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Coach Wedson Nyirenda has insisted that Chipolopolo are treating Saturday’s formality 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the
African champions Cameroon seriously.
Nigeria have already qualified for the Russia World Cup from Group B which has Algeria as the other opponent.
Nyirenda has called a strong squad for this game to be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“There is no small game. On paper it may look like a formality game but there is a lot to win. The players themselves have to win bonuses. And We also have FIFA rankings,” he said.
Nyirenda hinted he will field a strong side against Cameroon.
“When you have a plan for a big team, you don’t alter the team. A few local boys will be given a chance to play but those that will, will only be custodians of the CHAN team,” he said.
“This team is on the verge of being consolidated and we are playing the World Cup and this is for our continental guys so we cannot alter that,” Nyirenda added.
Second paced Zambia, who have seven points) and Cameroon (6 points) are battling to finish second in Group B.
The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflections (JCTR) has expressed worry over the increased mismanagement of public funds in Zambia as disclosed in the 2016 Auditor General’s Report released on 2nd November, 2017.
In a statement to LusakaTimes , JCTR Media and Information Officer Tendai Poisiana says the irregularities highlighted in the Auditor’s General Report on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2016 have continued worsening with impunity amid high levels of poverty and unemployment in the country.
Ms. Posiana says JCTR has since demanded the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to immediately institute investigations and prosecute all public servants involved in the abuses of taxpayers’ money.
“The irregularities highlighted in the Auditor’s General Report on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2016 have continued worsening with impunity amid high levels of poverty and unemployment in the country” Posiana said
A lot has been said from various corners on President Edgar Lungu’s comments regarding the Constitutional Court and his eligibility to contest the 2021 elections. I will not dwell on the aspect of his eligibility as that is the preserve of the Court lest I am cited for contempt for commenting on a matter that is active before the Court. Nor will I dwell on the aspect of whether or not what President Lungu said contravened the doctrine of separation of powers vis-à-vis judicial independence. A lot has been said about this from various stakeholders.
The least discussed but quite important is his criticism of the court system in Kenya. Though President Lungu did not specifically mention a particular Court of Kenya by name, I strongly believe he was making reference to the Supreme Court, and in particular with regard to the decision that Court made to nullify the election of Kenyatta and Ruto on 20 September, 2017.
For the record, below are President Lungu’s comments:
“But to my friends in the court system, I say don’t plunge us into chaos by imitating or emulating Kenya or any other court system for that matter which does not care for the interests of the people. I am saying this in front of you people because there are cameras in front of me, there are some Zambians who are writing this story, recording, because I have heard some judges say ‘why don’t we emulate the Kenyan courts? They are very brave’ I don’t think that is right. We should preserve peace, we should listen to the voice of the people, we should listen to the will of the people in the Constitution. Whether I am eligible to stand or not in 2021 should not be dependent on the case in Kenya.”
For the benefit of majority who did not have sight of the Kenya Supreme Court Judgment, below are some of the pertinent excerpts of the Judgment in relation to listening to the will of the people in the Constitution:
[393] In the 2013 Raila Odinga case, this Court stated that “it should not be for the court to determine who comes to occupy the Presidential office; save that this court, as the ultimate judicial forum, is entrusted under the Supreme Court Act, 2011 (Act No.7 of 2011) with the obligation to assert the supremacy of the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people of Kenya” [S.3(a)] must safeguard the electoral process and ensure that individuals accede to power in the presidential office, only in compliance with the law regarding elections.”
“We reiterate those words in this petition and for as long as the Constitution of Kenya has the provisions granting this Court the mandate to overturn a presidential election in appropriate circumstances, it will do so because the people of Kenya in the preamble to the Constitution adopted, enacted and gave unto themselves the Constitution for themselves and future generations.”
[394] It is also our view that the greatness of a nation lies not in the might of its armies important as that is, not in the largeness of its economy, important as that is also. The greatness of a nation lies in its fidelity to the Constitution and strict adherence to the rule of law, and above all, the fear of God. The Rule of law ensures that society is governed on the basis of rules and not the might of force. It provides a framework for orderly and objective relationships between citizens in a country. In the Kenyan context, this is underpinned by the Constitution.
[399] What of the argument that this Court should not subvert the will of the people? This Court is one of those to whom that sovereign power has been delegated under Article 1(3)(c) of the same Constitution. All its powers including that of invalidating a presidential election is not self-given, nor forcefully taken, but is donated by the people of Kenya. To dishonestly exercise that delegated power and to close our eyes to constitutional violations would be a dereliction of duty and we refuse to accept the invitation to do so however popular the invitation may seem.
Therefore, however burdensome, let the majesty of the Constitution reverberate across the lengths and breadths of our motherland; let it bubble from our rivers and oceans; let it boomerang from our hills and mountains; let it serenade our households from the trees; let it sprout from our institutions of learning; let it toll from our sanctums of prayer; and to those, who bear the responsibility of leadership, let it be a constant irritant..”
DATED and DELIVERED at NAIROBI this 20th Day of September 2017.
Fellow Zambians, my question is: what, from the above pronouncements of the Supreme Court of Kenya is not worth emulating here in Zambia?
What is unconstitutional about the pronouncements?
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Executive Director says Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma’s suspension of mining licenses for Gold and other minerals in Eastern Province, it is worrisome as a number of large scale mining exploration licenses have been granted by government in a manner that is not transparent.
In a statement to Lusaka Times, TIZ Wesley Chibamba said companies are given multiple exploration licenses in the mining sector despite not having experience especially those in Petauke.
Chibamba demanded a thorough investigation into this matter saying Government should not use this suspension of mining licenses to victimize small scale mining outfits justice to benefit some of the companies that hold large scale mining licenses.
“Although Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma has suspended mining licenses for Gold and other minerals in Eastern Province, it is worrisome that a number of large scale mining exploration licenses have been granted by government in a manner that is not transparent” Chibamba said
Lusaka Mayor Wilson Kalumba says the capital city is very dark.
And Mr Kalumba has revealed that the Council is in talks with a Chinese firm to operate a time passenger bus service across Lusaka.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Kalumba said there is need to urgently light up the city.
He revealed that only ten percent of Lusaka have street lights which makes the city very dark at night.
Mr Kalumba said Lusaka can be best defined as a dark city.
He added, “Lusaka is a very dark city and the city only a few roads have lights. Infact, only 10 percent of street lights have lights. Lusaka can be defined as dark city. Install street lights in the city, identified a company to do it for us and we have financing available. No area will remain in the dark, this is important to reduce crime.,
And Mr Kalumba has disclosed that the Council is discussing with a Chinese investor to set up a time passenger bus service across the capital city.
He said he will soon be travelling to China to conclude discussions around financing and equipment for the project.
Mr Kalumba said Lusaka needs big, clean and time buses unlike the current chaotic public transport system in the city.
He said once fully developed, the public transport system in Lusaka would allow people to leave their private vehicles at home when going to work as it will be efficient.
Mr Kalumba also clarified that the existing 9,000 public service vehicles in Lusaka will continue to operate as the Chinese firm will only bring in 100 buses that will complement the private sector.
He said the Council has also approved new bus routes that will help decongest the Central Business District.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalumba has stated that the project to set up free Wi-Fi in selected parts of Lusaka have reached an advanced stage.
“Lusaka will soon have free Wi-Fi, yes free Wi-Fi. I see a lot of people struggling with bundles, send them a document, they won’t even read it because of bundles. Now the city in selected areas will have free Wi-Fi. We are already running an advert in the paper for Expressions of Interest and within the next few months and appoint a service provider,” he said.
Mr Amos ChandaSpecial Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says there is no offence which President Edgar Lungu has committed to warrant impeachment.
Mr. Chanda further says bringing such a motion to Parliament would be a waste of time.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka, Mr. Chanda however stated that anyone is free to raise such a motion in parliament as parliamentarians would be exercising their democratic rights.
He further said President Lungu is capable of defeating such a motion as he has overwhelming numbers on his side in parliament as impeachment requires a two thirds majority.
And King Mswati of the Kingdom of Swaziland has departed for his Country after a 4 day private visit to Zambia.
The King who was in the company of the Queen was seen off by President Edgar Lungu and First Lady, Esther.
The aircraft carrying the King and other members of the royal family took off at about 18:15 hours from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.
And Special Assistant to the President for Press and Relations, Amos Chanda said King Mswati’s private visit included social engagements to promote tourism and bilateral relations between Zambia and Swaziland.
Zimbabwe’s sacked vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa
Former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has confirmed he has fled Zimbabwe and has issued a warning to President Robert Mugabe that he will come back for him
Emmerson Mnangagwa was described as disloyal, disrespectful and deceitful by Zimbabwe’s information minister.
“I shall return to Zimbabwe to lead you,” says Mnangagwa in a statement released to several news sites this afternoon.
“I will fight tooth and nail…You and your cohorts will instead leave Zanu-PF,” says the statement.
The day full of drama started with reports that Mnangagwa and his family had been turned back while trying to flee to Mozambique.
This is the full text of a statement purported to have been issued by him this afternoon :
My family was banished to Zambia when I was still in primary school for resisting the oppressive rule of the white minority regime in 1955. This action hardened my resolve for justice and black empowerment. I joined the United National Independent Party (UNIP) led by Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at a tender age and have been active in politics ever since. At 18 years of age I was recruited by the late Willie Musarurwa to join ZAPU and sent for military training to Tanzania and Egypt. A year later in August 1963 to be precise, I broke away with some cadres to join the newly formed Zimbabwe African National Union. I was subsequently sent for advanced military training in China which I completed in May 1964. Some of my group members were Edson Shirihuru, Lawrence Svosve, John Shonhiwa and James Mudavanhu. We became known as the famous Crocodile Group. Despite the hardships of the times, we operated in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) travelling entirely by foot in order to avoid arrest.
Some of my colleagues were betrayed by sell outs, arrested and hanged. The same fate befell me in 1965, I was arrested, tortured and sentenced to death. The death sentence was subsequently commuted on a technicality to ten years imprisonment which I served in various prisons in Zimbabwe while at the same time I advanced my education through correspondence.
After my release, I was deported back to Zambia where I completed my Law Degree. After my Law Degree, I voluntarily left Zambia to join the Liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1976 where I was assigned as the Special Assistant to the President, Cde R.C. Mugabe. This role was reconfirmed at the Chimoio Congress in 1977. I have been very close to the President ever since. We have avoided life threatening situations together. I even doubled up as his personal bodyguard. In return, the President has passed on to me life skills which have put me in good stead throughout my long period in government. Our relationship has over the years blossomed beyond that of master and servant but to father and son. My mouth has never uttered a single foul word against the President nor have I ever contemplated bringing him harm in any way. I therefore find it preposterous that any sane person can lyrically direct such accusations towards me.
Of late, I have been vilified beyond measure. My service to the party and government of Zimbabwe and my public and private posture towards my boss are well known. No amount of lies and convoluted thinking can diminish my loyalty to my party and the President. I have never appointed or surrogated myself in any position in the Party or in Government. I remain firm and resolute against those who plunder public funds and are used by foreign countries to destabilize the Party. These same people are brazenly protected in public by the First Lady thereby making a mockery of our public institutions. I stand prepared, once again, to pay the ultimate price in defence of Zimbabwe. I am not afraid of anyone or worried about my political future under the current “Party Capture” that is being tolerated and condoned by the First Family. I implore all genuine members of ZANU PF to reject this “Party Capture” by a few individuals as I hereby do unequivocally. This is not the Zanu-PF we established with the late Dr. J. M Nkomo and other luminaries who have passed on. This is now a party controlled by undisciplined, egotistical and self-serving minnows who derive their power not from the people and party but from only two individuals in the form of the First Family who have now privatized and commercialized our beloved institution.
It is regrettable that after 37 years of unbroken service in government. I am now being hounded out by minnows who have no liberation credentials or clear understanding of our constitution in Zanu PF. We must reject this insane and “idiotic , habit of expelling and suspending members of the party merely because we differ in opinion or have brighter and more progressive ideas of improving the lives of our people, to quote Cde R G Mugabe’s own adjective.
Your Excellency and First Secretary of Zanu PF, it is sad and deplorable that you have allowed our Party to be hijacked by novices and external forces as well as individuals who have a proven record of treachery. This Party is NOT PERSONAL PROPERTY for you and your wife to do as you please.
Now that you have clearly told the world that I am your enemy who has taken in excess of 50years to formulate a plan to dispose of you, I now urge all the genuine members of the Party to determine for themselves who between the three of us including your wife and the notorious G40 boys is the enemy of the Party and who the real culprit is in destroying our beloved Zanu-PF.
Zanu PF is anchored on core values which promoted unity, peace and development regardless of ethnicity. I find it abhorrent and repulsive to separate the nation by region and province which is anathema to our founding principles. My emphasis is for the nation to unite to create peace and development. This particular accusation is nauseating when the First Lady prefers to have the song “Zezuru Unconquerable” played and sung at rallies she has held many times over. Who is the tribalist here?
I have been accused of committing treasonous acts dating back from 1980.
This is not only fake but laughable and the President knows that. Why, why, the people are asking did you keep this man for so long and not have tried him for treason all these years?
Those who violate our Party code of conduct because they think they have now out grown Zanu PF are free to go and form their own parties. I will go nowhere.
Iwill fight tooth and nail against those making a mockery against Zanu PF founding principles, ethos and values. You and your cohorts will instead leave
Zanu-PF by the will of the people and this we will do in the coming few weeks as Zimbabweans in general now require new and progressive leadership that is not resident in the past and refuses to accept change. My conscience obliges me to uphold the code of conduct of my beloved party and I refuse to be drawn into a public circus.
Religious gatherings should be used to preach love, peace and harmony not to spread hate speech and political intolerance. It was regrettable that men and women of the cloth were abused this past Sunday (5-1 1-201 7) by non-other than the First Lady who spewed fake news, unfair and irresponsible comments about myself and character in an atmosphere which should have focused on Peace, Love, Unity and Development. This is grossly unfair and I was never given a chance to defend myself or at least proffer an explanation to the false and malicious accusations made against me.
Fellow Zimbabweans and specifically members of Zanu-PF, the time is now to say NO to Demi Cods and people that are self-centered and only think of themselves and their families. Let us bury our differences and rebuild a new and prosperous Zimbabwe, a country that is tolerant to divergent views, a country that respects opinions of others, a country that does not isolate itself from the rest of the world because of one stubborn individual who believes he is entitled to rule this country until death.
We want a country that gives every citizen the opportunity to prosper, to take care of their families, a country that encourages Zimbabweans to invest in their economy and contribute to the development of infrastructure for future generations. This is part of my vision for a rejuvenated Zimbabwe and particularly Zanu-PF and as I leave this post for now I encourage all loyal members of the party to remain in the party to register to vote as we will very soon control the levers of power in our beautiful Party and country. “Let not your hearts be troubled for peace, love, unity, development and prosperity are around the corner.” I will be communicating with you soon and shall return to
Zimbabwe to lead you.
PAMBERI NE ZANU-PF!!!! PAMBERI NE ORIGINAL ZANU-PF!!! PASI NE G40
I would like my fellow citizens to know that I am now out of the country, and safe. My sudden departure was caused by incessant threats on my person, life and family by those who have attempted before through various forms of elimination including poisoning.
Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Site Manager Eng. Daniel Kapambwe (l) explains to Vice President Inonge Wina (c) inside the sub-station during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid through REA at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvinceVice President Inonge Wina has cautioned Patriotic Front (PF) members against harassing opposition Members of Parliament attending the launch of government projects.
Mrs. Wina said that PF members should embrace opposition MPs in their constituencies where they lost and not block them from attending government projects.
She is saddened that UPND Luampa MP Makozo Chikote was harassed by some overzealous youths outside the Luampa District Commissioner’s office while she held a meeting with Chiefs.
Mrs. Wina has promised to sternly discipline the youths because their actions prevented Mr. Chikote from attending the commissioning of Luampa substation and the grid extension line where he was scheduled to speak.
She said that government was keen on working with the opposition MPs in taking development to their areas.
And Vice President, Inonge Wina has called for productive usage of electricity in Luampa district of Western province following its connection to the national grid.
The Vice President was speaking in Western province, when she commissioned the Luampa electricity supply substation and 22-kilometer grid extension line.
Republican Vice President Inonge WINA
Both facilities were developed by the Rural Electrification Authority -REA- at a cost of 20 Million Kwacha.
Ms. Wina has also encouraged Luampa residents to embark on commercial cassava cultivation.
And Minister of Energy, David Mabumba said Luampa substation and 22 kilometers grid lines provides social justice to all and has appealed to Luampa business community to invest in Luampa.
And Western Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu said the connection of Luampa to the national grid is a sign of government’s commitment not to leave anyone behind in the development agenda.
Meanwhile, REA Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Musonda has thanked government for its continued funding of projects to live up to the authority’s mandate.
Vice President Inonge Wina (c) together with Chief Mwenetete (in black suit) of Luampa District cut the ribbon as Energy Minister David Mabumba (2nd l) and Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (r) look on during the commissioning of the connection of the district to the National Grid through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvinceVice President Inonge Wina (c) reading the message on the plaque as Energy Minister David Mabumba (l) and Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (r) follow during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvinceVice President Inonge Wina (c) sounds the electrical siren during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvinceRural Electrification Authority (REA) Site Manager Eng. Daniel Kapambwe (l) leads Vice President Inonge Wina (c), Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (r) in touring the sub-station during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid through REA at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvinceChief Mwenetete (r) of Luampa District gives a vote of thanks as Vice President Inonge Wina (l) and Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (c) look on during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid through REA at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) in Western ProvincePart of the 66/33/11 kv, 2.5MVA,sub-station constructed by the government through REA at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid in Western ProvinceThe just constructed 66/33/11 kv, 2.5MVA sub-station by the government through REA at twenty million Kwacha (K20, 000, 000) during the commissioning of the connection of Luampa District to the National Grid in Western Province
Holstar’s Fourth LP “Dreaming In High Definition” brings Full circle what has been Ten years of plying his craft. The album has an array of Producers and Artists who Holstar has worked with in the past and in recent times. Dreaming in High Definition is a culmination of his Dreams and aspirations.
Government has assured farmers that measures have been put in place to tackle any possible outbreak of army worms and red locusts during the 2017/2018 farming season.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe says farmers should plant more crops as government will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to secure the grain, should there be any outbreak of army worms and red locusts.
Mr Kabwe says funds have since been set aside as part of the preparedness plan to timely and effectively respond to any possible outbreak of the crop eating insects.
ZANIS reports that the PS said this during the official launch of the operations of the One Acre Fund in Chibombo district.
Mr Kabwe recalled that farmers had early this year lost a lot of maize crop to army worms which invaded their fields adding that government does not want a similar situation to happen this farming season.
And Mr Kabwe revealed that the authority has increased its support to the agriculture sector as one way of diversifying the economy.
He said government has resolved to continue providing necessary support to the farmers in the country, in order to exploit the economic potentials and benefits in the agriculture sector.
“We will continue empowering the farmers in their crop farming, livestock farming, and fish farming, because we know that this is of high value,” he said.
Mr Kabwe said government has come up with deliberate policies and interventions aimed at promoting mechanization in the agriculture sector for increased productivity.
He added that one such intervention is promoting the use of tractors for cultivation by applying tax policies that ensure prices of agricultural equipment are affordable to as many small scale farmers as possible.
And speaking earlier, One Acre Fund Africa Policy Director Collin Christensen said his organization will continue partnering with government towards supporting small scale farmers in the country.
Mr Christensen said One Acre Fund supports small holder farmers in Africa by providing them with farm inputs on credit.
Meanwhile, Chibombo District Commissioner Barnabas Musopelo urged farmers in the district to take advantage of the presence of One Acre Fund in the area by getting inputs on credit to increase their agricultural yields.
Mr Musopelo also urged farmers who have benefited inputs from One Acre Fund to ensure that they repay their loans on time, in order for others to benefit from the cause.
Over 7,000 small scale farmers in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kapiri-Mposhi districts are expected to get loans in form of farm inputs from One Acre Fund during the 2017/2018 farming season.
President Edgar Lungu having a light moment with King Muswati III shorty on his arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
Why President Lungu’s threats to the judiciary mark a new phase in Zambia’s slide to authoritarianism
When Kenya’s Supreme Court judges annulled the results of the country’s presidential election this September, they attracted plaudits from across Africa for acting independently and for refusing to bow before presidential power. But Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu was not among their admirers. Instead, on 2 November, he issued a stern warning to Zambia’s own judges not to follow the example of their Kenyan counterparts. “Do not become a copycat and think that you are a hero if you plunge this country into chaos,” he warned.
These comments were directed at Zambia’s Constitutional Court (ConCourt), which is currently considering a case to determine whether the president is eligible to run for another term in office in 2021. Lungu was first elected in the 2015 presidential by-election following Michael Sata’s untimely death in office. He was then re-elected in the controversial August 2016 polls. The Constitution contains a clear two-term limit for the presidency, but Lungu’s supporters argue that his first term of just 18 months should not count towards this total.
This January, Lungu himself declared that he is eligible to stand in 2021 elections and challenged opposing voices to seek the interpretation of the ConCourt. A few days later, four small opposition parties did just that, petitioning the court for “a declaration that President Edgar Lungu is eligible to contest the 2021 Presidential election”. In response, the influential Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), who argue that the opposition parties were proxies of Lungu, joined the case seeking a counter-declaration. The case comes up for hearing on 15 November.
“That I will not allow”
To avoid misinterpreting what Lungu said, it is worth quoting his remarks at length:
“People are saying Zambian courts should be like Kenyan courts, that they should be brave and make decisions which are in the best interests of the people, but look at what is happening in Kenya now…To my friends in the court system, I say don’t plunge us into chaos by imitating or emulating Kenya or any other court system for that matter which does not care about the interests of the people.
“I am saying this because there are people outside Africa and some within Africa who want to bring confusion in Africa. They have started with South Africa, Kenya and Zambia for a regime change. There are people out there who just want regime change because they want to take over from us as managers…That I will not allow.
“To my colleagues in the judiciary, my message is just do your work, interpret the law without fear or favour; look at the best interest of this country…Those people who don’t like peace and freedom will say ‘President Lungu is intimidating the courts of law’. I am not intimidating my colleagues in the judiciary. I am just warning you that I have information that some of you want to be adventurous. Your adventure should not plunge us into chaos, please.”
Numerous organisations and individuals have condemned Lungu’s remarks. LAZ called on the president to retract his comments. The UPND accused Lungu of outright intimidation. And the prominent US-based law professor Muna Ndulo described the statements as another example of Lungu’s wanton disregard for rule of law and further evidence of “the creeping dictatorship in Zambia”.
This condemnation is necessary, but not sufficient. Zambians also need to understand why Lungu is making such comments. Contrary to what some of his opponents have argued, the president’s implied threats were neither random nor a result of ignorance and incompetence. Lungu is highly skilled and has a proven record of undermining democratic institutions in a committed, strategic and well-defined manner. If Zambians wish to reclaim their democratic institutions and space, they will do well not to underestimate Lungu and the lengths to which he is prepared to go in his bid for absolute power. His thinly veiled threats to the ConCourt should be seen as part of his wider strategy to stay in power beyond 2021.
Pressuring the judges
President Lungu’s remarks were directed at different audiences for different objectives.
The first was the ConCourt itself. His objective is clearly to intimidate the judges, especially those who are unsure about the consequences of ruling against the presidency. Threats that a “brave” judgement would lead to chaos make it less likely that undecided judges will want to take the risk. This strategy may work; the president only needs to persuade a majority of the judges to get the ruling he wants.
Many perceive the ConCourt as being predisposed towards Lungu to begin with. Its judges were all appointed by the president – even though none of them meets the constitutional requirements to serve on the Court – and the body ruled in his favour over the challenged election results last year. Sceptics therefore suggest that Lungu may not need to work particularly hard to win over a majority.
Public confidence in the Court is already low, but the president’s comments put them in a no-win situation. If the judges do make a “brave” ruling on the 2021 issue, Lungu can accuse them – and he has already formulated the accusation in advance – of fomenting chaos. If they rule in his favour, they will be perceived by much of the public as having given in to presidential pressure. (This latter route, in which a high stakes judicial ruling is not seen to be credible, could also lead to chaos.)
Rousing supporters
The second audience Lungu was speaking to are his supporters in the governing Patriotic Front (PF). On this front, he has two objectives.
Firstly, through his comments, he was effectively encouraging his followers to exert pressure on the judges to act in “best interest of this country”. Supporters could easily mobilise to block the courts or even protest against independent-minded judges, confident that the police would not disrupt such efforts.
This strategy has been deployed before. At the height of last year’s legal challenge against Lungu’s re-election, PF supporters camped outside the ConCourt to demonstrate against its unanimous decision to extend the hearing of the petition for a week. The next day, the Court, by majority opinion, set aside its earlier judgement even in the absence of a formal appeal and disposed of the matter inconclusively.
Secondly, Lungu’s speech seems intended to prepare his supporters to act in the event of an unfavourable – and, by his argument, illegitimate – verdict. His reference to unspecified foreigners seeking regime change is meant to portray his prospective disqualification as the result of an unholy alliance between judges, the opposition and interfering outsiders. His empty rhetoric against foreign powers also helps to pre-emptively discredit possible international criticism.
This strategy is undoubtedly a trick he has picked up from authoritarian figures elsewhere in Africa. Once rightly regarded as a beacon of democracy on the continent, it is disturbing that the Zambian president’s most notable political friendships are now with the likes of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.
Warding off challengers
Lungu’s third audience are his opponents within the ruling PF, particularly budding successors eyeing his position. A ruling from the ConCourt that he is ineligible for 2021 would strengthen their hand and reduce Lungu to a lame-duck president.
By declaring his presidential candidature (subject to his party’s endorsement) even before the ConCourt pronounces on the matter, Lungu is effectively warning individuals within the PF that he is going nowhere and that they will face the same fate as Chishimba Kambwili, the former Minister of Information who was recently expelled from the party for campaigning to succeed him. Privately, several prominent PF members are hoping that the ConCourt will rule against Lungu as this would open the way for their own ambitions.
What Lungu fears
As well as examining Lungu’s strategy, it is also important to understand the reasons behind his determination to remain in office. Broadly speaking, there are two reasons he is unwilling to step down any time soon.
The first is fear of prosecution. All of Zambia’s former presidents, aside those who died in office, have faced trials after leaving office and Lungu is already facing questions about the sources of his newfound wealth. Possible prosecution for corruption, embezzlement or criminal misuse of power cannot be far from his mind. The solution is to remain in power for as long as possible or until a pliant successor can be installed.
In fact, Lungu might already be thinking about trying to change the constitution to either extend the number of terms permissible or abolish term limits altogether. For this to be possible, he probably needs to stay in power until 2026 to consolidate his power push through a constitutional amendment. This, however, relies on the ConCourt ruling in his favour – hence his concerted attacks.
Lungu got his way with the court over the 2016 election challenge and one wonders what threats were made at the time of that even more crucial decision. One might fairly assume that it was because the warnings were so dire that the judges decided to not even hear the petition, let alone make a judgment. Regardless of what happened, the fact is that if a sitting president is able to both rig an election and control the ConCourt, it is hard to see how he or she can ever be voted out of office.
Lungu’s inner circle
A second reason Lungu may be so unwilling to leave office is that he is beholden to the business and political interests of certain individuals that contributed to his rise. According to well-placed PF insiders, this group is fearful of what might happen if Lungu steps down and that, in seeking another term, the president is not speaking for himself alone.
Lungu has many political and business figures around him, many of whom were marginalised under the late President Sata but have flourished under the new president. This group feels its time in the corridors of power has been too brief thus far and wants more time to accumulate through the state. They can see clearly how those they replaced are now languishing. Senior government and ruling party figures say that this circle has captured virtually all state institutions.
The term “state capture” is topical in South Africa, but applies fully to the situation in Zambia too. In fact, in Zambia, it is not only the executive that has been captured, but a whole range of institutions including the police, security services, investigative agencies, media, electoral commission and National Prosecution Authority. One could arguably add the judiciary, parliament and various other bodies to this list too. Lungu’s administration has successfully closed down the critical free press and almost succeeded in muzzling civil society. Many believe the president’s allies are behind the arrests of prominent opposition figures. Meanwhile, this group has even extended its influence over the church thanks to the president’s new powers to appoint a Minister of Religion.
Through misuse of the police, impunity and bogus prosecutions, Lungu and his associates have created a general climate of fear in Zambia and are therefore effectively in charge of everybody except for those seeking martyrdom. How far this group is willing to go to maintain this grip on power remains to be seen. Could political disappearances and murders that have blighted other African democracies be Zambia’s fate too?
The weight of history
Even in Zambia’s continuing fall from grace, Lungu’s public and overt threats against the judiciary represent a watershed moment. Previously, the president strove to stick to the legal position on democracy, constitutionalism and separation of powers. For instance, when the leader of the opposition, Hakainde Hichilema, was arrested on what appeared to be a trumped-up charge of treason this April, Lungu claimed to have nothing to do with the arrest. He claimed it would be improper for him to intervene in the independent arms of government. Laughable as these claims of non-interference were, they wrong-footed opponents who were left looking for evidence of how he had influenced these supposedly independent institutions.
Now, however, Lungu is making threats against the judiciary so thinly veiled that even the masquerade of propriety has fallen away. Words that have probably long been uttered in private, and which would explain some of Lungu’s illegal actions, are now being announced publicly.
This may be the start of a new phase. One in which the capture of state institutions and creation of a climate of fear is so complete that Lungu feels confident enough to make explicit the structure of his creeping dictatorship. One in which there are no longer any state institutions able to challenge or oppose him.
Zambia’s judges on the ConCourt must surely feel the weight of history on their shoulders. Other countries where judicial independence and presidential term limits have been ignored have slid into disorder, authoritarian rule and dictatorship. It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of Zambia’s democracy lies in their hands.
The Ministry of Health in Mambwe district in Eastern Province have recorded an increase in cases of Chicken Pox from 80 to 349 in the third quarter.
Mambwe District Acting Public Health Officer Moses Sakala said the district has also recorded an increase in the number of diarrhea cases from 136 to 219 in the same quarter.
Mr Sakala observed that the increase in the number of patients with chicken pox is attributed to the challenges being faced by the department to isolate patients from other members of the community.
He noted that many people do not pay particular attention to such cases such that even school going children who have the infection are allowed to attend class by the school administration as opposed to staying home.
And Mr Sakala has expressed sadness over the ignorance of some community members to come forward and receive the relevant vaccination against chicken pox, even after receiving the necessary sensitization.
Meanwhile, Mr Sakala disclosed that diarrhoea samples have since been sent to the laboratory in order to ascertain the cause of the sudden rise in diarrhoea cases in the district.
Eight pupils at Kapiri Girls National Technical School have been expelled for being in possession of obscene material.
School Head Teacher Hilda Chilufya said the School Management expelled the pupils from the boarding school after they were found with unauthorized material, including mobile phones, which is against the school’s regulations.
Ms Chilufya said the schools disciplinary committee arrived at the decision to suspend the Grade 12 pupils from the educational facility as a punitive measure and to prevent them from influencing other pupils at the institution.
“It is against our school policy for pupils to use mobilephones while in school so when the twelve were caught, we had no choice but to expel them,” Ms Chilufya said.
Ms Chilufya said after inspecting the phones the school authorities found obscene materials that included nude videos and pictures which the pupils had been sharing online.
She added that the school authorities also found a video in which the said pupils had ganged up to beat a fellow pupil in one of the dormitories at the institution.
“We have contacted their parents and informed them of our action but only two parents have come forth and picked up their children,” Ms. Chilufya said.
But Kapiri Mposhi District Commissioner Peter Mwiinde has pleaded with management at the school to rescind its decision to expel the pupils.
Mr Mwiinde directed the school management alongside the office of the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) to investigate the matter and avail him a comprehensive report for appropriate disciplinary action.
He added that sending the children out of boarding at the time they were writing their final examination would affect their performance.
“I want a report tomorrow but let me in the meantime direct that the affected children be allowed to stay in school and write their examinations as we are take the next course of action,” Mr Mwiinde said.
FILE: Chishimba Kambwili addressing Journalists at his house
The Lusaka Magistrate Court has acquitted expelled Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili on three counts of traffic offences.
In this matter Mr. Kambwili was accused of having been in possession of a car bearing false registration mark, failure to display an insurance certificate as well as allowing a person who did not have a driver’s licence to drive his car.
Speaking when he delivered the ruling Lusaka Magistrate Brian Simachela said the prosecution failed to prove its case.
Magistrate Simachela said the prosecution witnesses were inconsistency making it hard for the court to place the suspect on his defence.
He said the matter was not properly investigated.
And Speaking after the ruling, Mr. Kambwili praised the judiciary saying justice has prevailed.
Meanwhile, The Lusaka High Court has found Chilanga Member of Parliament Keith Mukata and his co accused Charmain Musonda with a case to answer in a murder charge.
This is in a matter where Mukata and Musonda are accused of killing a security guard Namakambwa Kalilakwenda.
High Court Judge Susan Wanjelani says the state has presented enough evidence to warrant the suspects to be placed on their defence.
And in response Defence lawyers led by Eric Silwamba said the accused will remain silent but will bring other persons to testify.
The matter has since been adjourned to November 14th for commencement of defence by the accused persons.
