financing for the national budget, with foreign financing reducing by 55.3 percent and a minimal increase in planned domestic borrowing. A significant portion of domestic revenue will come from taxes, projected to account for 64 percent of the total budget.
Public Debt Management
The 2024 National Budget reflects the government’s continued effort to resolve Zambia’s public debt. There is a notable reduction in external debt service allocation, representing a 33 percent reduction compared to 2023. However, discussions on restructuring the country’s private debt, including Eurobonds, need to be accelerated, and strict adherence to the annual borrowing plan is essential. Operationalizing the sinking fund, as provided for in the Public Debt Management Act, remains unclear.
Mining Sector
The budget allocates a substantial increase in funds for geological mapping, which aligns with recommendations for the mining sector’s revival. The operationalization of the Mineral Regulation Commission is welcomed, provided it receives sufficient funding and resources for effective regulation. Declaring all minerals as strategic is forward-thinking, but clear strategies for sustainable development and utilization are necessary.
Agriculture Sector
While the agriculture budget has increased, specific production targets for key agricultural commodities are lacking. The government should set production goals to drive the sector’s development. Addressing rising food costs requires comprehensive measures targeting improved agricultural productivity and reduced production costs.
Energy Sector
The budget maintains that fuel subsidies will not be reintroduced, but strategies to mitigate the impact on the cost of living are not outlined. Diversifying energy sources beyond hydro-energy is essential to reduce dependency and fluctuations in rainfall patterns.
Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
Increased CDF allocation is positive, but effective utilization needs to be ensured through electronic monitoring and addressing human resource constraints.
Legal Reforms
While the budget mentions several legal reforms, comprehensive tobacco control legislation is notably absent. Enacting such legislation would improve public health and contribute to budgetary stability. An access to information law is also urgently needed for enhanced transparency in governance.
In conclusion, while the 2024 National Budget has positive aspects, it needs a clear roadmap to address the cost of living and challenges in key sectors earmarked for socioeconomic development. CTPD highlights areas of concern, including private debt resolution, operationalizing the sinking fund, setting agricultural production goals, energy source diversification, and the enactment of critical legislation.
The CTPD emphasizes the importance of a strengthened legal system, the urgency of comprehensive tobacco control legislation, and the need for an access to information law to enhance transparency and good governance in Zambia.
Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media, as well as Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, addressed a press briefing , addressing several pressing national issues, including the planned demonstration against the high cost of fuel and mealie meal.
Expressing his disappointment, Minister Mweetwa noted that the demonstration, scheduled for October 18, coincided with Zambia’s day of prayer, a day designated to unite the nation in prayer for continued peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. He urged those planning the demonstration to reconsider their actions and instead join the nation in prayer.
Regarding the rising fuel prices, Minister Mweetwa acknowledged that Zambia, like many other non-oil-producing countries, is influenced by international oil market decisions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to mitigate the impact of these international decisions on citizens by involving the private sector in bulk buying and fuel storage, aiming to stabilize fuel prices. The government is actively addressing a significant debt of over US$700 million owed to international and local Oil Marketing Companies, a legacy from the previous administration, to ensure a steady fuel supply.
In addressing the escalating cost of mealie meal, the Minister reassured the public that this situation is not permanent and will improve as the government’s measures take effect. The solution lies in increasing maize production to exceed demand and reduce production costs.
Minister Mweetwa acknowledged the challenging economic situation, emphasizing that it is not the result of the current government’s actions. However, the government remains committed to finding lasting solutions, as outlined in the 2024 national budget.
Regarding the police and the rule of law, Minister Mweetwa advised opposition political parties to respect the existing legal framework, including the Public Order Act, until any potential amendments or replacements occur. He encouraged opposition parties to collaborate with the police in maintaining law and order, emphasizing that taking the law into one’s own hands creates a false impression of police involvement in suppressing opposition.
The government has welcomed the report by the Auditor General for the financial year 2022, which highlights a reduction in misappropriation, misapplication, and abuse of public funds. This development underscores the government’s commitment to prudent financial management and accountability.
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa expressed satisfaction with the report during the weekly press briefing held at the New Government Complex in Lusaka. Mweetwa noted that the report reflects the public service’s responsiveness to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for the responsible and efficient use of public funds.
Mweetwa highlighted the significance of this achievement, especially considering that instances of misappropriation, misapplication, and abuse of public funds had been a recurring concern in the past. The improved financial discipline indicated in the report represents a positive step toward responsible governance.
Furthermore, Chief Government Spokesperson Mweetwa emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the editorial independence of public broadcasters. He assured the media fraternity that there would be no interference from the Ministry of Information and Media in the daily operations of public media outlets.
The First Lady of Zambia, Mutinta Hichilema, inaugurated the International Workshop on HIV and Adolescence 2023 in Lusaka, emphasizing the need to address the unique challenges faced by adolescents in the fight against HIV.
During her opening remarks at the workshop, Mrs. Hichilema underscored the fact that today’s children are exposed to rapid technological advancements, which can influence their decision-making processes regarding health-related issues, including HIV prevention and treatment. She expressed her concern that many young people lack sufficient knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment, contributing to the ongoing challenge of curbing infections.
Mrs. Hichilema’s presence at the event symbolized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of Zambia’s youth, recognizing the critical role they play in the country’s future.
In her absence, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, represented by Permanent Secretary Administration Christopher Simoonga, delivered a speech highlighting the current status of HIV awareness and testing in Zambia. Ms. Masebo revealed that Zambia has yet to achieve the goal of having 95 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status. The Ministry of Health has been intensifying its efforts to prevent HIV transmission by actively raising awareness and promoting testing and counseling services.
Joshua Banda, the Global Fund Coordinating Council Representative, announced that the Global Fund is providing full financial support for incentives aimed at curbing the spread of HIV. This support demonstrates the global commitment to addressing the HIV epidemic and the importance of investing in innovative strategies to reach and engage adolescents in HIV prevention and treatment programs.
The International Workshop on HIV and Adolescence 2023 provides a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experiences, ultimately shaping strategies that will better serve the adolescent population in the fight against HIV. The event aims to develop comprehensive approaches that take into account the unique challenges and opportunities presented by adolescence in the context of HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
As Zambia witnesses a consistent increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has voiced concerns regarding the effective implementation of these increased funds. While acknowledging the potential for significant economic transformation at the community level, the JCTR highlights various challenges that need urgent attention to ensure the enhanced CDF achieves its intended goals.
The CDF allocation, which is set to rise to K30,600 million per constituency in the 2024 National Budget, holds the promise of bringing about meaningful change and development at the grassroots level. However, the JCTR emphasizes that several issues must be addressed to maximize the impact of these funds.
The challenges identified in the implementation of the enhanced CDF include:
Lack of Transparency: Transparency in the allocation and utilization of CDF funds has been lacking, with minimal community participation in the public bid opening for contractors.
Accountability Issues: Information sharing and monitoring reports related to CDF have been limited, resulting in low accountability in its implementation.
Community Participation: Many community members have not been actively involved in selecting community projects under the CDF.
Low Utilization Rates: A significant portion of allocated CDF funds remains in the accounts of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, indicating low utilization.
Weak Implementation Structure: The existing CDF architecture lacks the necessary strength to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
Executive Directives: Numerous executive directives on CDF resource utilization have compromised community participation in decision-making.
Beneficiary Database Monitoring: Weak mechanisms exist to monitor beneficiaries who may be double-dipping from CDF by belonging to multiple cooperatives or applying to various constituencies.
Political Influence: CDF has been used as a campaign tool by politicians, raising concerns about political interference in its implementation.
Capacity Issues: Limited staff at the Local Authority level has affected the management of CDF projects.
Cooperative Management: Poor management of cooperatives after receiving grants has resulted in their disbandment.
Comprehensive Audit: There has been a lack of a comprehensive audit to evaluate the value for money on all CDF resources.
The JCTR emphasizes that increasing CDF allocation without addressing these challenges could lead to political hijacking of the funds, diverting them from their primary purpose of poverty alleviation and improving living standards.
To address these issues and ensure the enhanced CDF meets its intended goals, the JCTR recommends the following actions:
Relocate Scope Management: Transfer the management and implementation of skills development and bursaries to the Ministry of Education at the district level.This is because the
ministry has more capacities to implement this scope than the Local Authorities.
Empowerment Management: Transfer the management and implementation of empowerment (loans and grants) to the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the district level.This is because the ministry has more capacities to manage loans and grants as witnessed
with other initiatives like the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission loans
Community Project Management: Leave the Local Authorities responsible for managing the community project scope.This is because they have more capacities and knowledge on the Integrated District Plans (IDPs). This will boost implementation of CDF in contributing to the 8th NDP
Monitoring and Evaluation System: Invest in developing an integrated monitoring and evaluation system to capture data on all CDF-related projects across constituencies.
Inter-constituency Collaboration: Create a platform for inter-constituency collaboration, encouraging joint projects and sharing of best practices.
Comprehensive Audit: Conduct a comprehensive audit to assess the value for money of all CDF resources allocated thus far.
The JCTR’s recommendations aim to ensure that the enhanced CDF allocation fulfills its potential in driving community development and improving the lives of Zambian citizens.
For further inquiries, the Faith and Justice (F&J) Programme at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) can be contacted at 0955295881 and 0954755319, or via email at [email protected] and [email protected].
Ghanaian Minister of Communication and Digitalisation , Ursula Owusu Ekuful says plans are under way to construct the largest data centre in Africa costing Three hundred million dollars to be housed in Ghana.
Ms. Ekuful says the Ghanaian government is working in collaboration with Africa Data Centre Limited and says it is important to localise African data and keep it on the continent in order to promote African data sovereignty and have better governance on how data is used.
She said that proper digital infrastructure remains key in the digitisation process in Africa and governments working with the private sector, is the way to go to provide the services to the masses.
Ms. Ekuful was speaking during the Digital Government infrastructure situation analysis session during the ongoing Digital Government Africa 2023 Africa’s first Ministerial E- government Summit being held at Ciela in Chongwe.
She explained that in Ghana, the government plans on putting up 2016 cell sites to connect over four million people across the country who do not have access to digital services especially in rural areas.
Ms. Ekuful explained that “The country has mandatory national roaming meaning despite the network, one is using a client is able to connect using any cell sites picking the strongest signal to enable their device to operate. We are also moving towards connecting all government institutions across the country which include selected court houses, local government institutions, police stations and hospitals among others to enable them to receive information quickly’’.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, explained that the Zambian government has this year put in tax incentives and concessions around digital infrastructure including the guidelines.
He said the incentives are contributing positively to digital infrastructure enhancement by the private sector in the country as can be seen through more connectivity towers in rural areas.
Mr. Mutati stated that the private sector has been connecting internet fiber across the 10 provinces in the country and seven out of the 8 neighbouring countries, as well, which has been made possible due to incentives made by the government.
“This year alone we have seen the private sector planting the development of new data centers to drive the delivery of service. The power of incentives to drive investment is crucial beyond the incentives we have worked with the private sector to remove the bureaucracy and compliance costs that were holding back the implantation of direct investments as well as provided the support for policy framework for the private sector which the government called co-location ,’’ he explained.
The Digital Government Africa 2023 Africa’s first Ministerial E- government summit is running under the theme “Transforming Governments through the digital age”.
The Summit brings together over 40 countries within the African Continent.
President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to officially open the Summit tomorrow.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati has urged African leaders to come up with digital solutions that will reshape the delivery of government services to citizens in various sectors of the economy.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutali said effective delivery of government services to citizens in education, health and agriculture sectors through the use of technology is key to digital transformation in Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Mr Mutati encouraged African leaders attending the summit to share ideas and solutions that will make government services accessible, available and affordable to their citizens across the continent.
Mr Mutati stated that the summit is an opportunity for Africa to reconstruct solutions that will help improve technology and data systems in government service delivery for citizens.
“This summit will enable us to come up with solutions on how to improve government services in terms of cost transparency and elimination of redundancy,” he said.
And Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu urged African leaders to collaborate and mobilize resources that will enable African countries to provide Biometric Digital Identity Systems which are costing millions of dollars supplied by foreign countries.
Mr Mwiimbu added that the use of Biometric enabled Identity registration cards will enable African countries to conduct online border trade thus unlocking the economy of African countries.
He stated that the government of Zambia is leveraging different platforms to modernize the provisions of security to safeguard all the physical and digital space which will create confidence in the citizens citing the implementation of electronic passports and Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) among others.
“The government of Zambia has rolled out the Safe City Project for Security Agencies which is aimed at enhancing public security and improving the operations of Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission, Department of Immigration and Zambia Correctional,” said Mr Mwiimbu.
Speaking at the same event Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama disclosed that the government of Zambia will soon launch the Boma Chat App, a digital application which will enable Civil Servants to share end to end encrypted information.
Mr Chinyama said this development will help to change the bureaucracies that characterise information sharing and service delivery for civil servants.
“I would like to encourage the delegates from various countries here to reflect on priorities for planning the Electronic government policies and strategies that will enable us to create the oneness in Africa,” he said.
Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa has challenged commercial banks to reduce lending rates as government has put necessary measures to induce a significant reduction.
Speaking in Kitwe yesterday during the FNB 2024 National budget analysis, Mr. Nkulukusa said government has withdrawn its domestic borrowing to leave space for the private sector.
He noted that lending rates should be in the range of about 18 percent instead of the prevailing range of about 37 percent.
He stressed that it is critical for banks to engage in fair business practices for the private sector to participate in steering economic growth as projected in the 2024 national budget.
Mr. Nkulukusa has stated that in 2024 the government will have capacity to spend more on social security and investment programmes that will boost economic growth following successful negotiations on debt restructuring.
And ZICA President Bridget Mwenya commended government for increasing the Constituency Development Funds from K28.3million to K30.6million saying the move will create more jobs and reduce poverty.
Ms. Mwenya, however, called for auditing of CDF funds and training of CDF handlers in financial management.
FNB Country Economist Chileshe Moono noted that the incentives in the mining sector have boosted investment pledges from US 1.76 billion in 2022 to US3.4billion in 2023.
Mr. Moono also noted the reduction in the expense on debt servicing which he said gives government resources to spend on social security and growing the economy.
In a resolute commitment to enhance the quality of education and provide a comfortable learning environment for the nation’s youth, the President Hichilema has declared that no child shall sit on the floor in Zambian schools by December 2023. This promise was reiterated by Henry Kapata, the Director and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Media when he visited Kitwe on the Copperbelt, where desks were ceremoniously handed over to various schools as part of this transformative initiative.
Mr.Kapata expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing education in Zambia. This initiative not only underscores the importance of access to quality education but also highlights the determination to uplift the educational standards in the country.
The President’s vision for improved educational infrastructure and accessibility was evident during the symbolic desk handover ceremony. Several schools in Kitwe received essential furniture to ensure that every student has a proper desk and chair to sit on while pursuing their education. The following schools were beneficiaries of this effort:
Justin Kabwe Combined School: 100 desks
Mapalo Primary School: 50 desks
Kitwe Main Combined School: 50 desks
Natwange Combined School: 100 desks
Salem Primary School: 50 desks
Mindolo Secondary School: 100 desks
Chibansa Primary School: 50 desks
Kamitondo Secondary School: 100 desks
Sinazongwe District has witnessed a significant increase in cases of Cutaneous Anthrax disease, with a total of 132 cases reported. Despite the implementation of control measures, the outbreak continues to escalate, posing a serious public health challenge.
During an ad hoc District Epidemic preparedness meeting held at the Council Chamber, Dr. Christabel Musonda, the District Director of Health, presented a situation report on the ongoing anthrax outbreak. Dr. Musonda revealed that out of the 132 cases recorded, 64 percent of those affected are males, while 36 percent are females.
Cutaneous Anthrax is an infectious disease that affects humans who come into contact with or consume meat from animals infected with anthrax.
Dr. Musonda outlined several measures being implemented by the Sinazongwe District Health Office in response to the outbreak. These measures include risk communication and community engagement activities aimed at raising awareness about anthrax among the local population. Additionally, intensified food safety activities and clinical evaluations of both discharged patients and those receiving treatment are part of the comprehensive response.
Dr. Musonda emphasized that the intensified event-based surveillance system is being employed to implement these measures effectively. However, she highlighted challenges in addressing the disease situation, including low compliance with public health measures by the public and inadequate coordination among multi-sectoral stakeholders.
“The public is not complying with the public health measures put in place to limit the spread of anthrax, and stakeholders have left the fight against the disease to the Ministry of Health alone,” Dr. Musonda stated.
Another challenge cited was the lack of adequate transportation for conducting active search and sensitization efforts within communities.
Expressing concern over the rising cases of anthrax, Sinazongwe District Commissioner Nchimunya Siakole called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to combat the disease effectively. While acknowledging the government’s awareness of the outbreak and its response efforts, Siakole stressed the need for coordination among key players, including the council, health department, police, national parks, and wildlife authorities.
The Senior Public Health Officer at Sinazongwe Town Council, Sibeso Kabubi, revealed that a ban on livestock movement through the Maamba barrier has been imposed. The council’s public health office is also conducting rigorous meat inspections at the Zambeef abattoir, where cattle are slaughtered.
Although sensitization meetings have been conducted in communities, stakeholders recognize the need for more extensive outreach efforts to educate the public about anthrax prevention and control.
In response to the outbreak, the Zambia Police has stopped issuing stock permits for cattle slaughtering due to concerns related to the anthrax outbreak. Criminal Investigation Officer Mathias Mwakalombe reported that neighborhood watch groups have been established to assist in identifying individuals involved in the consumption of meat from anthrax-infected cattle. Thus far, no deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.
The outbreak of anthrax in Sinazongwe District was initially recorded on July 5th, 2023, and has since seen a significant increase in cases, underscoring the need for swift and coordinated efforts to mitigate its impact on public health.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the United States Congress has plunged into chaos as far-right House Republicans successfully ousted Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House. This historic ouster marks the first time a sitting Speaker has been removed from office in U.S. history, sending shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape.
The fallout from McCarthy’s removal is expected to have far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally, with U.S. allies, particularly Ukraine, closely watching the developments.
The immediate consequence of this ouster is the vacancy in one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government. All other legislative matters, including passing a budget and funding for critical international efforts like supporting Ukraine, are now overshadowed by the urgent need to appoint a new leader for the House of Representatives.
The dramatic turn of events occurred as eight members of McCarthy’s own party joined forces with 208 Democrats, resulting in a narrow 216-210 vote that removed him from the Speaker’s chair. McCarthy, who had held the position for just 269 days, subsequently announced that he would not seek re-election when the chamber reconvenes to select a new Speaker, which is expected to happen in the coming week.
The turmoil within the Republican Party was vividly displayed as two Republican lawmakers engaged in a public debate outside a party meeting, attracting the attention of news cameras. Wisconsin Republican Derrick Van Orden, a staunch McCarthy supporter, expressed skepticism about who would want the Speaker’s role under the current circumstances, suggesting that the party’s internal divisions have made it increasingly difficult to govern effectively.
Amidst the Republican infighting, Democratic members observed the proceedings in silence, appearing unfazed by the turmoil within their political rivals. They maintained a stoic demeanor, neither participating in the debate nor coming to McCarthy’s defense.
The historic ouster underscores a long-standing battle within the Republican Party between its more traditional governing wing and a more media-focused, self-promotional faction. The divisive nature of this internal struggle was evident as Republican Garret Graves of Louisiana expressed his dismay, calling it “disgusting” and highlighting how some party members were leveraging the revolt for fundraising purposes.
As the dust settles from this historic upheaval, the focus now shifts to the daunting task of selecting a new Speaker of the House, a decision that will undoubtedly have profound consequences for the future of the U.S. Congress and the nation as a whole.
© Lusaka Times
