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Rwanda and Zambia Pledge to Enhance Trade and Cooperation for Development

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Rwanda and Zambia Pledge to Enhance Trade and Cooperation for Development

Kigali, Rwanda – The Presidents of Rwanda and Zambia have affirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and collaborate on various sectors such as agriculture, trade, and investment, with the aim of fostering development and improving the wellbeing of their citizens.

During President Hakainde Hichilema’s two-day state visit to Rwanda, both heads of state expressed their dedication to deepening cooperation between the two countries. President Hichilema arrived in Kigali on Tuesday evening and was warmly welcomed by President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village, where they held a closed-door meeting after inspecting a guard of honor.

Later in the evening, President Kagame hosted a State Banquet in honor of President Hichilema at Kigali Serena Hotel. The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests.

During his speech at the banquet, President Kagame recalled his visit to Livingstone in Zambia in April of the previous year, which he described as memorable, citing his encounter with a friendly cheetah and the warm reception he received.

President Kagame stated, “Mr. President, my dear brother, your visit is a testament to the friendship between the people of Rwanda and Zambia. It is also proof of the willingness to continue learning from one another in our shared journey toward sustainable development.”

The Rwandan President highlighted the increased opportunities for Rwandans and Zambians to visit each other’s countries and engage in business, thanks to the availability of direct flights between Kigali and Lusaka.

He congratulated President Hichilema on assuming the chairmanship of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and expressed Rwanda’s readiness to work together in promoting regional trade and supporting the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Kagame commended President Hichilema’s participation in the Inclusive FinTech Forum, emphasizing the importance of accelerating financial inclusion across the continent.

“In the midst of overlapping crises, deepening collaboration only serves to increase our gains and bring us more hope for the future. In that spirit, allow me to offer a toast to the good health of His Excellency and the friendship between the people of Rwanda and Zambia,” concluded President Kagame.

In response, President Hichilema expressed his gratitude for President Kagame’s visit to Zambia, during which the two countries discussed collaboration in various areas. He noted the positive outcomes already visible, such as increased public revenue collection and the digitization of services.
During his remarks, President Hichilema commended President Kagame for encountering the friendly cheetah and making a promise to promote the iconic Victoria Falls to the world. He noted that since President Kagame’s visit, tourism numbers in the area had significantly increased.

“I want to confirm, President Kagame, that since your visit to Livingstone, the occupancy rates in the lodges and hotels around the area have gone up. This is not a joke because I have knowledge of what was obtained there and what is obtained now,” President Hichilema stated, expressing his gratitude to President Kagame for his efforts in marketing the destination.

President Hichilema stressed the importance of utilizing available resources effectively, rather than reinventing the wheel. He cited Rwanda’s success in digitizing services like the national ID, which inspired Zambia to improve its own systems.

The Zambian President emphasized the need for collaboration in the agricultural sector and expressed his commitment to supporting Rwanda’s food requirements. He highlighted Zambia’s favorable hydrological conditions and its potential to contribute significantly to Rwanda’s food needs.

President Hichilema acknowledged the need to harness technology, capital, land, and water resources available on the continent to produce enough food, enhance value addition, and create employment opportunities for the youth. He emphasized the importance of stability and security, as they form the foundation for development, trade, and job creation.

President Hichilema concluded by stating that pooling resources and working together would deliver tangible results for the people of Africa. He stressed the significance of intra-African trade and exports abroad, as well as the need to address the issue of food insecurity on the continent.

Fighting Corruption in arrears

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Fighting Corruption in arrears

By Isaac M. Mwanza

“Corruption fights back.” Those were the words of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board Chairman, Musa Mwenye, SC during his recent press briefing.

When I first saw documents on social media that were purported to have been authored by Republican President, Hakainde Hichilema, and other senior government officials, I knew at first glance, that the documents were mere forgeries and therefore false.

False as those documents were, it prompted my desire to discuss the existence of secrecy laws as well as the need for the Access to Information law, but also their impact in the fight against corruption.

We live in an era where fighting corruption and abuse of office in many African countries continue to be challenging and dangerous. This crusade can be dangerous for both the vigilant media and investigative journalists in several ways. Corruption does fight back when individuals wield so much influence and have tools such as secrecy and confidentiality laws to intimidate and silence the media.

The fight can be a challenge to “independent” anti-corruption bodies that are placed to operate under the executive arm. In that scenario, it is also possible for anti-corruption bodies to be abused, silenced or to become abusers themselves.

To understand this, we must ask ourselves two vital questions: How is it that cases of corruption that happened yesterday, seem to have only become known to anti-corruption bodies only when, or after, yesterday’s administration was removed from power? Secondly, does the discovery of corruption which occurred under previous regimes, suggest that anti-corruption bodies did not know then about the existence of alleged corrupt acts, or did they know but were afraid to act?

Corruption can fight back against whistle-blowers and those who report or expose incidences of corruption. This fight back becomes a big deal when corruption and abuse of office involve appointees or elected holders of high political office such as board members, senior managers or politically-connected persons (PCPs).

In Zambia, there are two major hindrances in the anti-corruption crusade. The existence and abuse of archaic legislation such as the State Security Act, which forms the basis for government’s document classification system, promotes the classification of documents as Secret, Confidential etc., and penalises their release or publication. The other hindrance is the absence of an Access to Information law.

Of course, there could also be minor issues such as resources but this usually has not been an issue as Zambia’s cooperating partners, for so many other reasons, inject considerable resources into this fight.

Because corruption is a white-collar crime, bureaucrats and senior managers involved in the vice usually cover their tracks by classifying their documents as either confidential or secret.

This is especially true of documents such as supply contracts, employment contracts, etc., which may be linked to corrupt deals or abuse of office. These documents end up being marked as secret or confidential so that they are not ordinarily accessible to lower-level operatives and staff. A junior officer who leaks such documents to the media or the public generally risks being cited for an offence under secrecy laws.

For the media and public who employ investigative skills to gain access to such documents, corruption does fight back using the very systems that ought to protect public resources. In such an environment, the corruption crusade is the one that suffers a serious blow.

After the celebrated Supreme court case of Liswaniso, it is no longer the concern of our courts on how evidence was obtained by law enforcers. What is their concern is the crime arising from the evidence. Equally, it shouldn’t be the concern of anti-corruption bodies how documents linked to corruption and abuse of office found themselves in public hands. What should be the concern of the ACC should be the details of corruption and abuse.

Although Zambia has enacted the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistle-blowers) Act, 2010, there is no guarantee that corruption would not fight back against those who blow the whistle in order help government to protect public resources.

President Hichilema has nevertheless made a couple of good pronouncements on the need to root out the vice, by declaring a policy of zero-tolerance against corruption under his administration. However, the President should, or ought to know, that corruption has continued to happen under his administration. We see it, we hear it, we smell it.

The period of transition could have been the worst as some civil servants dipped their hands into public coffers and others even altered their contracts. These civil servants knew they would begin singing a new tune with President Hichilema and his regime to avoid being held responsible.

They planned to heap the blame on misuse of public resources and abuse of office on the defeated political leadership. They tried to cover their tracks but nothing remains hidden under the sun.

If President Hichilema wants to win or make progress in this fight, he needs to do three things, as a matter of urgency: First, the President must amend the secrecy laws; Secondly, he must enact the access to information bill; and thirdly, he should restore the ACC’s independent status by removing it from falling under his or any other office.

For many civil servants I have interacted with, reporting corruption to the ACC can be a hard decision to take, and they have good reasons for this hesitation. A good number who reported corruption to ACC in the past complain that persons who are reported usually get to know who reported them, making the reporting officer or whistle-blower, a target for abuse by retaliation at work.

If we are serious about fighting corruption, it should not be a crime for anyone to access and publicise documents marked as confidential or secret if the same were used in committing, perpetrating or covering up corruption or abuse of office. It is sheer civil service madness to be classifying every document you want to hide from the public as secret or confidential.

The President, his Attorney General and Secretary to Cabinet must demand that only documents befitting the status of state secret or confidential should be classified so. How can your salary, your contracts of employment be secret or confidential?

The existence of secrecy laws instils fear in potential whistle-blowers who rely on classified documents. It also contributes towards abetting plunder of public resources under the veil of secrecy or confidentiality.

The enactment of an Access to Information law would be a very important tool which would help this country by allowing citizens, including the media, to access public information held by public bodies.

Of course, it would be common sense that the right to access such information should come with a corresponding duty or obligation on the part of those who do so, not to abuse such information once they have accessed it. Regardless, if we manage as a country to enact the access to information law, public officers will act more responsibly knowing that the owners of public resources are watching.

I have no doubt that this administration is determined to enact this law alongside a complimentary media self-regulation law. But the administration has made enough pronouncements. It’s now time to act and show that this administration can pass these bills during this parliamentary session, if they are to be seen to be different from the last two previous regimes.

Finally, President Hichilema must also make some bold institutional changes at the ACC. The Commission is intended to be one of the most independent commissions created by the Constitution of Zambia. However, it has always been attractive for all past regimes to keep the Commission under the ambit of the President’s office.

The underlying assumption in the placement of the ACC had been that the Republican President and those who are part of the Presidency, would always act in good faith and not compromise operations. But history is teaching us the opposite.

Today, this Commission is busy dealing with the corruption that allegedly happened under the previous regime, most of which the ACC probably knew back then, but did nothing about. Tomorrow, the same Commission will be dealing with corruption that is happening under this regime and they will have a good excuse for doing so when that time comes.

The officers will probably be singing the loudest about a new President, that he or she is showing more political will to fight corruption than former President Hichilema.

In fact, ACC officers are overemphasizing the saying they coined: “we shall fight corruption yesterday, today and tomorrow.” What is a predictable pattern in Zambia, though, is that corruption is always fought in arrears.

Those who expose corruption of today do so at great risk, and can become targets for persecution and prosecution under different laws.

But corruption must be fought today. It is essential that we begin to fight corruption today, so that the fight is not only successful but also effective in protecting public resources.

A renewed focus on present-day corruption will also help in taking away the perception – rightly or wrongly so – that the current anticorruption drive is nothing more than a crusade to settle political scores using our noble institutions of governance.

Java Foods to pump US$6.5 million into Lusaka South MFEZ

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Java Foods to pump US$6.5 million into Lusaka South MFEZ

The Lusaka South MFEZ has announced that it has concluded a USD 6.5 million investment deal by Java Foods Limited.

Java Foods Limited is a local Zambian Registered company and is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of branded nutritious food products, made from locally sourced raw materials for the southern African market.

It was founded by Lawyer Monica Musonda.

Java produces instant pastas, cereal and seasonings including household names like Ezzie Noodles.

The Company intends to set up a modern factory at a total project cost of USD 6.5 Million and is set to create more than 200 jobs.

The factory will occupy a 4.76-hectares of land and is positioned to service local, regional and international markets.

Java Foods steam member shows US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen around the Java plant.

LSMFEZ Corporate Affairs Manager Alice Schultz said the Zone is delighted to host this investment and is happy to report the progress made in furthering Zambia’s agenda for economic diversification, wealth and job creation.

Ms Schultz said LS MFEZ has created over 31,000 jobs from inception with a record of about 3,373 jobs in quarter 1 of 2023.

She said the Zone has a total of 98 companies approved and is currently hosting 22 operational companies with the remainder either at construction phase or obtaining sector approvals.

“Construction activities have peaked in the last 24 months and traffic within the facility is at an all-time high. As the Zone works towards this agenda, we encourage both local and foreign investors interested in the development of commercial facilities, research, and development as well as residential developments to register their interest with urgency while land is still available.”

“We are happy to report that in 2022 the zone completely exhausted its quota assigned to industrial development and is currently working to ensure that all allocated investors begin construction. Focus areas for 2023 include the development of shopping malls, vertical cities, studio apartments, recreational facilities which will include water sports, and an artificial beach as well as a golf course.”

Creditors hope to propose Zambia Debt Plan this week

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Creditors hope to propose Zambia Debt Plan this week

Creditors hope to propose a debt restructuring plan for Zambia this week, a source within the Paris Club of official creditors said Monday, after months of hold-up.

The United States has accused Zambia’s biggest creditor China — which according to financial researchers is owed $6.6 billion — of dragging its feet.

The African nation in 2020 became the first on the continent to default on its foreign debt — estimated at $17.3 billion — since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zambia has since sought help to restructure its debt through a G20 mechanism, which is co-chaired by Paris and Beijing, but implementation has been slow.

The Paris Club is an informal group of official creditors whose role is to find solutions to countries’ difficulties in repaying their debt.

The group will meet Wednesday, a day before an international summit also in the French capital, which aims to find ways to reform global financing for a new era shaped by climate change.

“I think we have done our work at a technical level, now it’s a question of ironing out the last details and being ready to make an offer to Zambia,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“We are hopeful we can make an announcement during the summit,” the source added.

“The president of Zambia will be there, the prime minister of China will be there, numbers of creditors from the Paris Club will be there, so hopefully we can be in a position to offer a debt treatment to Zambia.”

“We are close to the finish line,” the source said.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema told AFP in an interview last month that the debt is “like a python around our necks, ribs and legs”.

In April, International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva said that she had been given fresh assurances during a trip to Beijing that China supported a debt restructuring programme for Zambia.

Negotiations on restructuring Zambia’s debt — a key step towards unblocking the IMF’s aid plan for the country — have been under way for two years.

Barbados and Zambia Hold Meeting On Sports Cooperation

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Barbados and Zambia Hold Meeting On Sports Cooperation

The Permanent Secretaries responsible for Sports in Barbados and the Republic of Zambia, Charley Browne and Kangwa Chileshe, recently held a meeting at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, to foster closer collaboration in the area of sports.

The productive discussions resulted in an agreement to introduce Barbados’ road tennis to Zambia, highlighting the shared commitment to sporting exchanges, and the thrust to further expand road tennis.

The meeting highlighted the potential for a bilateral agreement between Barbados and Zambia in the area of sports.

Both Permanent Secretaries expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the prospects of this collaboration, acknowledging its significant and positive impact on the bilateral relationship.

By introducing road tennis in Zambia, the two nations aim to promote cultural diversity, strengthen people-to-people connections, and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s traditions.

This sports exchange programme would provide athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts in Zambia with an opportunity to engage in a unique sporting experience, while also creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Furthermore, it was acknowledged that this bilateral agreement in sports has the potential to catalyse cooperation in other government ministries.

The two Permanent Secretaries recognised the possibility of spin-off collaborations in areas related to tourism, technology, and culture. Such cooperation would further deepen the existing ties between Barbados and Zambia, opening avenues for multifaceted engagement and mutual growth.

The success of this meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to foster stronger bilateral relations through sports.

The discussions between the Permanent Secretaries have laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that extends beyond the realm of sports, promoting collaboration and understanding in various sectors.

Both countries eagerly anticipate the positive outcomes of this collaboration, which will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds between Barbados and the Republic of Zambia.

Permanent Secretary Chileshe was in Barbados attending the 6th Formal Meeting of the Bureau of the Eighth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 8) to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Also present at the courtesy call were Zambia’s Director of Sports, John Zulu and the Chief Sports Development Officer, Raphael Mulenga, and Barbados’ Director of Sports at the National Sports Council, Neil Murrell, and Youth Commissioner I, Shawn Burke.

US State Department report shows politically motivated killings and torture taking place under UPND

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US State Department report shows politically motivated killings and torture taking place under UPND

The latest State of Human Rights report by the US State Department on Zambia has revealed damning evidence of police killings and violations of human rights.

The damning 30 page Zambia 2022 Human Rights Report is the first major publication to cite the UPND government of gross human rights violations.

It shows that arbitrary deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings are taking place under the UPND administration

It says there were reports that some government agents used excessive force and committed arbitrary and unlawful killings.

The report showed that on June 2, police shot and killed Noble Mulenga, a day laborer at the Kateshi Coffee plantation in Kasama, during a worker protest.

Mulenga was among plantation workers who were demanding a salary increase and improved working conditions when police reportedly fired live ammunition at the protestors.

The report also stated that on February 20, police detained and reportedly tortured former President Lungu’s barber Shabby Chilekwa for allegedly killing a cadre during the 2019 parliamentary by-election campaigns in Kaoma in Western Province.

Chilekwa’s lawyer alleged police and UPND cadres tortured Chilekwa, causing hearing impairment that required medical care.

It noted that the Human Rights Commission could not verify the alleged torture due to lack of police cooperation.

“In addition, in June a video appeared in social media showing armed and uniformed army personnel slapping handcuffed youths for allegedly defaming the president. Military authorities initially justified the action, but later launched an investigation into the incident after a public outcry and demands from the HRC and other watchdog institutions,” it said.

The report revealed that according to human rights groups, arbitrary arrests and detention continued.

It says Police often arrested and detained suspects for questioning without promptly charging them.

“For example, on September 1, police in Lusaka arrested and detained opposition Patriots for Economic Progress party leader Sean Tembo for several days and denied him bond before formally charging him with hate speech. Police explained in a public statement that the delay was due to the unavailability of Tembo’s lawyer after Tembo’s insistence that he could only be charged in the presence of his lawyer.”

It added, “The HRC called the detention a violation of Tembo’s right to liberty and protection of the law.”

“On average, detainees spent an estimated six months in pretrial detention, which often exceeded the maximum length of the prison sentence for the detainee’s alleged crime.”

The report noted that contributing factors included inability to meet bail requirements, some offenses being nonbailable, trial delays, judges working on a circuit court basis, and trial continuances due to absent prosecutors and witnesses.

“In August lawyers representing former PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri and her co-accused, Shabby Chilekwa, protested their seven- month detention without charge. The two were arrested in February and eventually charged with the murder of a UPND cadre during the 2019 parliamentary by- election campaigns in Kaoma in Western Province.”

It also noted, “In January private television station KBN-TV released a leaked audio recording of a telephone conversation between President Hichilema’s political advisor Levy Ngoma and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Josephs Akafumba in which they plotted to use state institutions to undermine an opposition party ahead of a parliamentary by-election, with Ngoma suggesting the scheme was sanctioned by Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango.“

“Authorities initially claimed the audio was fake and reportedly accused journalists of having tapped the pair’s telephones. Subsequently, police summoned KBN-TV station manager Petty Chanda and interrogated her regarding the alleged offense of “destroying evidence.” Although police did not arrest Chanda, the NGO Chapter One Foundation stated the incident undermined press freedom and the privacy rights of media employees.”

“In February, ruling UPND party parliamentarian Heartson Mabeta threatened News Diggers – an influential and popular private newspaper – with closure after it published a story citing UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda as saying his party, which was elected on a campaign promise of job creation, did not sign contracts with anyone to promise them employment.”

Click here for Full report

President Hakainde Hichilema arrives in Rwanda

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President Hakainde Hichilema arrives in Rwanda

President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for a two-day state visit at the invitation of his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame. The visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and foster a partnership for development and cooperation.

President Hichilema’s visit is a reciprocal gesture following President Kagame’s state visit to Zambia in April of the previous year. It underscores the commitment of both leaders to enhance cooperation and explore avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration.

President Hichilema’s plane touched down at Kigali International Airport at 16:30 hours Zambian time, where he was warmly received by President Kagame and other dignitaries. The two presidents then proceeded to hold private talks, discussing various areas of common interest and opportunities for deepening bilateral ties.

Later in the evening, a grand State Banquet will be held at Serena Hotel in honor of President Hichilema.

Nkana Football Club Banned from using Chilata Stadium

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Nkana Football Club Banned from using Chilata Stadium

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Disciplinary Committee has made the decision to ban Nkana Football Club from using their stadium for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. The ban comes as a result of crowd trouble that occurred during the MTN Week 31 Super League match against Power Dynamos at the Arthur Davies Stadium on April 8.

In addition to the stadium ban, the Disciplinary Committee has ruled that Nkana’s home matches must be played 60 kilometers away from their usual venue, and the club will be forced to play their next 10 home matches without spectators.

FAZ and Power Dynamos lodged a complaint regarding the incidents, prompting the committee to provide Nkana with an opportunity to present their defense. However, the club’s defense fell short, leading to the disciplinary actions being imposed.

Nkana Football Club has also been fined K50,000 for a violent incident that took place during a Week 30 match against Green Eagles on April 26 at Nkana Stadium. The incident involved the stoning of Green Eagles striker Derrick Bulaya.

Furthermore, the Disciplinary Committee has imposed a fine of K50,000 on Nchanga Rangers for a violent incident that occurred during the Week 30 match between Nchanga Rangers and Power Dynamos. Power Dynamos midfielder Joshua Mutale was targeted and stoned during the match.

Nchanga Rangers pleaded for leniency, highlighting that they had taken steps to enhance security measures following the incident. Despite their plea, the fine was imposed by the committee.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expressed hope that clubs would prioritize safety matters and handle them more effectively in the upcoming season. The association is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, officials, and spectators involved in Zambian football.

FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala issued a statement in Lusaka, confirming the disciplinary actions taken against Nkana Football Club and Nchanga Rangers. The statement emphasizes FAZ’s dedication to maintaining a safe and respectful environment in Zambian football and serves as a reminder of the importance of proper conduct both on and off the field.

Falsifying social cash transfer information punishable

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Falsifying social cash transfer information punishable

Government has warned of stern action against people giving fraudulent information in order to be registered on the social cash transfer programme.

Mbala District Social Welfare Officer, Fredrick Chilambwe disclosed that some people especially the elderly are falling into temptations of faking being widows in order to be registered on social cash transfer programme.

Mr Chilambwe was speaking during the sensitisation exercise of social cash transfer potential beneficiaries at Chipoka and Kakungu Community Assistance Welfare Committees (CWACs) in Lwandi Ward of Mbala district.

He said the government will scrutinise all the listed beneficiaries to identify genuine ones before they are included on the programme.

Mr Chilambwe warned that those who will be found wanting will be arrested.

The district social welfare officer also disclosed that government plans to increase the number of beneficiaries under the programme in the district by over 2,700 people.

He stated that the district which has the caseload of about 9,966 active beneficiary households will have a total of 12,724 by the end of the year.

Mr Chilambwe also indicated that government has reduced the years for beneficiaries on the programme from 65 to 60 years as per the National Registration Card.

Operational Challenges in Mpika District Judiciary Addressed by Deputy Chief Justice

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Operational Challenges in Mpika District Judiciary Addressed by Deputy Chief Justice

Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda has acknowledged the demoralizing impact of operational challenges faced by the Judiciary in Mpika District, Muchinga Province. During his visit to Mpika subordinate court, Mpika local court, and Chitulika local court as part of his ongoing tour in Muchinga Province, Justice Musonda emphasized the need to address the deplorable infrastructure conditions affecting the subordinate and local court staff.

Justice Musonda expressed his concern about the state of the Mpika local court building, calling for renovations to create a conducive environment for serving the people. He also emphasized the importance of fencing the vast land at Mpika local court to prevent encroachment.

Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Justice directed the local authority and the District Commissioner’s office in Mpika District to acquire land for the construction of a new Mpika subordinate court. He noted that the current premises are in poor condition, with cracks in the building and an unstable roof.

Mpika District Commissioner David Siame pledged to engage with the local authority to ensure that land is allocated to the Judiciary. This move aims to bring development to the area and address the challenges faced by the Mpika District Judiciary.

Resident Magistrate Chisha Musonda of Mpika subordinate court also highlighted several issues faced by the Judiciary in the district. He pointed out the lack of office space and inadequate security measures, which have led to theft incidents. Magistrate Musonda revealed that thieves attempted to break into the offices, damaging the grill door at Chitulika local court a few months ago.

Insufficient courtrooms, a shortage of holding cells, and the lack of staff housing were also cited as significant challenges faced by the Mpika Judiciary.

Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda and his entourage visited Mpika District as part of his five-day tour of Muchinga Province, aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the judiciary in the region.

Efforts to improve the infrastructure, security, and overall working conditions in Mpika’s judicial institutions are essential for ensuring the effective delivery of justice and maintaining the morale of the dedicated judiciary staff serving the local community.

Four firms shortlisted in race to buy Mopani

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Four firms shortlisted in race to buy Mopani

China’s Zijin Mining, Norinco Group, South Africa’s Sibanye Stillwater, and an investment vehicle owned by former Glencore officials have been shortlisted as potential buyers for Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.

Minister of Mines, Paul Kabuswe, announced in February that there were 10 interested parties vying for the mine and smelter complex, which is currently owned by the state firm ZCCM-IH.

Rothschild & Co, the financial advisory firm hired last year to find investors for Mopani, has narrowed down the list to four potential buyers, the sources said.

The sources revealed that Zijin Mining, Norinco Group, and Sibanye Stillwater are the three strongest contenders, with the investors currently conducting due diligence and finalizing the necessary preparations before submitting binding offers.

It is expected that an investor will be selected before the end of July. Separate proposals have also been made to Glencore, which is still owed money from the previous deal.

In 2021, Switzerland-based commodities giant Glencore sold a 73% stake in Mopani to ZCCM-IH for $1.5 billion, with the debt financed by Glencore. However, Glencore retained offtake rights of Mopani’s copper production until the debt was fully repaid.

The sources did not disclose the value of the current deal. Glencore, Zijin Mining, Norinco, and ZCCM-IH declined to comment, while Sibanye Stillwater confirmed that it had submitted a proposal to acquire Mopani.

Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman expressed the company’s willingness to invest in the copper mine, noting the potential of Mopani to produce approximately 225,000 tonnes of copper annually. Froneman highlighted the importance of the quality of the orebody and the skilled workforce in determining a mine’s success.

President Hakainde Hichilema has been actively working to attract new investors to boost copper production in the country, aiming to triple output in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

KK predicted my presidency – Goodluck Jonathan

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KK predicted my presidency – Goodluck Jonathan

Former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan has revealed how the late first President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, predicted that he (Jonathan) would become President 17 years ago, at a time when nobody thought the feat was attainable.

Jonathan stated this while delivering a keynote address on Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa, at the second Kenneth Kaunda public lecture organised by the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation.

This is just as he charged African countries to forge functional partnerships and work towards the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement to enhance development and economic integration on the continent.

Jonathan recalled that Dr. Kaunda, while on a two-day visit to Bayelsa State in 2006 while he (Jonathan) was the governor of the oil-rich state, accurately predicted that he would become President of Nigeria.

He said, “I must say it now that Dr. Kaunda, in the early days of my political career, captured my political trajectory to the presidency in an accurate prophetic revelation that has continued to amaze me till this day. In 2006, when Kaunda had ended his visit to us in Yenagoa and was returning to Zambia, I remember seeing him off to the Port Harcourt Airport in neighbouring Rivers State. As he stood up and was about to board a vehicle that would convey him to the aircraft, he turned back and said to me, “Young man, you will be the president of this country one day.”

The former President added that when the prophecy turned out to be true, he and the then Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Boladei Igali, who was with him, “simply looked at each other in amazement, because the presidency was never in our dreams at that time.”


He, however, noted that he “later saw the prediction fulfilled in my life. So, I can say that Kenneth Kaunda was the man who saw tomorrow as it related then to my political future and fortune, as I eventually became the President of my country, four years after that wish.”

Corroborating Jonathan’s claim, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation, Sunday Musonda, confirmed that he was with Dr. Kaunda during the visit, saying, “I was with Kaunda during that visit to Nigeria. One point I clearly remember was when KK blessed you (Jonathan) and said you would be President of Nigeria one day.”

A statement signed by the media adviser to the former President, Ikechukwu Eze, quoted Jonathan as saying that, “As a young man then, my knowledge of African history was shaped by transformational leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Julius Nyerere, and, of course, Kenneth Kaunda. The stories of their resilience and passion for nation-building formed the basis of contemporary African history. Their strides and sacrificial lifestyles towards their continent have produced many benefits for the continent.

“In their prime, these leaders envisioned a continent of hope where its people would be free from every guise of bondage. They committed their lives to actualising their dreams of independence for their countries. The likes of Kaunda could have opted to take sides with the oppressors and feed fat on their spoils, at the expense of the freedom of the people who were in bondage. But they chose the altruistic path of pursuing justice, hope, freedom, and good governance for their people.”

He further called on African leaders to improve the quality of governance in their respective countries, saying, “Leadership has become a major source of conflicts and wars in most of our countries. The leadership recruitment process and our inability to effectively manage political transitions have resulted in avoidable conflicts. Elections in some countries have become a source of instability, largely reflecting the kind of leaders we have in authority.”

“My charge to my fellow brothers and sisters in the continent is for us to seek to redefine leadership and governance in the continent. We need a leadership process that guarantees the fundamental freedoms and rights of the citizens and delivers a good life to them.”

“We need to build and protect our political systems to serve the best interests of our people. We must learn how to manage our diversity and build an inclusive society,” he added.

President Hakainde Hichilema Embarks on State Visit to Rwanda

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President Hakainde Hichilema Embarks on State Visit to Rwanda

President Hakainde Hichilema is set to begin a two-day state visit to Kigali, Rwanda, following an invitation from his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame.

Upon his arrival at Kigali International Airport, President Hichilema will be warmly received by Rwanda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Manasseh Nshuti, as well as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zambia, Amandin Rugira. Senior government officials from Zambia, including Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo and Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga, will also be present to welcome the Zambian President.

President Hichilema’s first destination will be Urugwiro village, the office of the President, where he will be greeted by President Paul Kagame. The two leaders are scheduled to hold private talks at the State House to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral relations.

Later in the evening, a State Banquet hosted by President Kagame at Serena Hotel will honor President Hichilema and provide an opportunity for the leaders to engage in further discussions.

The agenda for the following day focuses on resolving issues that have hindered bilateral trade between Zambia and Rwanda. President Hichilema and President Kagame will engage in bilateral talks with a particular emphasis on trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

Moreover, President Hichilema will attend an Inclusive FINTECH Business Forum, where he is expected to deliver a keynote address. This event aims to explore the potential of financial technology in promoting inclusive economic growth and expanding business opportunities.

Additionally, President Hichilema’s itinerary includes a visit to the Kigali Special Economic Zone, a hub for various industries in the manufacturing sector. This inspection will provide insights into Rwanda’s industrial development and potential areas for collaboration between the two nations.

Opposition Leaders Express Concern Over Human Rights Abuses in Zambia

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Opposition Leaders Express Concern Over Human Rights Abuses in Zambia

Nine opposition political party Presidents have written to Republic President Hakainde Hichilema to express their concern over the alleged human rights abuse happening during the reign of his UPND Government.

The letter has been jointly written by PF acting President Given Lubinda, Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba, Chishala Kateka of New Heritage Party, NDC leader Saboi Imboela, Sean E. Tembo –of PeP, Kelvin Fube Bwalya of ZMP, EF’s Wynter M Kabimba, Kasonde Mwenda of EFF President and Golden Party President Jackson Silavwe.

The opposition leaders say the recent arrest of former Permanent Representative to the African Union and PF presidential candidate Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba is an example of human rights abuse and brutality being seen under the UPND regime.

They charged that it has become evident that the UPND government is sliding into a brutal dictatorship where the Rule of Law, human rights and freedoms, including press freedom, are being taken away.

Below is the full letter.

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

H.E. MR. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA

19th June 2023

H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema

President of the Republic of Zambia

State House

LUSAKA

Dear Mr. President

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY THE UPND GOVERNMENT

We, the undersigned, would like to express our concerns at the rate at which rights and freedoms that citizens are being denied in Zambia, under a regime that has continued to purport that it promotes an agenda of being inclusive and accommodates human rights in the eyes of the international community.

The recent arrest of former Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba is one such example that has caused us to bring this issue and other matters to your attention.

While you, Sir, would like to be perceived as an international peace builder, it is sad to note that at home, you are running a repressive government that has seen political opponents being abducted and detained without being taken to court in due course.

It has become evident that the UPND government is fast descending into a brutal dictatorship where the Rule of Law, human rights and freedoms, including press freedom, are routinely being taken away.

It is our collective view that if the situation in the country is not addressed, this has the potential to threaten national peace and the security of the nation. It must be noted that those countries that have gone through instability, civil conflict and war, have done so on the back of oppressive leaders seeking to undermine the will of the people.

As we have always stated, it is not a secret that UPND was voted into government, owing to the numerous, lofty and utopian campaign promises that you personally made to the Zambian people relating to the economy, democracy and the rule of law. We are holding you accountable for your own promises.

We are concerned with the increasing use of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to silence members of the Opposition. There is a systematic use of these LEAs to muzzle the voice of the Opposition and the media. This is being done by your government and falls firmly under your watch.

We wish to give examples but these are by no means exhaustive;

1. Abuse of Citizens Rights:

The country has experienced a spike in the rate of detentions that do not result in the detainees being taken to court within 48 hours as stipulated in the Zambian constitution.

Your government has been arresting perceived political enemies to a point where some members of the opposition have been detained over ten times in the last 22 months of the UPND being in government.

Human Rights are guaranteed in the Republican Constitution and the expectation is that the government MUST do everything possible to ensure that the rights and freedoms of citizens are not just upheld, but also guaranteed.

It is important for you, Sir, to remember that you swore an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution of Zambia, the very constitution that guarantees the Bill of Rights to the citizens of Zambia.

We find it hypocritical and insincere that you as Head of State are seeking to broker peace in other countries when you are busy abusing the rights of your citizens by arresting and oppressing perceived political opponents. We thus demand that you start walking the talk and stop the fanfare of reading good inclusive speeches while your actions are contrary and meant to disenfranchise citizens.

2. Destabilization of Political Parties:

You and your government have been at the fore-front of destabilizing opposition political parties with a view to weaken the opposition in Zambia. The actions of your government are not only retrogressive, but also go against the established tenets of good governance.

Your level of over-bearance on the governance of the country has left some senior citizens key stakeholders such as the Human Rights Commission, Civil Society and some senior citizens silent in the face of clear human rights abuses including the incarceration of opposition leaders on trumped up and fabricated charges.

Zambia is a multiparty democracy as enshrined in the country’s constitution. It is therefore of great concern that you and your government are busy making machinations that are intended to bring back a de-facto repressive one-party system by frustrating and intimidating other political players and in some cases using the oversight institutions such as the Registrar of Societies to deregister political parties on baseless grounds.

This level of intimidation must stop forthwith, as it threatens the peace and security that Zambia has enjoyed over the many years of the country’s independence.

3. Freedom of Information:

Besides the promise to have the Freedom of Information Bill enacted, this issue still remains unattended despite the rhetoric and no tangible action has been taken by your government to ensure fulfillment of its enactment.

The result of the government’s failure to enact the freedom of Information Bill has seen the continued harassment of journalists whose duty it is to pursue facts and the truth to achieve objective coverage.

Radio and TV Station managers have frequently been threatened or at the worst summoned to the Police to provide sources of information, in clear breach of the ethics of their profession. This a clear abrogation of Freedom of Information and it goes against the values of a democratic state such as Zambia that is supposed to guarantee the safety of its citizens including members of the Fourth Estate.

You must therefore make haste to enact the Freedom of Information Bill to ensure that you meet this campaign promise. This is long overdue and requires immediate redress especially in the face of the many accusations of corruption that this government has been faced with. If the government is serious about fighting corruption, they should ensure that the bill is enacted in the next legislative session of Parliament.

4. The Executive’s Control of Constitutional Offices

We are concerned with the control level of influence and intimidation by the executive on constitutional offices.

The continued housing of key oversight institutions such as the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Ant- Corruption Commission under the Office of the President, has made a mockery of the fight against corruption. These institutions are now being used as instruments of oppression and of frustrating opposition leaders and perceived political enemies of those in the ruling UPND or the Executive.

The current stand-off at the Auditor General’s Office is most embarrassing to the nation and calls for closer scrutiny by all well-meaning Zambians. Government’s failure, to date, to provide a proper account of how the forfeited K65m was received and utilized is one such example of how this government has already failed the fight against corruption.

To retain the integrity of oversight institutions such as the DEC and the ACC, we are demanding that these institutions be allowed to operate with the required autonomy rather than the current situation where they operate under instructions from the Executive.

Whereas the intent and purpose of this letter is to address the subject of abuse of Opposition leaders which was triggered by the inhumane manner in which Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba was assaulted while in custody, we have also taken time to address some excesses and anomalies that are happening under the UNPD led government.

Zambia is a peaceful nation and the leaders of all the Parties, who have appended their signatures to this letter are committed to a continued peaceful Zambia, but our desire for a peaceful Zambia must not be taken for weakness.

Finally, we would like to serve notice that we will not allow this harassment of opposition leaders and incessant corruption activities taking place under your government to continue unchallenged.

We thank you as we look forward to engaging with you further in the interest of safeguarding Zambia’s democracy, governance and the rule of law.

Yours Sincerely,

Chishala Kateka – NHP President

Harry Kalaba – CF President

Given Lubinda – PF A/President

Saboi Imboela – SI – NDC President

Sean E. Tembo – PeP President

Kelvin Fube Bwalya – KBF – ZMP President

Wynter M Kabimba – EF President

Kasonde Mwenda C – EFF President

Jackson Silavwe – Golden Party President

Distribution List:

The High Commission – COMESA

The World Bank Country Representative

The AU Leader

The US Ambassador – US Embassy in Zambia – The EU Delegation Head – EU The Russian Ambassador – Russian Embassy in Zambia The British High Commissioner – British High Commission BBC Media Action Independent Media Owners All Media Houses All Online Platforms All Party Communication Platforms.

Calls for Enhanced Enforcement of National Alcohol Policy in Zambia

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Calls for Enhanced Enforcement of National Alcohol Policy in Zambia

Phillip Chimponda, the president of the Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) Zambia Chapter, has urged the government to take a more comprehensive approach to enforcing the 2018 National Alcohol Policy. The policy aims to regulate the manufacturing, distribution, selling, and consumption of alcohol in the country.

Mr. Chimponda emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the government, civil society, and the Church to ensure effective enforcement of the National Alcohol Policy. He specifically highlighted the role of local councils in advocating against alcohol abuse and underage drinking while enforcing the policy.

SAAPA has proposed the introduction of a Fast-track court system to prosecute individuals who disregard laws pertaining to alcohol manufacturing, distribution, selling, and consumption. Mr. Chimponda emphasized that illegal activities in these areas contribute to crime, road accidents, and health complications.

During a stakeholders’ meeting held at Fatmos Lodge in Ndola, Mr. Chimponda presented a report titled “Implementation Report 2019-2023,” highlighting the efforts of SAAPA and other stakeholders in enforcing the policy.

Following the adoption and approval of the National Alcohol Policy in 2018, it became evident that the government lacked a mechanism and strategic roadmap for effective implementation at national, regional, and community levels. In response, SAAPA and other civil society organizations engaged with the government and key stakeholders to develop a sustainable strategy and mechanism for implementation.

By the end of 2022, the National Alcohol Policy Multisectoral Coordinating Committee (NAPMCC) was established with representatives from 22 government line ministries, quasi-government institutions, academia, and five civil society organizations. The NAPMCC was reformed, and a core group, known as the Alcohol Technical Working Group, was established to spearhead implementation efforts.

The report includes resolutions and recommendations made during meetings with the government, such as enforcement measures to curb illegal alcohol sales, the introduction of a toll-free line for reporting illegal alcohol-related activities, establishment of fast-track courts, prioritization of manufacturer and trader responsibility, inclusion of landlord responsibility in the Tenancy Act, and increased public health sensitization.

Mr. Chimponda also urged local authorities to enforce the directive from the Minister of Local Government, Garry Nkombo, which prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in markets and bus stations. He further encouraged local authorities to introduce a national toll-free line in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) to enable citizens to report illegal alcohol vending, thus facilitating prompt action and protecting whistleblowers from community harassment.

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