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Mapenzi Chibulo, a UPND cadre running for her life moments before she was shot dead by police during the protests in Lusaka
The NGOCC has expressed sadness at the indiscriminate shooting of civilians by police, that left one woman dead last Friday.
Below is the full press release
NGOCC is deeply saddened by the reported indiscriminate shooting of civilians by the police. Our hearts bleed to see such blatant attacks on our soil.
The seemingly increase in professional inadequacies by the police to manage political gatherings raise more questions than answers. As the women’s movement, we are deeply worried as to whether our men and women in uniform are really prepared to maintain Zambia’s law and order in this highly charged political environment.
The shooting dead of an identified female party member and others in the Chawama UPND party procession is very unfortunate and uncalled for. The incident in question does not justify the amount of force used by the police.
It’s a clear case of gross extra judicial killing and is totally unacceptable. This is a case that did not warrant opening fire on the unarmed marchers.
The statement by the police command is unconvincing and a failed attempt to justify a total disregard of the lives of defenceless citizens. Our appeal is for the police to stop this brutality and selective application of security on innocent citizens. The situation, if left unchecked would degenerate into serious human rights violations and abrogation of law and order.
Ex-Nkana captain Sydney Kalume has paid tribute to his former Kalampa team mate Charles Shamujompa who was put to rest in Kapiri Mposhi on Sunday afternoon.
30, died on Friday at Kapiri Mposhi General Hospital after an illness.
The late tall defender was part of the Kalume captained Nkana squad that won the 2013 FAZ Super Division title.
“It is sad our friend has died at a young age. He was a good player,” Kalume said.
“We related well when I came at Nkana. I actually took over the armband as captain from him,” the Lusaka Dynamos midfielder said.
Shamujompa also played for Mufulira Wanderers and Chambishi.
He was buried at Chibwelelo Cemetery in his home town Kapiri on Sunday afternoon.
President Lungu at Siavonga Rally on Sunday Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
President Edgar Lungu has called on the Church to hold a day of national prayer that will promote , reconciliation before the country goes to the polls.Speaking when he addressed women congregants of the United Church of Zambia in Siavonga, President Lungu challenged the church to call all the candidates taking part in the election to a day of prayer.
The president also said leaders should accept the verdict of the people. He held himself as an example and stated that when there was a power struggle in the party,he handed over power to Guy Scott.
He stated that he was confident the people of Zambia would vote for the Patriotic Front but that he was not prepared to see violence and a threat to peace prevail.
He said both himself and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema should accept the will of the people and that he was also willing to hand over power if Zambians did not vote for him.
“I have given up power before when President Michael Sata died, I’am prepared to give up State House. I am not willing to see lives lost over State House, everyone of us are important in the eyes of God”.
President Lungu said Zambia was known for its peace and no leader worth his salt could risk such high national interest.
Meanwhile President Lungu described as sad the violent confrontation between UPND cadres and police in which a woman died on Friday.
He said it is important that the country does not lose sight of its democratic credentials as a peace loving nation.
Speaking when he met chiefs Sinadabwe and Simaamba of the Tonga people in Siavonga this afternoon, the Head of State said there is need to continuously commit the nation to prayers so that peace continues to prevail.President Lungu said he is happy that the two traditional leaders have denounced political violence.
Chief Sinadabwe said the violence which occurred on Friday is barbaric.The traditional leader said the violent event cast a shadow on Zambia as a beacon of peace.
President Lungu at UCZ Kariba Consistory Siavonga Congregation on Sunday before he address a Public rally – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 10th July 2016.Mothers at at UCZ Kariba Consistory Siavonga Congregation on Sunday Greets President Edgar Lungu before he address a Public rally – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 10th July 2016.Mothers at at UCZ Kariba Consistory Siavonga Congregation on Sunday Greets President Edgar Lungu before he address a Public rally – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 10th July 2016.President Lungu arrive at UCZ Kariba Consistory Siavonga Congregation on Sunday before he address a Public rally – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 10th July 2016.
President Lungu’s response to the police killing of Mapenzi, is one of the most narcissistic I have ever heard out of a Zambian President.
He says “As you know, I am such a Christian, this makes me sad” You??? How is this about you? We all heard this president order the police to work on the opposition because “ukutumpa kwachilamo.”
He did this at a rally carried live for the whole country to hear the delirious chants of “Lungu Lungu” that broke out across the stadium in response to that most frightening statement from a president. So he knows we heard him and we understood him. The police did too. That is why, deep in a campaign period, the police could cancel an opposition rally after people were already on their way there.
They had enough officers to shut down a venue but not to address whatever security concerns they claimed. So Edgar should not play with us. If you join the dots, he ordered the killing of Mapenzi. He announced that he called the police to State House to order them to “bombelapo” on the opposition.
Well they did! We are waiting to hear what he is going to do now. Does he want a few more people to die before he publicly calls the police off the opposition. My question to Edgar is, are you happy now? Have the police proved their worth to you?
HH consoles the mourners at the funeral of the late Mapenzi Chibulu
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has strongly condemned the killing of a UPND female support by police on Friday.Mr Hichilema accused the police officers of working under the instruction of President Edgar Lungu to kill UPND youths.
He said the events of Friday afternoon confirms that President Lungu is a killer adding that the blood of the UPND youths that have so far died in politically linked deaths is drilling on President Lungu’s hands.
Mr Hichilema was speaking in Ndola’s Bwana Mkubwa constituency when he addressed multitudes of people that attended a UPND rally.
He said President Lungu now joins former President Rupiah Banda as being Presidents that have killed their own people.
“This is why President Lungu is now walking with Rupiah Banda because they are all killers. They have both killed Zambians. Rupiah Banda killed the people of Western province and now Lungu is killing our youths. He wants to eliminate all UPND youths in order to stay in power,” Mr Hichilema said.
He added, “Why is he killing our youths. We have a constitutional right to associate ourselves with the party of choice of today the party of choice is the UPND.”
“To you, we are saying, stop killing our youths, don’t shoot our people, give them jobs, give them money in their pockets.”
Mr Hichilema said the UPND will immediately restore the rule of law and restore once elected into office on August 11th 2016.
“The people of Ndola, please vote for the UPND so that you retire Lungu once and for all. So that he can go back to doing what he knows best…drinking,” Mr Hichilema said.
He accused President Lungu of turning State House into a beerhall.
Earlier in the day, Mr Hichilema led his officials to the funeral house to pay tribute to the late Mapenzi Chibulu in Lusaka’s Chawama township.
HH consoles the grieving mournersHH arrives at the funeral house in ChawamaPicture of the late Mapenzi
He donated some food items and undisclosed amount of money to go towards the funeral expense.
The unexpected happened in Ndola around 17hrs on Friday 8th July. Two campaign motorcades for UPND and PF coming from opposite directions met and stopped for a while at one junction where taxis operate from. The UPND group loudly playing their campaign song Aleisa Aleisa, their colleagues where also playing their hit song Dununa reverse. Suddenly all passers by including cab drivers stood still wondering what was going to happen. The two groups were now dancing and flashing their party symbols and looked like they had respect for each other. This cheered the public who joined in the celebrations, most of them saying this is how we should live as a nation. We must coexist.
Helping PF cadres out
Whilst out on a rural campaign,a UPND campaign team rescued a PF team that was stuck in the middle of nowhere in rural Muchinga province. People continue to co-exist in harmony despite having divergent political views.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Church in Zambia to lead in rebuilding peace and healing divisions that have been created in the country.
‘This Sunday we focus our prayers on those who were injured and lost their lives on Friday, along with their family and friends. We pray that God will comfort them during this terrible time and we pray for an end to violence,’Mr Hichilema said.
As campaigns are paused in Lusaka by the ECZ we appeal to the Church bodies to once again hold a meeting to lead in rebuilding the peace and healing the divisions that have been created in our nation.
My appeal to you this morning is as you go to Church today and spend cherished time with your loved ones please remember and share the message that we are calling for peace and that we condemn any act of violence, regardless of provocation. We are all Gods children, and as his children the life he has given us is sacred.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:11-12 NIV
File:FDD President Edith Nawakwi(r) having an interview with the Journalists immediately after the briefing of Aspiring Presidential Candidates,Running mates and their Agents at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka
The opposition FDD says it’s illegal for the ECZ to suspend election campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala as the Electoral Code of Conduct strictly stipulates that political parties which engage in electoral fraud such as political violence must be penalised.
FDD party Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to suspend election campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala is illegal and totally unacceptable.
[pullquote]It is abundantly evident that ECZ is no longer serving the interest of the general public but those of the Ruling Party[/pullquote]
“The Law clearly stipulates that individual candidates/parties that abrogate the Electoral Code of Conduct by engaging in electoral fraud such as political violence must be penalised. Therefore it is wrong for ECZ to sanction us as the victims of violence by putting up a blanket suspension on campaigns.
Instead of inconveniencing innocent candidates/parties, ECZ must sanction the individual candidates/parties that are engaging themselves in electoral violence. You cannot punish innocent people for the wrongs of others. This is a grave miscarriage of justice.
“Furthermore, Article 28(2) of the Electoral Process Act No.35 of 2016 which ECZ has cited as a legal basis for suspending campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala does not give ECZ any powers to suspend political campaigns. So what ECZ has done is illegal and we as FDD will seek legal redress,” he said.
He accused ECZ of not serving the interest of the general public.
“It is abundantly evident that ECZ is no longer serving the interest of the general public but those of the Ruling Party.
ECZ is acting as an appendage of the Ruling Party. Even in Dubai, ECZ has delayed the printing of the ballot papers to wait for one Ngosa Simbyakula to arrive. How can a national process come to a stand-still just because of one cadre?” he wondered.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba speaking in Morroccoo
The Zambian Government has decided to withdraw its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a partially recognised state that controls an area in the Western Sahara region.
Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba announced that Zambia has since broken off its diplomatic relations with the entity.
During a joint press conference with the Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Nasser Bourita on Saturday in Rabat, Mr Kalaba said “the Government of the Republic of Zambia decided to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed RASD and cut its diplomatic relations with this entity.”
Mr Kalaba went on to say that the Government of the Republic of Zambia expresses its “strong support for the efforts of the United Nations under the auspices of the Security Council and the Secretary General to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara conflict, in line with Security Council resolutions.”
Rwanda’s capital Kigali was nicknamed ‘Little Europe’ by Europeans and Asians for its ambitious plans and neatness.
And Kigali city has scored another first.
The city has announced a regular car free days. According to the city mayor, particular streets will be closed off for car use to allow people walk to work.
Last Sunday was the second car free day in Kigali. Residents had fun using roller, skates, skating boards and bicycles to get around the city.
Rwanda is renown for community initiative called umunsi w’omuganda. On the day, all able-bodied people between 18 and 65 are required to participate in the clean-up exercise in their communities.
The car free days are aimed at “encouraging mass sports and exercise along the affected route through introducing the much anticipated green transport and green city,” according to City Mayor Monique Mukaruliza.
Be fit, be healthy
“In a bid to promote healthy lifestyle for the residents of Kigali, the City authorities have introduced mass sports and exercises, to encourage people to walk, jog as well as ride bicycles. It is in this context that we have introduced a monthly car-free day, and this month it will happen on May 29,” he says.
Accompanied by his wife Mutinta, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema went to lay wreaths at the tombstone of the founding President of UPND, the late Anderson Kambela Mazoka, at his Kumalende residence in Lusaka yesterday afternoon.This was after the memorial church service held at Cathedral of the Child Jesus.There were several senior party officials including party Vice-President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba in attendance.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema decribed the late Mr.Mazoka as a humble, charismatic and hard-working man who showed what could be achieved with vision and planning.
‘It has been 10 years since Anderson Kambela Mazoka passed; yet his words are still on our lips, his ideas continue to resonate and his legacy endures. This man was a true leader, not just in politics but across many walks of life.During his time among us I was often struck by his dedication and his drive. His readiness to take on a challenge, even if it would be far from easy but believing it the right thing to do, was inspirational,’Mr.Hichilema said
Mr.Hichilema reiterated calls for unity and peace within the party and across the country.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
(2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV)
Stir Up Your Dreams
Does life seem stale or mundane? You may need to simply stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. Stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. You were created to be a dreamer and to pursue the desires God has placed in your heart.
Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream or vision for your life, you’re not really going to reach your fullest potential. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig in your heels and hold on to the promises in your heart. Stir up those God-given dreams today and watch Him pour out His favor and blessing on you and fulfill every desire in your heart!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I come humbly to You. I give You my past, my disappointments and my brokenness. Fill me with Your hope and expectation and give me the dreams and desires that You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
President Edgar Lungu Addressing the congregants at Kabundi Kapisha UCZ Congregation Church in Chingola
President Lungu today met representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to discuss the process towards the restoration of the Barotse Agreement of 1964.
During a consultative meeting at State House,President Lungu said the 1964 Barotse Agreement must be considered in the light of the current constitution and circumstances that have prevailed over time. The BRE tendered an implementation plan for consideration by the government and expressed their gratitude at the President’s sincerity over the matter.
The two parties agreed that the negotiations on the Barotse Agreement must take place in good faith away from politics so that the process is not marred by the political tensions of the current election campaigns.
Government also undertook to release the Chongwe commission of inquiry report on the 2011 disturbances in Western Province.
‘I do not want to make unrealistic pronouncements for political expedience taking advantage of the current on-going electioneering.I want this process to take its full course after next months’s elections,’ the head of State said.
The 9 member BRE delegation was led by the acting Ngambela Induna Mukulwakashiko while the President was accompanied by Justice Minister Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula,Home Affairs Mr.Davis Mwila,Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr.Joseph Katema, local Government and Housing Minister Mr.Stephen Kampyongo and Western Province Minister Mr. Puniso Njeulu and several technocrats.
Issued by
Amos Chanda
Special Assistant to the President
Press and Public
The Patriotic Front (PF) wishes to condemn the senseless violence perpetrated by the United Party for National Development (UPND)yesterday. Our politics this week fell to deplorable levels when police were attacked by UPND thugs who staged an illegal procession in the heart of the central business district of Lusaka at the peak of evening traffic.
It is frightening to see political party members armed with all manner of dangerous weapons attacking not just the police but innocent motorists who refused to be drawn into the illegal procession they staged.
As the ruling party, we are extremely saddened by this continued escalation of political violence being waged by the UPND. We have reports that the UPND, on whom it has dawned that they will lose the August 11 elections, have been having clandestine meetings where they have mooted plans to destabilise peace in order to make the country ungovernable ahead of the elections.
The top echelons of the UPND understand what is in stock for for them on August 11 and have therefore instructed their membership to wage illegal protests and gatherings in order to derail the August 11 polls. The UPND has targeted Lusaka and the Copperbelt in its quest to make Zambia ungovernable but still point their dirty finger at President Edgar Lungu’s government. The UPND violence in the Southern Province where they are beating up PF members who attempt to put up any mobilisation activities is not only shameful but a danger to democracy.
This scheme is meant to instil fear in people thereby causing apathy in our strongholds as we head into the elections so that their perceived strongholds, which will be relatively peaceful, will then have higher voter turnout.
We know that the UPND want to dispute the election results and are now trying hard to psych-up both the Zambians and the international community. The UPND also wants to make the political atmosphere unpalatable during elections and post-electoral period so that the international community can suggest a coalition government of the opposition party with PF. Despite paying lip service to denouncing political violence, the UPND has allowed its members to carry weapons including guns to attack PF members.
The latest clash between Police and UPND members on Kafue road yesterday was planned well ahead with the view of justifying the unfounded allegations that PF is a violent and intolerant party when in actual sense it is the UPND members who have always been the aggressors.
Contrary to what is being reported on some UPND online media, UPND cadres fired live ammunition and all sorts of missiles at the police officers. As PF, we are not surprised at the continued fears by the opposition that the ruling PF will rig this year’s elections. The UPND using discredited media houses have been making unfounded accusations of rigging so as to drag citizens in its crusade of derailing the election process.
We would once more like to remind the citizens that they should guard against being hoodwinked by UPND’s illicit crusade as this is being orchestrated by the opposition party on realising that their leader, Hakainde Hichilema and his followers will soon be history after the August 11 elections that will mark the fifth defeat for him.
It is puzzling that while the UPND are throwing around all these allegations of rigging and other perceived electoral issues, they have continued participating in the campaigns, of course with the view of contesting the elections.
As PF, we are going into this election confident of victory which is hinged on the solid infrastructural development that has endeared it to the populace as well as President Lungu’s enviable governance record that has seen Zambia make giant strides towards democracy and the rule of law.
UPND cadres along Cairo road as they march to Chawama
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has suspended campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala districts.
During the suspension,there shall be no public rallies ,meetings,processions or door to door campaigns.All branded campaign motor vehicles in Lusaka and Namwala Districts are to be parked and shall not be used for any purpose.
Below is the full press release
Suspension of campaigns in lusaka and Namwala districts
The electoral commission of Zambia has observed with dismay the rise in political violence in some districts which has regrettably resulted in injury,loss of life and property; Lusaka and Namwala districts have been of particular concern.
In exercise of its powers under section 28 (2) of the Electoral Process Act no. 35 of 2016,the Commission has decided to suspend campaigns in the whole of Lusaka District and Namwala District for ten (10) days with effect from today , 9th July,2016 to 18 th July 2016.
During the suspension,there shall be no public rallies ,meetings,processions or door to door campaigns. Further, all branded campaign motor vehicles in Lusaka and Namwala Districts should be parked and shall not be used for any purpose.
Campaigns shall be restricted to electronic and print media publicity and hate speech will not be entertained. The Commission urges the Zambia Police to ensure that political parties and candidates comply with this directive.
The Commission has also received reports of political violence in Mazabuka,Monze and Gwembe Districts and would like to sternly warn political parties and candidates in the said districts to desist from violence,failure to which campaigns will also be suspended.
The commission hereby re-iterates the need for peace before,during and after the elections the elections as violence not only endangers the lives of innocent citizens but will also result in voter apathy.The Commission will not hesitate to suspend campaigns in any other district in which violence is promoted.
The Commission appeals to all political party leaders to counsel and control their cadres in the interest of making peace in country.
Crispin N Akufuna
Public Relations Manager
Electoral commission of Zambia
