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Ignore the Lies

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Ignore the Lies

Today’s Scripture

He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44, NLT

Ignore the Lies

Friend, you can’t stop the enemy’s lies, or pray away the negative thoughts, or get so determined that you’re never going to feel fear. But you don’t have to be intimidated, and you don’t have to live worried. The lies are a sign that what God promised is on the way, that there are great things in your future. He wouldn’t be telling you those lies if healing, freedom, and abundance aren’t around the corner.

Start ignoring the lies. Quit living worried about your health, your finances, or how you can accomplish your dream. Quit letting the lies dominate your thought life. The battle is taking place in your mind. The enemy is a liar and a bully. He knows if he can control your thoughts, he can control your life. When you recognize his tactics, when you know he comes at you with lies and distortions, you can deal with them properly. You won’t let the lies keep you from your purpose. Ignore the lies, keep moving forward, and God will get you to your destiny.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can guard my heart and keep it free from all the lies and distortions that try to keep me intimidated and living worried. Help me to recognize the enemy’s tactics. I declare that I will ignore the lies and believe the truth of Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Joel Osteen Ministries

Why is the U.S. promotion of democracy viewed with suspicion?: An interview with Fred Mmembe

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Why is the U.S. promotion of democracy viewed with suspicion?: An interview with Fred Mmembe

Declaration of the Summit for Democracy

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Declaration of the Summit for Democracy

March 29, 2023

We, the leaders of the Summit for Democracy, reaffirm our shared belief that democracy – government reflecting the effective participation and will of the people – is humanity’s most enduring means to advance peace, prosperity, equality, sustainable development, and security. Democracy is necessary to ensure that every voice is heard, that the human rights of all are respected, protected, and fulfilled, online and offline, and that the rule of law is upheld. We recognize that democracy can take many forms, but shares common characteristics, including free and fair elections that are inclusive and accessible; separation of powers; checks and balances; peaceful transitions of power; an independent media and safety of journalists; transparency; access to information; accountability; inclusion; gender equality; civic participation; equal protection of the law; and respect for human rights, including freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. To meet the rising challenges to democracy worldwide, we commit to strengthen democratic institutions and processes and build resilience. We acknowledge that freedom and democracy are strengthened through cooperation, and we commit to building stronger domestic, regional, and global partnerships that are more assertive in countering authoritarianism and corruption and that demonstrate that democracy delivers peace, stability, and prosperity for all. We believe democratic institutions, which take time and concerted effort to develop, are best supported by an inclusive society that respects diversity, promotes decent work for all, and enables everyone to freely pursue their aspirations, exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and live without fear of violence and threats to their safety.

Globally, we commit to put the strength of our democracies into action to revitalize, consolidate, and strengthen an international rules-based order that delivers equitable, sustainable development for all people and to deepen international cooperation to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We acknowledge that eradicating poverty is critical to strengthening inclusivity and building confidence and stability in democracies globally. We recognize that democracies that respect human rights are the best means by which to solve the 21st Century’s most critical challenges. We remain united in supporting one another in our efforts to bolster democracy domestically, regionally, and internationally, combat authoritarian trends, advance multilateral and multistakeholder dialogue and cooperation, and safeguard the full and effective exercise of human rights, including civil and political rights, as well as the progressive realization of economic, social, and cultural rights. We are determined to save the present and succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To this end we unite the strength of our democracies to secure and maintain domestic, regional and international peace and security.

We reiterate our firm resolve to support countries and people around the world that adhere to the values of freedom and democracy, against direct or indirect attempts or threats to undermine them. We recognize the fundamental principles of the UN Charter that all states shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. We recognize the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense of States consistent with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the UN Charter. We deplore the dire human rights and humanitarian consequences of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, including the continuous attacks against critical infrastructure across Ukraine with devastating consequences for civilians, and express our grave concern at the high number of civilian casualties, including women and children, the number of internally displaced persons and refugees in need of humanitarian assistance, and violations and abuses committed against children. We are deeply concerned by the adverse impact of the war on global food security, energy, nuclear security and safety and the environment. We demand that Russia immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and call for a cessation of hostilities. We also call for the parties to the armed conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. We call also for the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons and the return of all internees and of civilians forcibly transferred and deported, including children. We strongly support accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine through appropriate, fair and independent investigations and prosecutions at the national or international level, and to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

We acknowledge that protecting and strengthening democratic societies is an ever-evolving process, and that we are all striving towards better adoption and implementation of democratic principles. Such a society contributes to sustainable development in all its forms – economic, environmental, and social – and serves as a foundation for peace. We, the Summit for Democracy participants, call upon other leaders to join us in these efforts.

We are jointly dedicated to:

First, reaffirm our commitments or obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedoms as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on its 75th anniversary and applicable international human rights instruments. We commit to hold accountable alleged perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses.

Second, commit to respecting the right of all citizens to elect their governments through periodic, free and fair elections, which are inclusive and transparent. We reaffirm that every citizen should have the effective right and opportunity to participate in elections on an equal basis, without undue restrictions, interference, or intimidation, including through systemic discrimination or marginalization. External or internal interference or intimidation in elections, in any way, shape, or form, undermines the right of citizens to select their governments and other representatives. We deplore the use of violence in all its forms, during and beyond elections, including threats targeting elected officials, lawmakers, and other public figures who carry out official duties and responsibilities.

Third, promote and uphold the rule of law and promote equal access to justice for all through a fair, effective, and impartial justice system. We commit to strengthen efforts that focus on people and deliver fair, inclusive, relevant, and timely justice that upholds and respects human rights. We deplore any attempts to abuse legal systems to interfere with the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms or to obstruct accountability efforts for human rights violations and abuses, whether at home or abroad, including by unlawfully pressuring, influencing, or raising unfounded criminal charges against judges. We commit to strengthen the rule of law and justice systems that create opportunities for people to participate fully in their economies and societies and that ensure impartial, independent, and accessible judicial systems which provide checks and balances and can hold governments, authorities, and other stakeholders accountable.

Fourth, support civilian control of the military and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, including those committed by non-state actors. We demand that all parties to armed conflict fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law including those regarding the protection of civilians, with particular consideration of populations in marginalized or vulnerable situations. We commit to fight against impunity and promote accountability for violations of international law, particularly genocide, war crimes, the crime of aggression and crimes against humanity, including where such crimes involve sexual and gender-based violence. We acknowledge the important role played by the ICC as a permanent and impartial tribunal complementary to national jurisdictions in advancing accountability for the most serious crimes under international law.

Fifth, respect, protect, and fulfill the right to freedom of opinion and expression; enhance access to information and the free flow of information, both online and offline, as a fundamental pillar of building a democratic society; and call on all states to release all political prisoners. We highlight the essential role that a free, independent, diverse, and inclusive media plays in resilient democracies, and commit to ensuring the safety of journalists and other media workers, both online and offline. We commit to investigate, prosecute, and punish threats and acts of violence, within our jurisdictions, committed against journalists and other media workers, and to strengthen and coordinate efforts for their protection in crises and conflict. In this regard, we recognize the central facilitating role of governments and authorities in providing transparent and easily accessible information from official sources promoting media sustainability. We are concerned by the increasing negative impact of disinformation campaigns, which threaten democracy by suppressing political engagement, engendering or deepening distrust towards democratic institutions and processes, and hindering informed participation in political and public affairs. We commit to take appropriate steps, in a human rights-respecting manner, to address threats from, and build resilience against, misinformation and disinformation, and to refrain from conducting or sponsoring disinformation campaigns. We commit to strengthen the resilience of our societies against these threats, including by expanding digital inclusion, media literacy education, and fact checking, as well as fostering intercultural understanding and continuing to counter, by all possible means, the propaganda disseminated by autocratic regimes that undermines the free flow of information in all societies.

Sixth, work collectively to prevent and combat corruption and illicit finance in all their forms, promote good governance, and ensure integrity. We reaffirm our strong commitment to implement anti-corruption measures, consistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the most comprehensive international anti-corruption instrument, as well as the commitments made in the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) of 2021 Political Declaration. We also recognize the critical role of the OECD Convention on Combatting Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, as well as domestic, international, and regional anti-corruption conventions, bodies, institutions, and initiatives. We acknowledge the importance of implementing existing anti-corruption obligations and commitments, including those regarding financial transparency, anti-corruption training, and education, initiating and implementing anti-bribery reforms, and countering illicit finance. We reaffirm our commitment to the effective implementation of the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations. We commit to maintain and build upon existing and effective tools to address all forms of corruption. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring anti-corruption bodies have the necessary independence and competence, and, where necessary, to strengthening their institutional capacity, in accordance with the fundamental principles of domestic legal systems. We recognize that investigations of kleptocracy, particularly where such investigations involve acts of public official corruption, including embezzlement, bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and related money laundering are critical. We stress the need to promote the wider participation of the private sector, civil society, academia, and the independent media as part of an inclusive, multistakeholder, and holistic approach to preventing and countering corruption and illicit finance. We reaffirm our commitment to provide effective protection from retaliation or intimidation to any person who identifies, detects, or reports corruption-related offenses in accordance with domestic legal frameworks. We recognize the need for effective, efficient, and responsive international cooperation in asset recovery and return and mutual legal assistance without undue delay, to ensure that those who engage in corruption offenses are held accountable for such conduct and are denied the enjoyment of the proceeds of their crimes, and that such proceeds are returned consistent with the UNCAC and domestic laws. We commit to hold corrupt actors accountable, and to take practical measures to deny them the ability to hide their illicit proceeds and access our respective jurisdictions and the international financial system, in accordance with respective domestic laws.

Seventh, respect and uphold the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association as essential components of democracy, both online and offline. Civil society should have the opportunity and space, consistent with international human rights law, to operate, raise resources, represent the views and concerns of society, including persons in marginalized or vulnerable situations, and monitor and advocate to hold governments and authorities accountable. This is essential in building and upholding trust between citizens and public authorities. A strong, independent, inclusive, and diverse civil society empowers communities, contributes to good governance, and provides a voice to the powerless. We commit to promote a safe, accessible, and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders, including through the implementation of domestic legislation in compliance with applicable obligations under international human rights law. We support active citizenship, including that of youth, and civic education on democracy and human rights to increase participation in democratic life and guarantee political participation and representation of citizens in all areas.

Eighth, promote respect for human rights and equality for all individuals and combat all forms of discrimination and exclusion on any grounds, consistent with international human rights law, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, including on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion or belief, national or social origin, property, birth, indigeneity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, political opinion, class, genetic information, or age, and promote inclusion and the full and equal participation of all individuals in marginalized or vulnerable situations, including internally displaced persons.

Ninth, commit to protecting and upholding the human rights of all women and girls in all their diversity. Women’s rights are human rights. We commit to promoting women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership in all aspects of policymaking and decision-making, peace processes, and governance at all levels, and to ensuring the equal protection of all their rights before the law. We commit to address gender inequalities, including discriminatory structures, social norms, and gender stereotypes, and sexual and gender-based violence, both online and offline, which prevent women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation and enjoyment of human rights. We commit to advancing their sexual and reproductive health and rights consistent with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. The perpetrators of violence against women and girls in all their diversity should be held accountable, and governments and authorities should take appropriate measures to create a safe, enabling, and violence-free environment for all. In order to achieve gender equality, we need the commitment of all, including men and boys, to engage, show solidarity, and participate in the struggle and process of change. We commit to ensure equal access for women in the labor market, especially in returning after the pandemic, to emphasize the education of and increase women’s participation in technology sectors, and to strive to ensure equal pay for equal work or work of equal value.

Tenth, shape a fair, accessible, inclusive, and secure future of work with full, productive, decent, and freely chosen employment, through efforts to respect, promote, and realize fundamental labor rights, including the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and through measures to promote decent work for all including a world of work free from violence, exploitation, and harassment. We recognize that women, persons with disabilities, and all those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination face additional barriers in the world of work and in accessing decent work, and we commit to tackling these barriers. We commit to protecting and advancing decent work and economic inclusion at home and around the world by protecting the fundamental rights to form and join independent trade unions and employer organizations, and through strengthened labor laws and enforcement. We commit to nondiscrimination, equitable treatment, equal opportunity, and the participation of all in the world of work, in addition to the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value, and international cooperation to strengthen economic resilience in developing countries.

Eleventh, promote an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, accessible, and secure Internet, and protect human rights across the digital ecosystem so as to enhance the security, prosperity, and well-being of people around the world. We affirm that the ways in which technologies, including new and emerging ones such as artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, and quantum technologies, are designed, developed, maintained, governed, acquired, funded, sold, and used should be shaped by a commitment to democratic principles including equality, inclusion, sustainability, transparency, accountability, diversity, and respect for human rights including privacy. All people should have access to the opportunities offered by technology, with no one left behind, and we recognize the importance of bridging many forms of digital divides, including the gender digital divide, and expanding accessibility for persons with disabilities. In this regard, we commit to champion the importance of inclusion using accessible digital technologies, and we reaffirm a vision of a human-centered, inclusive, secure, and development-oriented information society and technology ecosystem. We underline that existing international law applies to state behavior in cyberspace and continue our efforts to promote the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace affirmed by the UN General Assembly.

Twelfth, affirm that the responsible use of digital and emerging technologies has the potential to strengthen democracy and combat corruption, with due respect for the rule of law, and note our commitment to defending democratic institutions and processes from threats related to misuse of technology. We recognize and commit to guarding against the chilling and dangerous effects of online abuse, harassment, and disinformation on the freedom of expression and civil and political participation of women, girls, and populations in marginalized or vulnerable situations and their potential connections to violent extremism.

Thirteenth, promote access to the Internet, protect civic space, enable the enjoyment of human rights online, commit to supporting information communications technology infrastructure projects in underserved communities, and work to prevent government-imposed Internet disruptions and restrictions online that violate international human rights law obligations. We also recognize the importance of ensuring that surveillance technology is used in a manner consistent with democratic principles and with respect for applicable human rights obligations and commitments. We highlight the importance of technology platform accountability and underline that platforms have a responsibility to respect human rights, consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We expect technology platforms to take appropriate action to anticipate, identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights impacts directly linked to their operations and address violence, exploitation, and abuses taking place on their platforms. We underscore the need for technology companies to behave responsibly, including by enabling robust protections of individuals’ privacy, safety, and health, with a focus on even stronger protections for children and youth, transparency and accountability related to platforms’ algorithms and content moderation decisions, and strong protections against misuse and discrimination related to the use of algorithms, recognizing that populations in marginalized or vulnerable situations are disproportionately at risk to suffer negative consequences. In addition, we stress the importance of strengthening regional and global partnerships to increase collaboration while mitigating the risks posed by new and emerging technologies. We are guided by a commitment to a strengthened multistakeholder approach to Internet governance and more robust cooperation among governments and authorities on relevant public policies issues pertaining to digital ecosystems in order to achieve inclusive, comprehensive, coherent, and enduring solutions.

Fourteenth, reinforce our commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and protect against human rights abuses, within our territories and/or jurisdictions, by third parties, including business enterprises, by taking appropriate steps to prevent, investigate, punish, and redress such abuse through effective policies, legislation, regulations, and adjudication. We are committed to working towards consensus-based multi-stakeholder efforts that build upon the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to strengthen international cooperation and consistency, including, but not limited to, protecting rights holders, addressing instances of abuses, and supporting remedy.

Fifteenth, work together to defend against transnational threats, including foreign information manipulation and interference, which includes disinformation that is discriminatory and targets women and girls and populations in marginalized or vulnerable situations. We commit to defend against foreign interference, including in elections; transnational organized crimes; corruption; forced labor in global supply chains; terrorism; and transnational repression, including that of human rights defenders, whatever their origin. We commit to strengthen international cooperation and reinforce our support for an effective multilateral system, including the United Nations.

Sixteenth, affirm that arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and sentencing individuals for leverage in state-to-state relations is unacceptable, unjust, and contrary to international law. We acknowledge the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations and speak against this practice, recognizing that citizens of any country could be targeted at any time.

Seventeenth, commit to working together to address the most critical global challenges. We are committed to protecting the environment as an essential element in achieving sustainable development and advancing sustainable, inclusive, and functional democracies. We recognize that sustainable development, in its three dimensions (social, economic, and environmental), and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment contributes to and promotes the full enjoyment of all human rights. Pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation, including loss of biodiversity, and their adverse effects, which includes resource scarcity, shortage of water, and food insecurity, negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights and present a challenge to the social, economic, and political stability of societies around the world, while having a disproportionate impact on populations in marginalized or vulnerable situations. Our cooperation is essential to reduce the adverse effects of climate change and pollution and to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by delivering on global commitments to address these challenges including by scaling up relevant financial resources while advancing more resilient, innovative, and long-term transformative and inclusive governance models that protect a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. We commit to strengthen transparent and effective democratic institutions that can support global efforts to advance health goals, including building stronger and more resilient health systems, and advancing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response for all. We also commit to continue to work to build, sustain, and finance the capacities we need to prevent, detect, and respond to not only emerging COVID-19 variants, but also to current and future health crises in a more rapid, transparent, accountable, safe, equitable, and secure manner. International cooperation remains essential to create the systems we need to end the COVID-19 pandemic, save lives, and build better health security and health systems for all.

Endorsements
Albania Iceland North Macedonia
Argentina India* Norway
Armenia* Iraq* Palau
Australia Ireland Panama
Austria Israel* Paraguay*
Belgium Italy Peru
Botswana Japan Philippines*
Bulgaria* Kosovo Poland*
Canada Latvia Portugal
Chile Liberia Republic of Korea
Colombia Liechtenstein Romania
Costa Rica Lithuania Senegal
Croatia Luxembourg Serbia
Cyprus Malawi* Slovakia
Czechia Malta Slovenia
Denmark Marshall Islands Spain
Dominican Republic* Mauritania* Sweden
Ecuador Mauritius Switzerland
Estonia Mexico* Taiwan
Finland Micronesia Ukraine
France Moldova United Kingdom
Georgia Montenegro United States of America
Germany Netherlands Uruguay
Greece New Zealand Zambia*
Honduras Niger
* Denotes endorsement with reservations or disassociation from the text of the following paragraphs of the Declaration

Preambular Paragraph 1: Poland
Preambular Paragraph 3: Armenia, India, Mexico
Operative Paragraph 4: India, Israel, Philippines
Operative Paragraph 8: Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Mauritania, Paraguay, Poland, Zambia
Operative Paragraph 9: Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Poland
Operative Paragraph 13: India
Operative Paragraph 17:

US Vice President Kamala Harris concludes successful visit to Zambia, announces $16 million support

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US Vice President Kamala Harris concludes successful visit to Zambia, announces $16 million support

US Vice President Kamala Harris has concluded her two-day visit to Zambia, during which she met with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House and announced US support worth over $16 million to Zambia. Her visit sought to advance US assistance to Zambia in accessing the digital economy, strengthening business ties and investment through innovation, entrepreneurship, as well as economic empowerment to women.

Ms. Harris’s visit has brought significant financial benefits to Zambia, with half a billion dollars in bilateral assistance, which is unprecedented. However, the opposition had falsely alleged that she was coming to promote LGBT rights, which drew sharp criticism from the ruling party. UPND National Youth Deputy Chairman Mr. Trevor Mwiinde welcomed and thanked Vice President Harris for visiting Zambia.

“Her visit is an indication that we are back on the world map and anyone who visits Africa will have to make a stopover in Zambia,” said Mr. Mwiinde. “The opposition should be ashamed of themselves, they should close down their briefcase parties and form cooperatives so they can access the unlimited funding from the numerous empowerment programs in the New Dawn Government because politics has surely failed them.”

Mr. Mwiinde continued, “We have a shameless opposition in Zambia. Yes, we understand that it’s quite difficult to be an opposition to someone who is working hard like Bally. But the limit that they had gone of spreading falsehood over the visit of Veep Harris is disheartening. She has shamed them as she clearly stipulated why she was here which was to bring good tidings from our all-weather brothers and sisters of America.”

Mr. Mwiinde then encouraged Zambians to rally behind the presidency of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. “We would also like to thank the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema for the tremendous job he has done in the past 1 year 8 months and continues to do. He found this country in shambles and immediately hit the road running. The visit of Veep Harris is due to the numerous trends that we have achieved during President Hichilema rule. We would therefore like to encourage all Zambians to rally behind him and the UPND-led government.”

During her visit to Zambia, Vice President Harris also visited Panuka Farm, a farm practicing smart agriculture, in Chibombo District. She later engaged business and philanthropic leaders, where she reiterated the need to invest in African ingenuity and creativity to unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities.

Ms. Harris’s visit has been seen as a symbol of the strong relationship between the United States and Zambia. Her announcement of significant US support to Zambia further strengthens this relationship and provides hope for a brighter future for Zambia.

Philosophizing April Fool’s Day

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Philosophizing April Fool’s Day

By Chainga Zulu

I have lived part of my life in the village, a small village called Kopa which was nestled in the heart of the forest in Chongwe, just after the Chalimbana. In fact, the stream that served as the lifeblood of the villages – bringing out vitality and growth – was called Chalimbana River. However, the once pristine Chalimbana River has now being polluted by Settlements in Silverest.
There I had group my friends who would just sit – often after filling our stomachs with Nshima or whatever our guardians deemed fit for us to eat that day – and just ponder the mysteries of the universe. We pondered whether there was more to life than simply waking up, surviving, and playing hide-and-seek with the Grim Reaper. We all had different perspectives on what the meaning of life could be.

As April Fools’ Day approached in the late 1990s, my friends and I began to ponder the significance of this playful day. While many Zambians had their minds on the social, economic, and political upheaval that was sweeping through the country, ours were on what new pranks we can pull off. What will we be doing? Is it even necessary to prank people when those are our every day’s key performance activities? Like tying grass across those small paths to trip off whoever uses them. Like painting ourselves in white ash during the full moonlight to scare people?

Peter argued that it was merely a silly tradition, a day for harmless pranks and practical jokes. But Anthony believed that there was a deeper meaning behind the day because everyone acknowledges pranks, and no reprisals follow. Rueben spoke to the very essence of human existence.

Mwalusaka, who was the de facto leader due to his age, believed that April Fools’ Day was a reminder that life itself is a grand cosmic joke. He argued that all our striving, all of our struggles and achievements, are ultimately meaningless in the face of the vast and infinite universe. That, he claimed, was the reason why he didn’t even see any need for going to school to be taught by a teacher who was poorer than him. Mwalusaka’s father had one of the biggest herds of cattle and he would give a cow to all his children at their birth. Mwalusaka already had a sizeable herd.

As expected, we were all skeptical of Mwalusaka’s philosophy.

Life has meaning and purpose, there is something more to existence than mere absurdity and chaos, I argued.
Isn’t why we go to Church and school to find meaning and purpose in our lives and live a more fulfilling and meaningful existence? Anthony asked a rhetorical question.

But as I grow older and get confounded by the demands of life more often than not, I began to see the truth in Mwalusaka’s words. I have realized that no matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I accomplished, I am ultimately powerless in the face of the vastness and complexity of the universe. A chasing after the wind.

And yet, in the midst of this cosmic joke, I find a glimmer of hope and joy. I have come to realize that if life is ultimately absurd, then I am free to find meaning and purpose in the things that mattered most to me, whether it was love, family, friendship, creativity, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around me.

Whenever time and space permits, I like contemplating the deep truths we had uncovered from that nonchalant talk by formative minds inebriated in boredom. And as I look up at the stars twinkling in the night sky, I feel a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness and mystery of the universe, and a deep gratitude for the fleeting moments of joy and meaning I find in the midst of the cosmic joke that is life.

After all is said and done, here is my final thought. The inquiry into the meaning of life has been a philosophical quandary that has perplexed intellectuals for centuries. There is no definitive answer to this inquiry since it is contingent on an individual’s viewpoint, beliefs, and experiences. Some individuals perceive the meaning of life to be the pursuit of happiness, contentment, or personal development. In contrast, others consider it to be a higher calling, such as fulfilling religious obligations or contributing to society. Certain individuals contend that life does not inherently hold any meaning, and it is incumbent upon individuals to craft their own purpose. Ultimately, the concept of the meaning of life is subjective, and each person must discover their own answer based on their distinct perspective and values.

WWF fish project bonds, empowers Katete, Petauke villagers

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WWF fish project bonds, empowers Katete, Petauke villagers

By BENEDICT TEMBO

The ‘Fish for Food” project has not only enhanced sustainable fish farming for people of Katete and Petauke districts in Eastern Province.
It has also created bonds and trust among the villagers. Their praise for the German Technical Cooperation and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia is thus not in vain.

Through the fish for food project, villagers have appreciated team work and the art of fishing imparted by GIZ and WWF.
Petrol Jere of Makwenda village in Katete is chairperson of the fishermen and acknowledges that the vilkagers never knew how to catch fish sustainably.
“When GIZ and WWF started teaching us, that’s when we realised we were doing it incorrectly. Previously, we used to catch fish throughout the year, using improper fishing nets thus jeopardising our children’s future (by wiping out all the fish),” Mr Jere said

He is among the many fishermen that GIZ and have benefited from training in sustainable fishing by WWF.

“The lessons really helped and so we put in our all in learning. without those lessons we wouldn’t be good at fishing. We learned to fish only twice in a week (to allow the fish to breed) and the recommended size of the nets not to catch small fish (for continuity),” he said.
Mr Jere said such opportunities come once in a lifetime, hence the need to acquire the knowledge.
By fishing sustainably, Mr Jere and his members can sell some fish and retain the rest for consumption.
“The money I get from the sells helps me to buy things I need at home,” he said.
Sustainable fishing has significantly improved fish stock which is now available in the dam all the time.
“You can even see the fish in the side of the dam. There is a guard to help with protecting the dam and allowing people to fish on the right days. Every chief has given rules on how to use the dams in their areas ,”Mr Jere says
Edwin Rafael Mbewe who is Ntambo dam chairperson in Katete is grateful to government for allowing GIZ, WWF and the ZGF to enlighten the community about the importance of dams.
“We are saying thank you to these organisations because there was ignorance. But because of their help, there is unity. People have learnt a lot lot and acquired knowledge of how to take care of dams, how to fish and how to work accordingly,” Mr Mbewe says.
He says these organisations have taught people in his area lot as there was no unity between the community and the headmen, even between the dam committee and fisheries and other organisations such as the Water Resources Management Authority, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Forest Department
“But because of GIZ and WWF we now have unity. They have connected us to people who we need and this has helped work well,” Mr Mbewe says.
Catherine Simukoko, a fisheries technician in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Petauke district says the impact of fish and food security has significantly improved.
Mrs Simukoko says previously, the dam management committee had no knowledge of record keeping, accounting, leadership, and how to use correct gear.
She says with implementation of the fisheries management, they are now seeing tangible impacts on the community such that fish production in dams has improved.
“The patrols around the dam by the dam management committees have increased resource mobilisation. The dam management committees are able to mobilise resources and able to maintain and manage the dams. This impacts are tangible,” she says.
Mrs Simukoko says the committees are also able to sensitise the entire community.
“So this information is on every ear within the community, thus everybody is taking a role in managing the dams. The tangible results that have been seen in the communities is that food security has improved and catches have improved making fish available for customers to buy and for consumption to be high,” she says.
As a result, protein intake has improved starting from the children, thus reducing kwashokor in children.
“We have seen that fishermen, fish traders and value chain in trading of fish has equally improved and we can see that the traders are able to trade, pay school fees for their children and they are able to also improve their livelihoods through the sales of fish. We have seen the availability of fish in the communities through the work of the dam management committees,” she says
Mrs Simukoko says so these are the tangible effects they have seen as a result of the correct use of fish gear.
“Previously, it was very difficult for people to adhere to the use of correct fishing gear but we have seen communities graduating from the ignorance that they had because of the knowledge and capacity which has been given to communities through the GIZ and the WWF working together with the Department of Fisheries and other line government departments such as Department of Water Resource Management Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Forestry and others,” she said.
WWF eastern region representatives James Mbewe says WWF Zambia has, since January 2021 been implementing the ‘Fish for Food’ in the eastern province of Zambia, funded by GIZ.
Mr Mbewe says the project focuses on the sustainable fisheries and natural resources management of small water bodies in the Eastern Province, improving food security, nutrition, and natural resources management.
He says to set a baseline for this work, WWF Zambia, with support from ZGF, conducted a capacity assessment of all the Dam Management Committees manning the various selected dams.
Mr Mbewe says the review endeavored to understand the current management and ecological state of the fisheries and to provide recommendations that would strengthen and promote vital co-management approaches involving communities, traditional leaders, fishermen, women, local authorities, government departments, and value chain actors through the functioning identified and selected dam committees and sustainable management methods.
“The Dam Management Committees included Vuu, Tigone, Chimwemwe Makungwa, Mapala, Rukuzye, Lumamba, Nthambo, Bikoko, Lusowe, Kalambakuwa, and Malipa.
The validation of the information from the capacity assessment report was conducted. This approach ensured that all the DMCs became well organised with precise needs that would enhance their efficiency,” he says.
Mr Mbewe says one of the critical needs for the DMCs is capacity-building training in various disciplines including, fisheries management, dam maintenance, Active Citizenship, Leadership, Inclusive Development, and Financial Management.
“However, WWF Zambia partnered with Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF) to support conducting some capacity development training, including Active Citizenship, Leadership, inclusive development, and Financial Management where all the governance and organisational development pieces of training have been conducted.
WWF further partnered with the Department Water Resources Development provincial team to conduct Trainer of Trainers training for district Water, Fisheries, and Agriculture Extension Officers in Dam Maintenance with the mission to prepare the officers to lead the dam maintenance training at the community level (DMCs) in their respective districts,” he says

Nkana Stage Dramatic Late Rally to Beat Nkwazi

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Nkana on Saturday extended their current unbeaten run in style when they rallied from one down at halftime to snatch a stoppage-time winner at home against Nkwazi.

The Kitwe giants beat relegation-battling Nkwazi 2-1 at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe to extend their unbeaten run to eight straight league games.

It was a huge test for Nkana who came into Saturday’s game without their red-hot DR Congo-born striker David Kabala who is out with a medium-term ankle injury.

Kabala has scored 6 goals since arriving in Zambia in January to join the record 13-time league champions.

Obed Masumbuko’s opportunities in the opening 30 minutes of the game that went begging just illustrate how much Nkana missed their hit-man Kabala.

And they were stunned by a 36th-minute goal from Carlos Kaoma who capitalized on some very poor decision by defender Bob Chansa in clearing the ball as the former lurked behind the latter and coolly smashed in the ball to give Nkwazi the lead at halftime.

Nkana huffed and puffed until the 76th minute when Emmanuel Mutale fired in a free-kick to finally breach Nkwazi’s goalkeeper Charles Muntanga and his impressive backline of Crawford Mwaba Henry Besa and Pride Mwansa.

The Kitwe side put the icing on the cake in the third minute of the seven minutes of time added on when Lameck Kafwaya tapped in from close-range a Patrick Gondwe’s cross from the right wing.

Beston Chambeshi’s side is 6th after posting their fifth win amid their eight-game unbeaten spell and their victory second in a roll since downing defending champions Red Arrows 1-0 away in Lusaka on March 18.

Nkana has 41 points, ten points behind Power with six games left to play.

Nkwazi drop one stop from 14th and back into the danger zone where they sit in the top end of the bottom four relegation zone after Nkana ended their promising two-match winning run.

FAZ Super League
Week 28
01/04/2023
Prison Leopards 0- FC MUZA 0
Kabwe Warriors 1- Kansanshi Dynamos 0
Forest Rangers 1 Red Arrows 1
Buildcon 0 ZESCO United 6
Nchanga Rangers 1 Lumwana Radiants 1
Nkana 2 Nkwazi 1
Chambishi 1 Green Eagles 2

02/04/2023
Zanaco- Napsa Stars
Green Buffaloes-Power Dynamos

Zambia Bypasses Pre-Feasibility Study Stage for US$75.5 Million New Luangwa Bridge Construction Project

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Zambia Bypasses Pre-Feasibility Study Stage for US$75.5 Million New Luangwa Bridge Construction Project

Plans to construct the new US$75.5 million Luangwa Bridge on the Great East Road have bypassed the pre-feasibility study stage. The decision was made by the Cabinet last year, in February, with the aim of increasing traffic capacity in the Nacala Corridor, facilitating the distribution of goods and passengers, and promoting economic growth and industrialization.

The current Luangwa Bridge has been in use for over 50 years since its construction in 1968, limiting the maximum weight of vehicles to 55 tonnes and the maximum speed to 30 km per hour. Currently, only one heavy goods vehicle is allowed to pass at any given time. The new bridge is expected to increase the capacity for both goods and passenger traffic, leading to significant economic benefits.

The total cost of the project is estimated at US$75.5 million, with the Zambian government contributing approximately US$7.5 million as counterpart funding. The rest of the funding, amounting to US$67.95 million, will be provided by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on behalf of the Government of Japan.

The pre-feasibility study for the project has already been completed, and the Zambian government is now waiting for approval of the grant from the Japanese government. Once approved, the construction of the new Luangwa Bridge is expected to commence soon.

The construction of the new Luangwa Bridge is expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s infrastructure, enhancing its connectivity with neighboring countries and promoting economic growth and development.

Zambia Mourns the Loss of 16 Seventh-Day Adventist Church Members in Lake Bangweulu Tragedy

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Zambia Mourns the Loss of 16 Seventh-Day Adventist Church Members in Lake Bangweulu Tragedy

The tragic incident involving the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church choir on Lake Bangweulu in Zambia has left the nation in mourning. In a statement by the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP, the government expressed its deep shock and sadness at the loss of so many lives in a single tragedy.

“The pain of losing so many lives of young people in a single tragedy of this magnitude is unbearable,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “Our hearts go out to the families of the missing and presumed dead. We share in their pain and grief.”

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has directed the Vice President to provide the necessary transport and logistical support to the search and rescue team. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of the Vice President has taken charge of the search and rescue operation.

“The government is doing everything possible to assist in the search and rescue operation,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “We have deployed marines to comb the lake for any survivors and retrieve the missing bodies.”

The government has promised to provide coffins, food, and other logistical support to the funeral houses to ease the burden on the church and the bereaved families. The DMMU is also working with the Provincial Administration to ensure that survivors of the accident who may require evacuation or treatment are assisted accordingly.

“Government remains prayerful and hopeful that the ongoing operation to search for the bodies of the drowned youths and possible survivors will be concluded soon and successfully,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the SDA Church.”

The President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, expressed his sympathies to the families of the deceased and the SDA Church. “To all the bereaved families and the wider SDA Church, please accept my Government’s deepest condolences for the untimely death of your beloved ones,” said the President. “As Government, we sympathize with you and we will ensure that the funeral expenses are covered by the Government.”

The tragic incident has left the nation in mourning and praying for the missing bodies and survivors. The government has pledged to do everything possible to support the search and rescue operation and to ease the burden on the bereaved families.

There are currently over one million beneficiaries on social cash transfer Zambia

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There are currently over one million beneficiaries on social cash transfer Zambia

There are currently over one million beneficiaries of the social cash transfer programme in Zambia.

Social Cash Transfer Project (STCP) Coordinator, Stephan Chiwele, said the beneficiaries have since received their January and February funds and are currently waiting for Mach and April payments.

“We have a total of one million and twenty seven thousand beneficiaries countrywide and in terms of payment, we are up to date,” he said.

Mr Chiwele added that in order to curb some challenges encountered by both the beneficiaries and the social welfare officers, government has introduced a digital payments system which will start operating soon.

“We are in the process of rolling out digital payments in order for us to improve the service delivery of our transfers. We want a situation where payments will be disbursed on time,” he said.

He stated that the digital payments system will enable the social cash transfer managers to track the disbursement of funds to all beneficiaries in all the districts.

Mr Chiwele this will also make it easy to identify beneficiaries who have received and who have not.

“We have started with the pilots in Kitwe because Kitwe is pre dominantly urban and Namwala is dominantly rural and that’s the comparison and the success rate was high and the commendations were that we roll out to other districts because with digital payments, accountability becomes much easier,” he said.

Mr Chiwele said there are however other systems that have been rolled out.

He said one of the systems is the establishment of a channel that will enable beneficiaries to lodge complaints that will be attended to in a shortest period of time.

Milingo Lungu’s petition shall be heard – court rules

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Milingo Lungu’s petition shall be heard – court rules

….The state’s attempt to have the matter dismissed has failed

The Constitutional Court has ruled that Milingo Lungu’s petition regarding his immunity shall be heard. The state had applied for the dismissal of the petition arguing that hearing the matter would amount to an academic exercise because the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, had revoked the immunity.

In a unanimous decision of five Constitutional Court Judges read by Judge Sitali, the court ruled that the State’s application had failed because the notice of motion it had filed under Order IX (9) rule 20 of the Constitutional Court Rules (CCR) was not filed along with an affidavit as the rule requires.

Further, the court ruled that the motion was incompetent because Order IX (9) rule 20 of the CCR was not the appropriate provision for the determination of applications aimed at the immediate termination of an action before the final decision in the matter.

In fact, the Constitutional Court had on the 9 th of November 2022 ruled in the case of Milingo Lungu v Attorney General and Administrator General that the rule the state had relied on to terminate Lungu’s petition was inappropriate.

In its ruling, the court referred to this case and reiterated its position. In that ruling, the court stated, “The question of which provisions are to be invoked in raising a preliminary issue seeking to terminate the main matter was settled in Law Association of Zambia v The Attorney General wherein we held that Order 1 rules 1 and 2 of the CCR read with Order 14A and Order 33 of the White Book may be invoked in order to raise a preliminary issue on a point of law seeking dismissal of the entire action. That is the route that the petitioner should have taken. We are thus inclined to dismiss the application”.

Milingo Lungu, who holds a Masters’ Degree in Insolvency from the University of Cape Town was appointed as a provisional liquidator in Konkola Copper Mines, KCM (in liquidation) during the Patriotic Front, PF, government following prolonged disputes with Vedanta Resources of India who had been operating the facility.

The state struck a deal with Lungu who voluntarily stepped down from his position while the State offered him immunity against prosecution. However, the State u-turned in bizarre circumstances with the ruling United Party for National Development, UPND, mounting a campaign against the Director of Public Prosecutions who they accused of allegedly shielding corrupt individuals.

She was subsequently dropped and replaced with a new DPP who immediately revoked the immunity leading to the abrogation of commitments that the State had made under the deal. The State claims that since the immunity had been revoked, Lungu’s petition must be dismissed. However, the court has now settled the question and Lungu’s petition shall now be
heard.

State, Wilderness Safaris ink deal for carbon storage in Game Management Areas

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State, Wilderness Safaris ink deal for carbon storage in Game Management Areas

By BENEDICT TEMBO

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Wilderness and Carbon Ark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a carbon storage and sequestration project protecting millions of hectares in Game Management Areas (GMAs) around the Kafue National Park, with an explicit focus on local community job creation and upliftment.
The partnership seeks to empower local communities and expand habitat for wildlife through the implementation of a high-integrity carbon storage and sequestration project. Carbon Ark anticipates that this project will deploy over US$500 million in operational investments and create over 1,000 community jobs.
The partnership is also supported by the United States impact investing firm TPG Rise, Bank of America and Jet Blue Ventures through Rubicon Carbon.

Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Wilderness, and Carbon Ark have committed to work towards a large-scale carbon reduction and removal project in several GMAs bordering the Kafue National Park, widely lauded as among the world’s most important natural heritage sites.

The areas have been meaningfully degraded by logging for charcoal production, as well as burning for farming and hunting.

The project will combine Wilderness’ nearly 40-year track record of success building community partnerships for conservation with the carbon expertise of Carbon Ark.

Wilderness and Carbon Ark are dedicated to developing high integrity carbon offsets, with an explicit focus on community empowerment, wildlife preservation, and technology innovation.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary John Msimuko said the purpose of the MoU is to formalise the intention of the parties to work together towards implementing a world-class project that aims at reducing deforestation and forest degradation.

Mr Msimuko said the project will promote restoration (afforestation, reforestation and natural regeneration), enhance biodiversity conservation and management resulting in carbon storage and sequestration in the project area.
“These benefits are expected to contribute to meaningful and measurable positive impacts on the climate and communities living in and around the project area,” he said.

Carbon Ark co – founder Karen Brooks said Thursday’s signing represents over a year of intense collaboration to design and refine what is believed will be a groundbreaking partnership to protect and restore millions of acres of forest affected by human activity through a large scale carbon storage and sequestration project.

Ms Brooks said it will be done in a way that is both community-led and ensures that local communities meaningfully benefit from the protection of their land.

“Having worked in many countries and with many governments, it is refreshing to work with a ministry explicitly mandated to focus not only on the environment but on the green economy,” she said.

Ms Brooks said it makes a big difference in their ability to think and act strategically.
She commended President Hichilema for his vision in creating this Ministry.

Ms Brooks said minister of Green Energy and Environment Collins Nzovu should be applauded for his leadership in carrying that mandate forward.

Wilderness CEO Keith Vincent said Zambia’s lead in Africa in terms of green growth is a sense of pride.
Mr Vincent said Wilderness and Carbon Ark share that vision.

“We look forward to partnering with the Ministry to build a world class project of which all Zambians will benefit,” he said

Zambian trio showcase story-telling at NEWF Congress in Durban

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Zambian trio showcase story-telling at NEWF Congress in Durban

By BENEDICT TEMBO

The Zambian trio of Mercy Njobvu, Samson Moyo and Thandiwe Mweetwa were part of storytellers from across the African continent who were engaged in inspiring panels, film screenings, live performances at the just-ended Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Congress in Durban, South Africa.

National Geographic Explorers and co-founders of NEWF Noel and Pragna Kok are truly giving Mercy, Samson and Thandiwe among other talented and innovative filmmakers—referred to as NEWF Fellows—the opportunity to own and drive the narrative about the need to protect Africa’s natural habitats and wildlife.

These individuals are refocusing the narrative of Africa with support from a collaboration between Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) and the National Geographic Society.

Mercy, 25, who has been part of the nature environment and wildlife filmmakers’ space since 2020 when she became a fellow, had an amazing experience meeting different conservationists and film makers from across Africa and the world.

She says NEWF has given her opportunities to interact with other platforms like National Geographic Society and through these interactions, Mercy got the opportunity to apply and qualified for a grant from National Geographic for to carry out her project on mass vaccination of rabies in domestic dogs benefiting her community and wildlife.

“It has given me the opportunity to change the narrative on how African stories are told so as to help tell a detailed story that will help protect Africans natural habitats and wildlife. There were beautiful live performances, film screenings and amazing panel discussions where I wished to have our broadcasting company just help get views on how we can make our films showcased on certain channels and tell different stories to the people that need to hear these stories,” Mercy says

During the panel discussions, her topic was about the iconic south Luangwa.

“About how many passionate youths like me have benefited from the available opportunities and partnerships from different NGOs, how we would love to have more opportunities created for youths around South Luangwa, financial support and broadcasting engagements. Also about how the partnerships and collaborations between NGOs have helped in the protection of wildlife and the habitats they reside in,” she says “The running theme of the congress was Africa Refocused and it centered around the need for creating an enabling environment for authentic African voices to be full participants in the field. I took part in the Wild Women Media Lab, which comprised a group of about 10 strong women from different countries in Africa and I learnt how to first operate a camera,” Mercy says.

The camera kit was sent to Mercy by NEWF all the way from South Africa to Zambia for her to use it and it was quite difficult because it was an online lab.

“But I managed to get pictures and a short film on fighting rabies after the lessons from mentors. I also learnt how to tell beautiful stories from that lab. This year was my second time attending NEWF congress and the experiences I had were all wonderful,” she says

Mercy says NEWF has honed her skills and enabled access to equipment which were serious barriers for up and coming film makers.

Thandiwe says the week in Durban was filled with great events and programmes that showcased the work of various organisations, composers and film makers. There were thought-provoking panel discussions with industry leaders and top executives from national broadcasters of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The most exciting topic for me was on the need for national broadcasting channels to increase access and viewership for nature films so as to driver nature-positive behavior change,” Mercy says.

She says other important topics included how the participation of women in the film production industry can be increased.

“NEWF is providing training opportunities for wildlife filmmakers and storytellers to enable them to become key players in the sector. The NEWF congress brings together conservation practioners and players in the nature and environment film industry. This provides a perfect opportunity for learning and networking which can lead to the co-create of engaging productions that can help spread the message about the importance of the natural world and the urgent need for its protection,” Thandiwe says

During the recent NEWF congress, Thandiwe shared the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving conservation goals for both people and wildlife.

Sam joined the NEWF family back in 2019 after taking part in the first Scuba Diving Lab organised by the organisation.

“My journey with NEWF since then has been nothing but life changing and eye opening such that I have grown in so many areas and found courage to tell stories about nature, wildlife and conservation. As a panel we spoke about the partnerships between different conservation organisations in South Luangwa and how they have and still are contributing positively to conservation. We also spoke about the young people these partnerships have produced and how they are taking action with a goal of seeing a better environment, more local people taking a lead in matters to do with conservation, less conflict between communities and wildlife and a preserved/cherished nature/wildlife,” Sam says

He says NEWF is going an extra mile in ending barriers that makes it hard or stops Africans from telling their own stories, stories in/about their communities and the continent at large.

“NEWF is also bringing access (such as resources, places, stories e.t.c) to the table so that nature, wildlife and conservation storytelling in Africa can be seen in a better space where Africans take a lead in telling stories and also ensuring that stores that ate told in different areas of Africa are seen by the communities living in these areas,” Sam says

NEWF funded his first ever short document film, ‘Reformed’ which is about a former poacher, Chilekwa Kapanda, now reformed and currently working as a game ranger for Conservation South Luangwa. During the making of the film.

“NEWF paired me with a mentor who walked me through producing a film and the whole process was such a great learning curve for me,” he says.

Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Hichilema of Zambia in Joint Press Conference at State House, Lusaka, Zambia

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Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Hichilema of Zambia in Joint Press Conference at State House, Lusaka, Zambia

ZAMBIAN OFFICIAL: Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia; Honorable Madam Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States of America; cabinet ministers present from both countries; members of the press; distinguished invited guests; ladies and gentlemen: Welcome to the press conference being held here at State House this afternoon.

And to begin the process, I now have the singular honor and privilege to call upon the President of the Republic of Zambia to deliver his remarks.

Mr. President, sir.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Thank you very much. My duty really is simple this afternoon: to warmly welcome Vice President Harris to State House, of course her delegation to State House, to Zambia. And for many of us Zambians, it is receiving somewhat a daughter of our own country, someone who spent time here in her early years.

So, welcome. Truly welcome, Vice President Harris —

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: — and your team.

We have covered a couple of things inside there. And I will not take too much time, but simply to indicate how strong and how proud we feel about our relationship, the U.S.-Zambia relationship, anchored on a number of common values, beliefs: constitutionalism; rule of law; protection of human beings, our own citizens, global citizens, so they can feel safe as they go about doing their normal business in their homes, in their workplaces, and elsewhere. We value that.

We also value the bilateral relationship that we have. The first part I indicated is more global, democratic family — global democratic family. But our bilateral relations going very well. Long history of friendship since our independence.

And obviously, if I return to the democratic values, Vice President Harris, on behalf of the people of Zambia, I want to express how delighted we are to have been chosen to co-chair the second Summit for Democracy. It closed yesterday. And we want to say thank you to President Biden, yourself, the American government, and these people.

I know that South Korea feels the same. The Netherlands feel the same. Costa Rica feels the same. So thank you for that opportunity, and I believe we utilized that opportunity well during the summit.

Zambia has a clear focus on what we want to do. We were elected on a platform of delivering a functioning economy. Reconstructing the economy is our critical agenda. Because we know when we do that, we’ll be able to take care of the needs of our people: education for the young, health and stability for our people; looking aft- — looking after the old, looking after those that live with disabilities. The list goes on.

So priority for us, Vice President Harris, as a country, now is to rebuild our economy. (Inaudible), the environment that will allow us to support increased investment, trade, and the like.

What is keeping us down for now, Vice President, is the debt overhang. We carry a debt burden that really is making it difficult for us to continue with our restructuring process of the economy. And it’s actually beginning to negate on the gains we’ve already made, such as in the foreign exchange market. And the earlier we resolve this matter, the better. And we ask for your support, as always, and the support of others to deal with that.

And we know when we unlock the debt, more investments will come. We know that when more investments come, we’ll create jobs for our young people. As an African country, a number of our people population is young. And we have to take care of them. Not just jobs, but business opportunities as well.

So we are keen to invest in our people skills, keen to invest in technology. To share with you your advances in technology is something that we place a premium on because it will help, as you said inside, equalize things. The technology platform that delivers for economies, for our people, will take us where we want to go, together with other components.

We want to assure you that we will continue upholding the principles of good governance, fighting corruption. Equitous treatment of all our people is very important. And we’re happy to fly the flag on our continent of being a democratic country by choice, not by persuasion by America or by anyone. Our own choice. Because we came from a background that did not deliver for us, a system that did not deliver for us.

So you can be sure that we will, of course, encourage cooperation. But before you persuade us, we’ll be running the road of democracy, because we believe in that.

We’re very pleased to know that your own priorities, your own support — historical support to us, as a people — American people to Zambian people — is well appreciated.

You have made announcements in a number of areas. You will do that in other areas. I think that’s your forte. I will simply say we appreciate that support, historical support, and ongoing support in many areas — commercial development, investments in areas of accountability, stability, which are essential ingredients to the economic growth agenda.

I wish to say, once more, welcome home. And please take some rest after today’s session.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: (Laughs.)

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: You have been on a marathon tour of Africa. We’re the last leg, so it means a lot of your energy was sucked in in Ghana, in Tanzania, but we want your time. But we still care for your health.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you. (Laughs.)

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Thank you very much. Thank you.

VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you, Mr. President. And it is very good to see you again. It was my honor to host you at the White House in 2021 and then to see you again at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., last December. And it is wonderful to be in Zambia and to be back in Zambia. And I thank all here for the very warm welcome. (Applause.)

My visit to Zambia has a special significance for me, as many of you know, and for my family. As you know, I visited Zambia, Mr. President, as a young girl when my grandfather worked here. My grandfather was a civil servant in India. And in 1966, shortly after Zambia’s independence, he came to Lusaka to serve as a director of relief measures and refugees. That was his title. He served as an advisor to Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda. And he was an expert on refugee resettlement.

I remember my time here fondly. I was a child, so it is the memory of a child. But I remember being here and — and just how it felt, and the warmth and the excitement that was present. And, in fact, I was talking with my aunt recently, and she was reminding me of the relationships that she me- — made when she was working at — then it was called Lusaka Central Hospital — when she was working there with the physicians there.

So, from my family and from all of us, we extend our greetings and hello to everyone here.

There are strong people-to-people ties, as well, between the United States — the people of the United States and the people of Zambia. One may recall that Kenneth Kaunda visited the United States in 1960 and met with Martin Luther King, Jr. to discuss peaceful forms of protest.

He again visited the United States in 1961 to meet with President John Kennedy in the Oval Office.

The late, great Congressman John Lewis visited Lusaka to attend the independence celebration in 1964.

And all of that to say there is a long and enduring history of the relationship with Zambia. And it reinforces what you and I have continued to discuss during our time together, which is our collective commitment to principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.

And our shared history, then, is an underpinning of the relationship that we have today.

Today, the President and I had a discussion on a number of important issues. We discussed, for example, as the President have mentioned, our shared commitment to democracy. I want to thank the President publicly for co-hosting the Summit for Democracy yesterday. You too must be exhausted — (laughs) — hosting that summit and then hosting our delegation, and I thank you.

But the summit was extraordinary in the work that you, as a leader of it, did to convene leaders to advance our collective efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, to protect human rights, to support free and fair elections, and to accelerate the fight against corruption.

Zambia has indeed embarked on an ambitious democratic reform agenda under your leadership, Mr. President. And as I have said previously on this trip, democracy and good governance around the world is a priority for the United States, and we will always stand with those who are fighting for those principles.

To that end, I am pleased to announce more than $16 million for new programs in Zambia, including a focus on anti-corruption and other reform efforts.

Mr. President, thank you. (Applause.) Thank you.

You and I have had extensive conversations about the economy and the work that you have done. And I congratulate on behalf of being a partner with you and just observing what you have done as a leader and as President to put real measures in place to strengthen the economy in Zambia.

And the work that you have done is about also implementing an economic reform agenda. We will remain a strong partner to build long-term economic growth and boost investment in Zambia. And we will continue to advocate for speedy finalization of Zan- — of Zambia’s debt treatment and the restructuring. And we have talked extensively about that.

Our administration believes the international community needs to help countries such as Zambia regain their footing. So I will reiterate a call that we have made now many times for all bilateral official creditors to provide a meaningful debt reduction for Zambia.

At the same time, we must focus forward and on long-term growth. As I have said throughout my trip, I believe that the innovation that is taking place across this continent will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities for the entire world.

I am working during this trip to drive more private sector investment to Zambia and to the continent to accelerate the innovation and entrepreneurship that is already underway.

To strengthen business ties, I am pleased to announce that the United States and Zambia will sign a commercial development MOU — a memorandum of understanding — which will help to develop and implement commercial projects and increase the flow of goods and services between our nations.

The President and I also discussed extensively the issue of the climate crisis. And I thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership there as well. You have begun innovative public-private partnerships to focus on protecting forests and to protect and rewild landscapes, which will, of course, increase biodiversity and sequester carbon.

The United States is committed to these types of innovative solutions to support climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. In fact, tomorrow I will visit a farm outside of Lusaka to announce $7 billion in public-private sector investments for this continent.

And I will then end my comments where I began: my family’s time in Lusaka in the 1960s. When I talk to my family about their memories, it is clear about the excitement that existed here in Lusaka at that beginning of that era.

And I remain optimistic, inspired by your leadership and the work of your administration, because what is happening here on the ground, Mr. President, is truly about understanding the potential and seeing what is possible and then working to achieve that.

So, again, I thank you for the warm welcome. It is good to be with you again. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you.

WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL: Madam Vice President and Mr. President will now take a few questions from members of the press who are in attendance. I would ask those who ask questions to step to this microphone.

We’ll first start with Annie Linskey of the Wall Street Journal.

Q Madam Vice President, you’ve spoken about democracy and the rule of law at every stop in Africa. Given that, what is your comment on former President Donald Trump’s indictment? And are you worried that his calls for protest could lead to a recurrence of the violence similar to that of January 6th?

And a Wall Street Journal reporter has been detained in Russia. Do you have any update on his status? And what is your reaction to Vladimir Putin’s decision to detain him?

And for President Hichilema, what does Trump’s indictment tell you about the example that the United States sets in terms of rule of law?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I am not going to comment on an ongoing criminal case as it relates to the former President.

But I will say, as it relates to the American citizen that has been detained by the government of Russia, we are deeply concerned. And I will state in unequivocal terms that we will not tolerate — and condemn, in fact — repression of journalists, and that we are absolutely concerned about any attempt to in any way stifle freedom of the press.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Can I (inaudible)?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Yes.

PRESIDEN HICHILEMA: Right. The indictment of President Trump — what does that mean to rule of law? I think let’s remove names from your question.

Let’s put what we decided we will do to govern ourselves in an orderly manner. First, our constitutions, bedrock law. Then, secondary laws, other regulations create a platform or framework around which we agreed, either as Americans or as Zambians, to govern ourselves. And so, to live within those confines.

And when there’s transgression against law, it does not matter who is involved. I think that is what the rule of law means.

So, I take out a name. I put in place of a name what we citizens of our countries, citizens of the global community, must do to — as we exercise our rights and freedoms. And where our rights and freedoms end, other people’s rights and freedoms commence. This is universal, certainly for Zambia. This is the way it is.

And here, Vice President, we have a scenario now when we fight against corruption, which is taking away resources from children and the sick, sometimes names are thrown into it and perceptions are created that are totally inappropriate because transgressions against the law, if you take what belongs to the public, you have offended the law. And the name does not matter. That is my answer. Thank you.


ZAMBIAN OFFICIAL: We’ll now take a question from the Zambian media. May I see the hands of the — okay. All right. Can I have the gentleman there please come forward?

Q Good afternoon, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Afternoon.

Q Good afternoon, Madam Vice President. My name is Masauso Mkwayaya from the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

Madam Vice President, I wanted to find out — I know you’ve touched on the issue of debt, but I want to find out what immediate interventions are available for the United States of America to help Zambia made it out of this situation, which is strangling the economy. Thank you so much.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you. So, it is probably the main focus of my trip to the continent, including culminating — culminating the trip here in Lusaka, in Zambia, which is to work with leaders, such as the President here, as a partner, to work together on the goal of strengthening democracies, understanding that undergirding a lot of that has to be to meet the everyday needs of the people, much less the needs of their aspirations and ambitions.

When I look at what’s happening on the continent of Africa, as a general matter, I’m very excited about it. The median age of this continent is 19. By 2050, one in four people occupying Mother Earth will be right here on this continent. There’s incredible opportunity just on those demographics alone, much less what we are seeing in terms of the innovation and ingenuity that is coming from this continent, to the benefit of the entire world.

So having worked with the President on a number of issues — the President of Zambia — including our mutual goal to strengthen democracies and democratic principles, understanding that when democracies are intact, the people benefit.

I am here to then do the work that we can through, for example, public-private partnerships to bring the kind of U.S. dollars and resources that I have mentioned, such as the $7 billion, to bear for the continent on what we can do to spur innovation, to invest in talent, and, again, to the benefit not only the people on this continent but the people in the United States and around the globe.

UNITED STATES OFFICIAL: We’ll now take a question from Chris Megerian of the Associated Press.

Q Hello, how are you? I have a question for — for each of you.

For Vice President Harris, what is the United States doing specifically to push China on restructuring the debt with Zambia? And what is the United States’ responsibility here, given that some of that debt is hold by companies like BlackRock in the United States.

And for President Hichilema, China’s influence in Africa is very controversial in Washington. Do you consider China’s role in the continent a constructive one? And what could the United States do to play a more constructive role here as well?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: So, on your first point, I will reiterate my poi- — the point I made earlier. We are continuing to reiterate our call for all bilateral official creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction to Zambia. And that includes the calls that we’re making in the context of the IMF that that be done.

But let me be clear: Our presence here is not about China. It’s about an independent understanding of the intertwined histories of our nations, and our mutual commitment to democratic principles, and a recognition and understanding of what it means to engage in smart investments and the potential for the future of the entire globe.

I will reiterate: When we look at the talent, the innovation, the ingenuity that is taking place in countries like Zambia, when we look at the partnerships that we’ve already embarked on, many of which are public-private partnerships, private investment, spurred or brought together by what we can do as the United States government, we’re seeing incredible return on the investment, both in terms of the investment in human capacity, as well as the investment of resources.

So, the work we are doing here is the work that we believe and is designed to benefit the people, to strengthen communities, to uplift communities.

And we are going to continue to do that work, understanding that the relationship that we have between the United States and Zambia is a relationship, again, based on shared ideals and principles that are always going to be designed to strengthen prosperity and security.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Thank you, Vice President. Let me just tag on to what she’s already said. China’s influence on Africa, viewed in certain ways in the context of the U.S. — what could the U.S. do to help Africa or Zambia, as it were —

Let me just step aside a little bit and say: Things must not be seen that way. Things must not be seen that way.

I totally agree with the Vice President that we are here to foster the U.S.-Zambia relationship. But there’s a context in the sense that that relationship exists in the operating environment where other countries also exist.

So — but the contextualization that if the U.S. and Zambia share lots in common, strong bilateral relationship, historical relationship, then they’re doing things against China is actually wrong. Completely wrong.

So, I have said before: When I’m in Washington, I’m not against Beijing. Equally, when I’m in Beijing, I’m not against Washington. We have a globe we share. We have a planet we share, Earth. For us in Africa, we have our continent. It is easy to say, when the President of Zambia is visiting Pretoria in South Africa, he is against Abuja, Nigeria. That’s the logic. Not quite.

What we expect of America and China as the two leading economies — number one, USA; number two, China — is to help us keep our world safe for everybody. Keep peace, stability, which would allow us to focus — for example, like us, on our economic reconstruction agenda.

And, by the way, as Zambia, to a large extent, we’re responsible for the downgrade of our economy, the way we transacted, the way we related with people. That’s why we’ve — since taking office, we have reset our relationship with the global community, the League of Nations. I’m talking about the civilized League of Nations.

So, essentially, for now, we’re expecting the U.S., as we have done in our conversations, to support us on resolving this debt overhang for which, as a country, we’re responsible. We didn’t manage our affairs properly. We must accept that.

Equally, we are asking — when we meet China, we are asking them to assist us resolve our debt burden and free resources to where they should go — apply the free resources where they should go.

So, I am saying that the U.S. and us, of our relationship — they have their relationship with China. We have our relationship with the U.S. We have our relationship with China. But none of these relationships are about working against someone or a group of countries. I think that’s what will keep our world safer, peaceful, secure.

But let me be direct. I do believe that the U.S. and China are engaging almost daily because of who they are, these two big countries. And our request to them is to keep our world safe, peaceful, orderly. For us, we would like to advance our democratic relationship with the Americans and with others.

I must say, and I said it yesterday in public domain: We believe that a democratic framework will allow us to advance our agenda, economical and social. We came from a one-party state: dictatorship. We didn’t like it. It didn’t work for us. So we want to stay this course.

But we must not always see each other that when we meet with the Vice President, then we are plotting against someone. We’re not.

Thank you. (Applause.)

ZAMBIAN OFFICIAL: Thank you. We are now going to the last question, coming from the Zambian media. Could I see a hand? Okay, let’s do a lady, for a change. Ma’am.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: (Laughs.)

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: (Laughs.) You must be careful; we have a Vice President who is a lady. (Laughter.)

ZAMBIAN OFFICIAL: My sincere apologies, Vice President.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I say “ladies” half the time. (Laughs.)

Q Good afternoon, Your Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Afternoon.

Q And good afternoon to you too, Madam Kamala Harris.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you.

Q My name is Stephanie Kunda [ph] from Mwebantu Media. My question is for the Vice President. Madam Vice President, what mechanisms are in place for the Zambian goods to be exported into the U.S. market?

VICE PRESIDENT: So, we have been — that — that is a lot of the work that we are doing with the collaboration and the MOU that we are announcing today around the ability to have these kinds — to create a framework around the commercial relationships that we have. And — and so that is the work that we will continue to do.

But I will say that, in addition to the commercial development MOU, which is about the increase of the flow of goods and services between our nations, there is additional work that we — we are intending to do, which is about, for example, the work that I’m going to do tomorrow when I visit the farm and highlight the mutual concern that we have in addressing the climate crisis and thinking about how we can bring new technologies and — and innovative approaches to industries, such as the agricultural industry.

We intend to do the work of not only investing in the innovation that is taking there — we refer to it as smart agriculture. Some refer to it as “agri-tech,” the application of technology to — to thinking about satellite technology, for example, and how that gives us data and information that we can give to farmers to give them a better idea of what the seasons might bring so they can make smart decisions about what type of crops to plant.

This is the work that we are doing together as well, understanding that we can share and exchange ideas that will be to our mutual benefit.

So we’re doing that work. And we’re also doing the work –and I will always do the work of uplifting the importance of — of — of gender equality, and making sure that, for example, that we are paying attention to the needs of women and economic empowerment of women.

I do strongly believe, I think most of us would agree, that when you lift up the economic status of women, you lift up the economic status of families, and all of society benefits. And so paying attention to those issues is part of an economic agenda as well as anything else. (Applause.)

Thank you.

ZAMBIAN OFFICIAL: Mr. President, Honorable Madam Vice President of the United States of America, we have now come to the end of our press conference. May I now kindly ask our friends to remove the podium so that we have the last photo, and then we allow the President and the Vice President to exit.

Thank you very much for your attention. Thanks.

ZRA rakes in K2.6 billion through tax amnesty

Chief Editor
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ZRA rakes in K2.6 billion through tax amnesty

The Zambia Revenue Authority has collected K2.6 billion through the Tax Amnesty campaign from October to March 31st 2023.

Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane announced that the funds were collected from the over 11, 700 tax amnesty applications received.

Dr Musokotwane said there has been overwhelming response to the campaign hence government’s decision to extend it.

“I am pleased to inform the nation that, following overwhelming response from eligible taxpayers, many of whom have continued to submit applications even as at this afternoon, the Government has extended the tax amnesty on tax penalties and interest obligations granted to taxpayers, which was introduced as part of the 2023 budget measures,” he said.

“In the 2023 budget speech, we announced the introduction of an amnesty program to give relief to taxpayers on penalties and interest accrued on tax obligations,” he said.

“The amnesty has been running from 1st October, 2022 and was scheduled to end today, 31st March, 2023. It has now been extended by three (3) months, with immediate effect, and will now end on 30th June, 2023.”

“For us, the positive response from taxpayers is a manifestation of the effectiveness of some of the tax-related measures which the Government introduced as part of the 2023 budget. Despite the slow start in the early days of the amnesty, Zambians have now appreciated the benefit of the measure to their businesses and are, therefore, applying in large numbers. We commend those who have applied and benefitted from the process but also take this opportunity to encourage others who have not done so to take advantage of the extension.”

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