Advertisement Banner
Friday, July 18, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 359

Generate money for the Treasury, Hon. Kakubo challenges Missions

Chief Editor
-
6
Generate money for the Treasury, Hon. Kakubo challenges Missions

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo has challenged Missions to generate funds for the Treasury. And Hon. Kakubo has described the just ended Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting as successful.

Addressing Zambia High Commission staff at the Chancery on Tuesday, Hon. Kakubo said for the London Mission, the United Kingdom was a world leading market and financial centre.

“Those of you that have an idea of how financial markets work, the LME (London Metal Exchange) is largely controlled here in London. So there’s a lot of business to be had here. I think the last time I came here, we signed the one billion pound Compact Fund with the then Minister Vicky Ford, she was in charge of Africa,” Hon. Kakubo said.

“That’s where solutions to some of the challenges we sit on actually are found. If you’ve sent the reports on how to extract that money to capital, I haven’t seen any. There’s money for SMEs there. There’s money to support women in business in that Compact, 1 billion pound. There is also money for climate adaptation, I think that’s what they call them.”

He challenged the Mission to produce two reports on generation of money for the Treasury and how to mitigate some challenges being facing.

“You must do your part in generating the business here. I think the President [Hakainde Hichilema] once put it very nicely when he was swearing in some Heads of Mission a few months ago when he said ‘when you’re in the Missions, your job is not to send perfume back home; your job is to send money back home’,” Hon. Kakubo said.

He emphasized that the thrust of the country’s Foreign Policy was Economic Diplomacy. He also counseled the Mission to come up with Key Performance Indicators quarterly, bi-monthly and yearly.

“If we are just turning up for work, we will not know whether we are making progress or not. And the reason we say that KPIs must be generated by the Mission is because there are some Missions where we do not expect that you will be making huge sums of money for Government,” Hon. Kakubo said.
Acting High Commissioner Mrs Lubu Chibwe Nxumalo thanked the Minister for visiting the chancery and counseling the staff.

The Minister returned to Zambia on Wednesday evening after attending the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, which he described as successful.
He said Commonwealth Ministers had useful engagements especially that they have not been able to meet in the last two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said climate change was one of the issues covered during deliberations at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

“Most of us from the global south have been calling for the release of the adaptation funds to countries like ours that need them. Zambia is a classic case. Even as I speak right now, we’ve had a lot of floods in different parts of the country in unprecedented levels, so we need innovation,” he said.
Hon. Kakubo said the Commonwealth Ministers also discussed issues of innovation to ensure that away from disasters, more trade among Member States was fostered.

He said the status of trade among Commonwealth countries was uneven and therefore needed more innovation to ensure that there was bigger participation.
Hon. Kakubo also said security in the Commonwealth was paramount.

“Without peace as a prerequisite, you can’t do trade, you can’t do any transactions you can’t do business – it’s difficult and also that’s why when there is instability you find that funds that are meant to help countries are taken to towards the demand for enhanced security,” he explained.

“It was a fruitful meeting, what now remains is that we must implement especially issues that were previously agreed in COP 27. As we go towards the end of February, we must be able to tick some boxes before COP 28 as to what has been achieved.”

Hon. Kakubo said the over 50 members of the Commonwealth had influence to push the global community to make good of the commitments that were made at COP 27.

Indeni Energy Company to Commence Refining Operations After Receiving Commingled Feedstock from Pipeline

Chief Editor
-
11
Indeni Energy Company to Commence Refining Operations After Receiving Commingled Feedstock from Pipeline

Indeni Energy Company to commence refining operations following the receipt of commingled feedstock from the pipeline, according to Energy Minister Peter Kapala. The refinery, which has been non-operational for nearly two years, has received and stored the entire quality of commingled feedstock from the pipeline. Both Indeni and Tazama tanks have received roughly 94,000 cubic meters of the feedstock. The maintenance exercise was completed by Indeni Energy on March 17, 2023, in preparation for the commencement of operations.

Last week, the Minister announced that the conversion process of the Tazama pipeline is almost complete, with 90% of all works scheduled for completion by March 18, 2023. All crude oil stored in the pipeline since Indeni Refinery was shut down by the PF government in April 2021 has been removed, stored, and is ready to be refined. The Indeni plant is scheduled to process the commingled feedstock by March 18, 2023, with funds raised to pay for pipeline cleaning and conversion costs, debts owed by Tazama Pipeline Limited, and operations and maintenance costs.

The pipeline will be used to pump diesel from Dar es Salaam to Ndola using the older and smaller pipe, while the newer, bigger-gauge pipe will transport finished products to the Mpika terminal. The Zambian government plans to expand storage facilities and increase the number of pumping and loading gantries at Mpika to improve transportation efficiency. Diesel offloaded at Ndola and Mpika will be transported to other parts of Zambia using Zambian tankers only.

The operationalization of Tazama Pipeline to carry finished products is expected to lower the pump price of diesel by reducing transportation costs. The government is also looking to reduce the pump prices of both petrol and diesel by introducing bulk purchases of petroleum products. Under this plan, oil marketing companies will pool resources to order at a known price negotiated by the government. At present, procurement is fragmented and not helpful to the consumer.

Exif_JPEG_420

Government hands over Kanongesha min-hospital in Mwinilunga

Chief Editor
-
2
Government hands over Kanongesha min-hospital in Mwinilunga

Senior Chief Kanongesha, caretaker of the Lunda people in Mwinilunga district in North-western Province, has thanked government for the massive development achieved so far since coming into power.

Speaking at the handover of the Kanongesha mini-hospital, the traditional leader said the new mini-hospital is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to providing quality services to all citizens.

Senior chief Kanongesha said the mini-hospital has come at a good time as people in the chiefdom used to travel 65km to access medical services.

He said government has developed his chiefdom by building clinics and schools among other achievements.

The traditional leader said the mini-hospital has been equipped with all necessary equipment but asked the Ministry of Health to send a doctor to the facility.

“As a chiefdom, we are very delighted to the new dawn government for giving us this mini-hospital. This hospital will help our chiefdom. People used to move from here to the boma (Mwinilunga) to access medical services,” he said.

The traditional leader said many lives have been lost due to the long distance they used to cover to reach the Mwinilunga town.

Senior chief Kanongesha said the mini-hospital in his area will help end issues of maternal deaths.

Meanwhile, North-western Province Permanent Secretary, Glandson Katambi, said the Kanongesha mini-hospital will reduce the distance to the first level hospital services in Mwinilunga.

Colonel Katambi said new health facility will contribute to the achievement of the health sector mission which is to provide equitable access to quality health care services to the people of Zambia.

He said the government has prioritised health and is committed to the attainment of Vision 2030 of making Zambia a nation of healthy and productive people.

He further said government alone cannot attain this vision hence the need to work with other stakeholders such as traditional leaders and the community in the health sector.

“I am delighted that Mwinilunga has continued to reduce the number of maternal deaths due to the availability of the skilled staff in the health facilities which government employed last year,” he said.

Col Katambi said government is mobilising resources to improve the availability of ambulances for referring patients to the next level of health care.

He has since thanked the community and health workers for complementing government efforts in improving the provision of quality health care services to the people

Lufwanyama emerald mining sector happy with President Hichilema

Chief Editor
-
3
Lufwanyama emerald mining sector happy with President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent visit to the Copperbelt Province has cheered stakeholders in the emerald mining sector.

Emerald Production Watch of Zambia (EPWZ) President, Musa Kafimbwa, told the media in an interview that during his visit, the Head of State promised to revamp Lufwanyama’s mining sector by sending more investors to the area.

“The pronouncement has rekindled our hope and many small scale miners in the district,” said Mr Kafimbwa.

Mr Kafimbwa said encouraging more investors to do business in Lufwanyama will no doubt resuscitate many small scale miners who have failed to develop their companies due to lack of financial capacity.

He said the move is also likely to boost the production of emerald and increase the country’s revenue base.

Mr Kafimbwa has since called for patience among small scale miners as they wait for the due process to be concluded by the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Emerald and Semi-precious Stones Minerals Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) President, Victor Kalesha, said President Hichilema’s pronouncements have met many people’s aspirations in the emerald sector.

“The Republican President’s initiative will not only improve emerald production but create job opportunities for the youths in the area as well,” he said.

Mr Kalesha commended the Head of State for taking a bold and firm stance to urge the giant mining companies to give priority to the local people for job opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr Kalesha also called on all key stakeholders to implement the President’s call with a sense of urgency.

He further appealed to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to consider engaging all relevant institutions when implementing such issues.

On Thursday last week, President Hichilema promised the people of Lufwanyama that government will look for investors to partner with many mining license holders.

The Head of State also assured Lufwanyama residents that he will soon engage the mining companies operating in the district to ensure that they start prioritising local people when employing.

Education, digital skills, resources will make women success-Mubanga

Chief Editor
-
1
Education, digital skills, resources will make women success-Mubanga

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga, has underscored the governments committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and ‘small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing access to education, digital skills and resources.

Mr Mubanga said providing access to education, digital skills and resources will help women and SMEs succeed in the dynamic and ever-evolving economy.

He was speaking during the Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Women in Business event in Lusaka yesterday.

Mr Mubanga said such initiatives will provide a platform for women in business to gain access to digital skills and grow their business.

“Government’s efforts will help ensure that women have the tools and skills to succeed and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity,” he said.

Mr Mubanga added that government has exploited various trade opportunities available in major markets for women in business and SMEs.

“Government is exploiting the various trade opportunities available in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Continental Free Trade Area, the European Union (EU), and China, among others,” he said.

And MTN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nchimunya Hachandi, said SMEs and women in business are the backbone of the nation as they are currently responsible for 60 percent of job creation in Zambia.

“We recognise women in business because through your creativity and hard work, you have been instrumental in driving the economy. Your efforts have not only created jobs but business prospects in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, MTN General Manager, Mildred Chica, said the company is committed to providing women in business with the expertise needed for the growth of their businesses.

Centre for Policy Dialogue urges Zambians to uphold democracy

Chief Editor
-
1
Centre for Policy Dialogue urges Zambians to uphold democracy

Centre for Policy Dialogue Executive Director, Caroline Katotobwe, has urged Zambians not to take lightly the forthcoming second summit for democracy which will take place on 29 and 30 March 2023.

Ms Katotobwe said the summit is an important event which should be embraced and appreciated by all Zambians.

She said over the years, Zambia has enjoyed peaceful and successful transition of government without violence or anarchy.

“As Zambia prepares to co-host the second summit for democracy scheduled to take place on the 29th and 30th March 2023, it is important to appreciate the significance of this role as a people and not to take it lightly,” she said.

Ms Katotobwe explained that Zambia has become an admirable beacon of how democracy can be a model of promoting peace, good governance, rule of law and human rights.

“A shining example of how democracy, if harnessed, can create an environment that supports co-existence anchored on mutual respect for human rights and freedoms of the people,” she said.

She has since called for harnessing of the gains the country has attained in the development of democracy so far.

Ms Katotobwe further said Zambia has shown that democracy can be used as a vehicle to champion good governance.

She said the benefits of democracy outweigh authoritarianism.

“Despite being a young democracy, our nation has proven that democracy is a workable model of governance whose benefits far outweigh any negative aspects as may be argued by some critics,” Ms Katotobwe said.

She has however called for the safeguarding of democracy as it has come under threat.

“However, there’s need for us to take lessons from the United States of America, one of the world’s oldest democracies, that if not carefully safe-guarded, democracy is highly under threat as was seen during the US insurgency on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021,” she said.

She said the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a think tank rooted in good governance and democracy, appreciate the summit and its key role in ensuring that democracy is not only harnessed and enhanced but protected from the ever-present threats in our country, on the African continent and the world in general.

16 houses collapse after heavy rains in Kabompo

Chief Editor
-
4
16 houses collapse after heavy rains in Kabompo

Several houses in Kamafwafwa ward of Kabompo district in North western province have collapsed after a heavy downpour.

Kabompo District Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee Chairperson, Hubert Chinyanga, said over 16 houses in Kambole village of senior chief Sikufele’s chiefdom have been submerged in water, leaving the families in the cold.

Mr Chinyanga, who is also Kabompo District Commissioner, encouraged the affected families not to construct houses in water logged areas such as the ones affected.

He said Kabompo had vast highlands which are not occupied.

He was speaking in Kabompo yesterday when he visited some of the affected households.

“It is very unfortunate that some of the houses have collapsed but we will keep mentioning that people should not construct houses in water logged lands but should consider moving to uplands and leave the current land for cultivation purposes. We also thank God that luckily, no life has been lost in the incidents,’’ Mr Chinyanga said.

He further stated that people should also construct permanent structures which cannot be easily affected by water as the effects of climate change are visible and will always affect weak structures.

He added that the government, through Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee (DMMC), will however work hard to assist the affected households by giving them tents as they reconstruct their structures.

And speaking in a separate interview, 79-year-old Moses Chikaya, who is one of the flood victims, thanked the government for providing him with a tent.

Mr Chikaya said the assistance will cushion the challenges which his household of six is facing.

He said it will enable his family members to sleep in a dry and warm shelter as they reconstruct their house.

Mr Chikaya said he has lived in Kambole village for decades and had never experienced such a disaster.

He now believes that climate change is real thus, he will consider moving to an upper land where he will construct a permanent structure.

‘’We are thankful for the government’s assistance of the tent and we will consider moving to upper land as we now believe that climate change is real and has also affected us in Kabompo.

Meanwhile, Fred Kaivwa, who is headman Kaivwa in the same area, stressed the need to continuously sensitise his subjects that settled in water logged areas of Kamafwafwa ward to move as the government will not manage to always help them.

He however thanked the District Commissioner for promptly visiting the affected households to offer comfort and solidarity.

Government working with church to better citizens’ welfare-Kalunga

Chief Editor
-
2
Government working with church to better citizens’ welfare-Kalunga

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Kalunga, says government will continue to work with the church in improving the welfare of citizens in the country.

Mr Kalunga says government will do so through providing opportunities to citizens, especially the young people.

He says young people in the church should form cooperatives in order for them to access some of the empowerment programmes that the government is providing.

Mr Kalunga said this when he officiated at the enrollment service for the Boys Brigade Company at St. Mathews’ United Church of Zambia (UCZ) congregation in Lusaka today.

He further said government will remain committed to providing opportunities for the boy child in order for them to realise their dreams.

And St. Matthews’ UCZ Olympia Congregation Reverend, Aaron Simukonda, said there is need to empower and protect the boy child as he too is in danger just like the girl child.

Rev. Simukonda observed that the boy child needs to be protected from bad vices such as sodomy, which is on the rise in the country.

He also encouraged parents to inculcate good morals and values in their children so that they can grow up in the fear of the God.

Church pulpit should never be used to settle political scores, says Special Assistant to the President for Politics

Chief Editor
-
11
Church pulpit should never be used to settle political scores, says Special Assistant to the President for Politics

Special Assistant to the President for Politics, Levy Ngoma, says the church pulpit should never be used to settle political scores but to preach peace, love and reconciliation for the country to move forward.

Mr Ngoma said President Hakainde Hichilema wants the church to remain an independent body of Christ that can perform its role of upholding good morals, values and preaching unity in society.

Speaking at Gilgal Missions Centre in Lusaka where he congregated today, Mr Ngoma reiterated government’s position not to stand in the way of the church as it continues to voice out for the oppressed and vulnerable people in communities.

He explained that government considers the church as a partner in development thus, it should continue praying for the leadership as it works towards turning the fortunes of the country.

He said regardless of the challenges faced by Zambia, President Hichilema is committed to delivering development methodically and meticulously, with the support and patience from the church and its people.

Mr Ngoma further noted that President Hichilema remains grateful to the church and is open to feed from the fountain of wisdom.

“We must, as citizens stand together and fight the evil talk of tribalism in our country because this vice has no place and should not be entertained even for generations to come,” Mr Ngoma stated.

He reaffirmed the President’s position not to support homosexual practices and gay rights in Zambia.

And Mr Ngoma has commended Gilgal Missions Centre Leader, Joston Chama, for the humility he exhibited when he provided counsel to President Hichilema in 2016.

Meanwhile, Mr Ngoma has urged the church and its members to participate in the different empowerment programmes being offered by the government.

He said the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), social cash transfer for the vulnerable, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) loans and the market booster loans are there to benefit various the Zambian people.

And Gilgal Missions Centre Leader, Joston Chama, said the church is committed to supporting Godly governance principles through mentorship.

Bishop Chama however stated that the government should be open to criticism which is done with due respect to its leaders and those that aspire to lead in the future.

He noted that the church wants the government to lead through Christian values if the country is to be successfully governed.

He has since urged politicians to remember that they too, have a life aside from being politically aligned, hence their present actions should be good as they will determine their future especially when they leave office.

Bishop Chama also told the youths to know that success is assured as long as they follow the right principles.

Zambia Must Protect its Democratic Values: Ambassador Mwamba Urges Ahead of Summit for Democracy

Chief Editor
-
13
Zambia Must Protect its Democratic Values: Ambassador Mwamba Urges Ahead of Summit for Democracy

Zambia is set to co-host the second Summit for Democracy with the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and South Korea on 29th and 30th March 2023. The virtual summit will attract the participation of over 100 countries, with the involvement of civil society and the private sector.

Ahead of the summit, Former Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, has expressed his concerns ahead of the upcoming Summit for Democracy that the United States is co-hosting with Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Zambia. The virtual summit will attract the participation of over 100 countries, and Zambia will play host to the event by inviting guests to the hybrid meetings. Civil society and private sector will also have sideline meetings and will discuss a prepared document, “Call to Action, a call to Civil Society and Private Sector to advance Democracy.”

In a recent interview, Amb. Mwamba shared his concerns regarding the USA’s foreign policies, especially President Biden’s perspective on foreign relations, which he believes promotes, among other policies, a push to mainstream and place at the center LGBTQ+ rights in foreign relations and foreign assistance. On 5th February 2021, President Biden signed a foreign policy memo putting the U.S. at the ‘forefront’ of global LGBTQ+ rights. The Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World directs American agencies operating abroad “to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons.”

Amb. Mwamba expressed concern that as Zambia hosts this Summit and receives the USA Vice President, Kamala Harris, it’s imperative that the country does not compromise its cherished national principles and values. “It’s essential that we maintain our cultural and traditional values as we interact with the international community. We need to make sure that we are not being forced to do things that are against our values,” he said. He has called on Zambians to take an interest in the Summit and ensure that only the good values of the country are promoted and protected.

On the other hand, the Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe, believes that the co-hosting of the second Summit for Democracy, slated for 29th and 30th March 2023, is essential to the development of democracy in Zambia. Mr. Haimbe emphasized that the summit would consolidate the efforts the government is making to ensure that it entrenches the tenets of democracy.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has made great strides in entrenching democratic tenets such as the rule of law and constitutionalism,” he said in a recent interview. Mr. Haimbe revealed that Zambia was selected to co-host the Summit for Democracy based on the good governance that the country has continued to enjoy. “Zambia has been a beacon of democracy, as evidenced by the peaceful transition of power from one ruling political party to a new one after democratic elections,” he said. Zambia has enjoyed peaceful changes of governments over a long period that spans over decades.

“The observance of constitutionalism and the rule of law has significantly contributed to the deepening of the democratic process,” Mr. Haimbe added. “Under the leadership of the new dawn, the entrenching of democratic tenets and the manner we relate as a nation and govern the affairs of the country is gratifying.”

Mr. Haimbe also emphasized that democracy is under threat across the world. “The hosting of the second Summit for Democracy will help to promote and restore the ideals of democracy,” he said. “Many would not have realized that democracy across the world is under threat, and it’s key for Zambia to take up this role because we are leading globally to try to bring back democracy.”

Civil Society Calls on Government to Expedite Konkola Copper Mines Takeover and Prioritize Worker Conditions

Chief Editor
-
3
Civil Society Calls on Government to Expedite Konkola Copper Mines Takeover and Prioritize Worker Conditions

Civil society organizations are urging the government to announce who will take over the operations of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) by the end of March, as previously promised. The Zambians for Unity, Peace and Development (ZUPED) President, Ronnie Jere, is calling on the government to resolve the issues surrounding KCM and expedite the opening of Mopani Copper Mines to create more job opportunities for the people of Zambia.

Jere believes that Vedanta is still the best option to take over the operations at KCM and is hopeful that negotiations between the government and Vedanta are going well, leading to an amicable solution before the end of the month. He commended the government for unlocking the mines on the Copperbelt, including the recent opening of Mimbula mine by President Hakainde Hichilema, which is creating around 900 jobs for the local people.

However, Jere reminds the government to prioritize the working conditions of workers, stating: “We are happy that the government is opening up the mining sector and unlocking other mines. But we need to remember that the workers are the backbone of the industry. So as we unlock the mining sector, we must ensure that the working conditions of the workers are taken care of.”

The Copperbelt Civil Society Mining Consultative Forum is also urging the government to make decisions on matters affecting the mining sector, particularly Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines. The forum is disappointed that President Hakainde Hichilema did not interact with civil society organizations during his two visits to the Copperbelt province.

The Forum Chairperson, Gerald Mutelo, says: “We are challenging the government through the president to ensure that this week-long visit to the province culminates in decisions on matters affecting the mining sector.” The forum believes that while the Mopani Copper Mines issue is being handled professionally, it must be expedited with extra precaution measures required during negotiations to ensure that the government returns not less than 50% shares to maintain decision-making power.

Mutelo emphasizes the need to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining before giving licenses to Zambians, stating that taxes and dividends are not enough to steer the development required in the province. He believes that there is adequate human and financial capital available to manage the mines through the government.

The Copperbelt Civil Society Mining Consultative Forum comprises various organizations, including Democratic Governance & Human Rights Advocates-DEGHA, Southern Africa Resource Watch-SARW, Catholic Diocese of Ndola-Caritas Ndola, Emerald and Semi-Precious Minerals Association Of Zambia-ESMAZ, and Citizens For Transformation Network-CTN.

The Zambian civil society organizations are calling on the government to prioritize the working conditions of workers, resolve the issues surrounding KCM and expedite the opening of Mopani Copper Mines, and make decisions on matters affecting the mining sector.

NATO Uses ICC to Target Putin for War Crimes, African Leaders Beware

Chief Editor
-
22
NATO Uses ICC to Target Putin for War Crimes, African Leaders Beware

By Peter Sinkamba

International Criminal Court (ICC), on instructions by NATO Allies has issued an international arrest warrant for President Putin, allegedly for committing war crimes in Ukraine.

ICC strategy comes into picture after a Russian jet grounded a US drone close to the Russian border. Clearly, NATO has realised that Putin is a no nonsense man ready to hit anyone playing with fire, including the U.S.

Scared to directly take on Russia after grounding the drone, the U.S. wants a surrogate country to suffer the Ukraine consequences that have befallen Ukraine.

The ICC & the U.S. know too well that even if Putin were to land on the U.S. soil, no one will arrest him simply because they are not members of the ICC, and there lack jurisdiction to effect an arrest warrant.

When ICC tried years ago to issue arrest warrants against the U.S. citizens, then U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened two staff members of the ICC. He called them out by name, claimed they were putting Americans at risk, and intimated that the US could act against them, as well as other ICC personnel and their families.

ICC judges had authorized the court’s prosecutor to open an investigation into grave crimes committed in connection with the conflict in Afghanistan. The US government has threatened to take action in an effort to scare the court away from an investigation.

The US revoked the ICC prosecutor’s entry visa – an extraordinary measure usually reserved for the worst human rights violators, not those seeking to bring them to justice. Pompeo, at the time he announced the visa policy, said the US could use economic sanctions if the ICC moved forward with investigations of US nationals. Immediately after the March 5 decision, he disparaged the court. The ensuing comments against the IC staffers were even more pointed.

Sanctions were imposed against ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, and another senior prosecution official, Phakiso Mochochoko. In addition, Pompeo announced that the United States had restricted the issuance of visas for certain unnamed individuals “involved in the ICC’s efforts to investigate US personnel.”
The executive order declared a national emergency and authorized asset freezes and family entry bans against ICC officials who were identified as being involved in certain activities. Earlier, the Trump administration had repeatedly threatened action to thwart ICC investigations in Afghanistan and Palestine. In a precursor step, in 2019, the Trump administration revoked the prosecutor’s US visa.

Only a foolish country’s leadership will fall into a trap to arrest Putin on instructions from ICC as such a country would end up in ruins while the U.S. and its NATO allies watch from afar.

If NATO really has guts, let them go for Putin right now in Moscow since they know where he is. But won’t do it because they don’t want to get their countries ruined and and the general populace killed, for nothing.

Forest Africa extols World Bank, government for support in promoting locally produced goods

Chief Editor
-
0
Forest Africa extols World Bank, government for support in promoting locally produced goods

Forest Africa, a company that is adding value to indigenous wild fruits, has thanked the World Bank and the Zambian government for their continued efforts in promoting value addition to locally produced products.

Forest Africa Director, Frazer Handoondo, said the initiative by government and its cooperating partners such as the World Bank to support programmes targeted at the promotion of value addition, has helped in creating alternative livelihoods for many vulnerable people in communities.

Mr Handoondo, who benefited over US$47,000 from the World Bank through the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP), has however expressed concern with the continued rise in poverty levels in the country despite having abundant natural resources.

“I want to thank ZATP and the World Bank for your support to ensure that issues of value chain promotion are made to be on top of the development agenda. This will surely address the high poverty levels in the country because there is no need for us to be poor amid abundant natural resources,” he said.

Mr Handoondo explained that his company, which started in 2017, embarked on adding value to indigenous wild fruits such as the baobab and other fruits and make a wide range of product such as milk, oil, drinks, wine and brickets after realising the lack of value addition on local fruits.

He noted that through this initiative, more than 120 households have been engaged as fruit collectors to supply the role materials for production thereby generating income for themselves.

He added that this has also helped in creating resilience among rural communities, making them not to only depend on farming as a livelihood but to also engage in other income generating activities.

And the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP) Manager, Golden Makayi, reaffirmed his organisation’s continued support to contributing to the country’s development agenda.

Mr Makayi said ZATP using its US$40 million funding from the World Bank and an additional US$7 million from private funders, the project has supported more than 180 productive alliances with 98,000 direct beneficiaries in agriculture value chain and cooperatives in five provinces of the country.

He noted that the aim of the project is to create market linkages and firm growth for famers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by supporting value addition to locally produced products.

“We are in to the business of increasing market linkages and supporting the growth of the SME sector and our farmers with a bias towards value addition to the various products that we produce and have as a country,” he stated.

Meanwhile, visiting World Bank Executive Director from the Africa Group One Office, Floribert Ngaruko, advised local business people to embrace value addition for sustainable development.

Professor Ngaruko said there will be demand for local products and market creation for many people if they participate in increased value chain promotion.

Measles cases rise in Chinsali

Chief Editor
-
0
Measles cases rise in Chinsali

The number of confirmed cases of measles in Chinsali district has risen to 23 cases in the last of 24 hours. Chinsali district recorded its first three cases of measles on March 13, 2023.

District Health Director in charge of Technical Services, Kennedy Kabuswe, has confirmed the increase in the number of cases of measles to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali.

And speaking during the District Epidemic Preparedness meeting, Dr. Kabuswe said Chinsali district hospital has created an isolation ward within the institution premises where the first two affected babies were admitted and are responding well.

He said as a measure to reduce infection, the hospital management has also reduced the visiting hours and restricted entry into the wards.

Meanwhile, Chinsali Municipal Council Director Public Health, Abwino Banda, urged the general public to abide by the instructions being given by health experts if the virus has to be contained.

And District Nursing Officer In-charge of Mother and Child Health, Patrick Mwiya, said the district emergency response team will continue conducting measles vaccinations to eligible age groups of nine to 18 months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.

Mr Mwiya has since appealed to mothers whose children missed the nine months vaccine to visit the nearest health facility.

“Our concern is those children who missed the vaccines due to various myths are more at risk and if we miss them again, chances are high that they might die once they get infected,” he said.

Measles has broken out in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province with 23 confirmed cases.

Kazungula resident protest against council over land for plots

Chief Editor
-
2
Kazungula resident protest against council over land for plots

Residents of Kazungula border township area yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the persisted land wrangles involving the Kazungula Town Council and the affected nine villages.

The local people, who disputed the recent Court of Appeal’s ruling in favour of the local authority, matched from Four Ways area to the Kazungula Civic Center where they expected to be addressed by the Council Secretary, Jemie Mukwato, and District Commissioner Elias Siamibila.

However, both Mr Mukwato and Mr Siamibila were not available at the time.

But Kazala village senior headman, Kabanga Kabanga, addressing the protestors and expressed concern over lack of dialogue between his people and those in authority at district level concerning the challenges.

Mr Kabanga described the behaviour of the officials as uncalled for alleging that this shows that the local people have no representation at any level of leadership.

“It is unfortunate that all the senior government officers from the local authority are not present here at their offices. This is despite having notified them with letters over this intended protest,” Mr Kabanga said.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabanga asked the District Commissioner to negotiate with the Kazungula Town Council Secretary, Jemie Mukwato, on best possible ways of handling the land wrangles.

And Mwiya village headman, Musiya Mwiya, implored the local authorities not to disturb villagers who have been occupying the land in question since time immemorial.

Mr Mwiya said the council should concentrate on the northern part of Kazungula-Sesheke road and demarcate residential and commercial plots for sale instead of accusing local people of encroaching in the traditional land.

At the same occasion, Kazala village secretary, Shadreck Sitali, asked the Kazungula Town Council not to interfere with other service providers such as ZESCO and Southern Water and Sewerage Company (SWSC) that provide services closer to the people.

“I am aware that the council people have written to ZESCO and SWSC not to take development to the affected villages. This is retarding social and economic development in Kazungula,” Mr Sitali complained.

He stressed the need for public institutions to provide social services where people are residing.

Recently, the Kazungula Town Council made an announcement that starting from March 14, 2023, the department of planning would embark on plot verification exercise and appealed to the local people within the border catchment area to cooperate during the exercise.

1...358359360...5,645Page 359 of 5,645

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times