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Fred M’membe Criticizes US Democracy Conference in Zambia, Calls for Focus on Ending Conflict in Ukraine

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Fred M’membe Criticizes US Democracy Conference in Zambia, Calls for Focus on Ending Conflict in Ukraine

Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe has issued a scathing statement criticizing the upcoming Democracy Conference in Zambia, which is being hosted by the United States at the end of this month. M’membe argues that the US has no right to lecture other countries on democracy given its history of interfering in other nations’ affairs and rigging elections.

“The United States will hold its so-called Democracy Conference in Zambia at the end of this month. But what for? What can the United States, a country that that has initiated so many coups in Africa and other parts of the world, killed so many of our leaders and helped rig elections in many countries, teach us about democracy and elections? Its own elections are being disputed!” M’membe said in the statement.

M’membe also argues that the conflict in Ukraine has exposed the hypocrisy of the West, which is quick to condemn Russia’s actions while ignoring its own “more devastating crimes” in places like Vietnam, Grenada, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. He also notes the West’s support for Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and the Golan Heights and its brutal blockade of Gaza.

“Those who are also aware that the United States has manipulated Ukrainian domestic politics since it promoted regime change in 2014 to antagonize Russia, will not be surprised that those who claim to defend freedom are being questioned by an increasingly cynical public suspicious of their own governments’ motives. Anti-war rallies have just begun in Europe and are likely to spread around the world,” M’membe said.

M’membe also calls for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and for the US to stop manipulating Ukrainian politics to antagonize Russia. “Let them leave us alone and focus on ending the conflict they provoked and are fuelling in Ukraine. And clearly, whatever they say, whatever they do, Ukraine is heading for military defeat and will never be the same. The contortions that will be needed to explain Ukraine’s impending defeat will be something to behold,” he said.

M’membe’s statement has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising him for speaking out against Western hypocrisy and interference in other countries’ affairs, while others criticize him for downplaying Russia’s role in the conflict in Ukraine and for ignoring the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

“I completely agree with M’membe. The United States has no right to lecture other countries on democracy when they have a history of interfering in other nations’ affairs and rigging elections. The Democracy Conference in Zambia is a farce,” said one Zambian citizen.

However, others disagreed with M’membe’s statement, arguing that it ignores the suffering of the Ukrainian people and downplays Russia’s role in the conflict.

“Russia has invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea. The conflict in Ukraine is not just a result of US interference, it’s a result of Russian aggression. M’membe’s statement completely ignores the suffering of the Ukrainian people,” said a Ukrainian citizen.

The Democracy Conference in Zambia is expected to go ahead as planned, with representatives from various countries expected to attend.

Public Protector Zambia calls for establishment of more Mental Hospitals to decongest Chainama

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Public Protector Zambia calls for establishment of more Mental Hospitals to decongest Chainama

The Public Protector Zambia has called upon government to establish more mental hospitals across the country to decongestant Chainama Mental Hospital.

Public Protector Caroline Sokoni said this in a speech read on her behalf by Public Protector Chief administrator Kebby Hakalima when they conducted a cleaning exercise at the hospital as part of commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day.

Ms. Sokoni noted that women are at risk of being exposed to mental breakdown due to factors such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse and harsh economic challenges.

She has called upon cooperating partners to come on board in helping Chainama Mental Hospital address the challenges it is facing in order for the hospital to offer quality mental health services to the members of the public.

Chainama Mental Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Margaret Chibowa thanked the Office of the Public Protector for taking a lead in recognizing the critical role the hospital plays in offering mental health services.

Dr. Chibowa said that the infrastructure at the hospital requires urgent modernisation as it has not had a facelift since its establishment.

“The hospital has also seen an increase in the number of activities in its premises such as establishment of a university which has put pressure on the water reticulation and sewer system,” Dr. Chibowa said.

She said Chainama Hospital was established in 1962 to carter for only 500 patients but that the population has since increased to above 15,000.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sokoni expressed concern at the discrimination people with disabilities face when accessing services from public institutions.

She had since urged public institutions and officials to be inclusive and offer quality services to members of the public regardless of their status.

“The institution stands ready to move in and deal with any public official or institution that engages in any form of maladministration such as discrimination in line with the law which mandates the office of the public protector to offer added protection to vulnerable groups in society such as women, children and people with disabilities,” she warned.

The Public Protector office also conducted awareness programmes to sensitise members of staff at the hospital on issues relating to maladministration in public service delivery.

CSO Debt Alliance Expresses Concerns Over Delay in Zambia’s Debt Restructuring Process and its Implications on IMF Extended Credit Facility Program

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CSO Debt Alliance Expresses Concerns Over Delay in Zambia’s Debt Restructuring Process and its Implications on IMF Extended Credit Facility Program

The continued protraction of Zambia’s debt treatment process could have significant implications on the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended credit facility program, warned the CSO Debt Alliance in a press statement released on March 9th, 2023.

Zambia has been optimistic about getting debt restructuring under the G20 common framework in the last few months, but the process has proven to be complex and has since been delayed for almost 18 months, despite the country getting on an IMF program in September 2022. The sovereign debt round table discussions, co-chaired by the IMF and the World Bank, and joined by creditors from the Paris Club and the private sector, were expected to resolve the issue.

“The failure to reach an agreement on these issues further prolongs Zambia’s already protracted debt restructuring process. This may have several implications on the success of the IMF extended credit facility program for Zambia and its economic recovery paths,” said Mr. Peter Mumba, CSO Debt Alliance Coordinator.

Zambia’s entire IMF extended credit facility program was designed on the premise that the country would have its debt restructured as a requisite to achieving the objectives of the government’s economic reform agenda whilst helping to restore macroeconomic stability. The current suspension on debt servicing is not a lasting solution. Therefore, if Zambia’s debt is not restructured, it is likely that the country will continue to struggle with servicing its debt, which would pose several challenges when it comes to budget implementation and ultimately the economic reforms needed to stabilize the economy.

“Further delays in this process will compromise the efficacy of the country’s IMF program and deter its path to economic recovery. As such, there is a need for the government to devise a plan of action that will aid the country in the event debt treatment negotiations under the common framework do not materialize during the expected period,” added Mr. Mumba.

The prolonged negotiations can adversely affect key macroeconomic variables, depreciating the kwacha against major global currencies like the United States Dollar (US$), which has fallen from about K15.8/US$ in September 2022 to trade at K20.1/US$ as of March 2023. This can have a negative impact on investment as investors may become hesitant to invest in the country, leading to reduced economic activity and slower growth. For an import-dominant country like Zambia, this can also exert upward pressure on both the cost of living and that of doing business.

“There is a need to swiftly resolve the various challenges that are causing rigidities in the G20 common framework to make debt restructuring negotiations easier for requesting countries such as Zambia,” added Mr. Mumba.

The CSO Debt Alliance urged the government to remain committed to implementing the various economic and structural reforms contained in the IMF program, as they are key in driving the economy back to recovery. The government should also continue building strong bilateral relations while upholding transparency with all its creditors to avoid falling into the trap of uneven treatment of creditors, which can further complicate debt restructuring negotiations.

The statement concluded that the CSO Debt Alliance is cognizant of the various complexities accompanying the debt treatment process both under the G20 common framework and outside the framework. However, further delays in this process will compromise the efficacy of the country’s IMF program and deter its path to economic recovery.

Vladimir Putin’s Enablers and Cheerleaders

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Vladimir Putin’s Enablers and Cheerleaders

By Henry Kyambalesa

“BRICS” is an acronym for “Brazil,” “Russia,” “India,” “China,” and “South Africa.” It is an inter-governmental organization (IGO) founded by Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, and was established on June 16, 2009 after a series of meetings by top “BRIC” government leaders before South Africa (represented by the “S” in “BRICS”) joined the IGO in 2010.

The IGO’s purposes and aspirations include pursuing cooperative endeavours in such spheres as trade, investment, banking, security, and infrastructure development, among other matters.

The remainder of this article is devoted to a survey of the following themes:

(a) The role of a multi-party system of governance in mitigating the potential for political leaders to abuse the power they wield;

(b) The role political leaders in democratic countries can play in mitigating the potential for autocrats to pursue unilateral and implacable causes of action;

(c) The role citizens can individually and collectively play in taming the wild and wicked instincts of political leaders; and

(d) Unconditional adoption of the Principles of the United Nations (UN) by sovereign nations and political leaders worldwide.

1. Multi-Party Politics. In the 21st Century, the need for each and every sovereign nation-state worldwide to create and/or earnestly embrace an electoral system that provides for multi-party politics cannot perhaps be overemphasized. In the absence of multi-party politics, it would be folly for any given country to claim to have a genuine democratic system of government.

Countries which have single-party political systems of government, for example, can generally be said to be dictatorships. And countries which have two political parties can be said to be pseudo democracies. This includes the United States of America, which elects the President on the basis of the results of the Electoral College[5] rather than on the basis of the popular vote that would directly bestow the presidency upon the candidate who would secure at least 51% of votes cast during any given national election.

(The term “Electoral College” refers to a body or group of 538 people or electors provided for in the U.S Constitution and that is tasked with the responsibility for electing the country’s president and vice president. The 538 electoral votes represent the 435 Congregational Representatives from the country’s 50 States, 100 Senators elected from the country’s 50 States, and 3 electors given to the District of Columbia.)

2. Leaders in Democratic Nations. Executive presidents and prime ministers in democratic countries need to refrain from making unilateral declarations of disputed lands or territories as belonging to one country or another in order to dissuade autocrats from mimicking them. Former U.S. president, Mr. Donald J. Trump, for example, should have refrained from making the following declarations:

(a) In December 2017, he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel rather than Tel Aviv, the country’s capital, and moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, despite the international community viewing East Jerusalem as under Israeli military occupation. And

(b) On March 25, 2019, he recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel through a presidential proclamation. The proclamation made the U.S. the first country to recognize Israeli rather than Syrian sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967.

Executive presidents and prime ministers in democratic countries also need to guard against the temptation of unilaterally withdrawing their countries from multilateral institutions, agencies or treaties in order to foster the need for citizen participation in governmental decision making either indirectly through their representatives in the legislature or, preferably, directly through referendums.

Mr. Donald J. Trump, again, should have refrained from making such decisions and declarations as the following:

(a) In June 2017, he announced his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement;

(b) In June 2018, his administration withdrew the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council;

(c) In October 2018, his administration withdrew the U.S. from the International Court of Justice (ICJ); and

(d) In July 2020, his administration officially notified UN Secretary-General of its intention to withdraw from UN World Health Organization (WHO) membership.

Since there was no widespread uproar or condemnation of any of the foregoing decisions and proclamations, Russia’s Vladimir Putin must have used Mr. Trump’s playbook to recognize, on February 21, 2022, two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine—that is, the “Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic—as independent and sovereign nations.

3. Role of the Citizenry. A country’s citizens can also play a vital role in the process of creating a peaceful and stable socioeconomic setting that would have little or no potential to give the mandate to political leaders with despotic tendencies to form government. They can do so in several ways. During local and national elections, for example, they need to put personal, ethnic, and partisan interests aside and reflect more seriously on the goals political contestants promise to pursue during their terms of office if they get elected.

Also, they can, through mass demonstrations, protests and/or rallies in public squares, demand that any suggested amendments to their countries’ national Constitutions, or to the national Constitutions of other countries, should be made only through a national referendum, and after an exhaustive and broad-based debate relating to the amendments.

Moreover, a country’s citizens can, individually and collectively, advocate for reforms in the structure and modalities of governance in their home countries by participating actively in mass demonstrations, protests and/or rallies in public squares.

Besides, they can advocate for reforms in the structure and modalities of governance in other countries by locally staging mass demonstrations, protests and/or rallies in public squares.

Additionally, they can—through mass demonstrations, protests and/or rallies staged occasionally in public squares—castigate countries where the behavior, activities and/or policies of political leaders are contrary to the following ideals or elements of good governance:

(a) Transparency—Public access to information about the state, its decision-making mechanisms, and its current and contemplated projects and programs—except for state secrets and matters relating to public officials’ right to privacy;

(b) Accountability—Availability of a mechanism for ensuring that individuals are directly and fully liable for the outcomes of their decisions and actions, and the appropriation of resources assigned to them;

(c) Rule of law—The existence of non-discriminatory laws and law enforcement organs of the government that are efficient, impartial, independent, and legitimate;

(d) Citizen participation—Availability of channels and mechanisms through which the citizenry and non-governmental institutions can—directly or through representation—have an influence on governmental decision-making processes and the behavior and actions of public officials; and

(e) Constitutional provisions for, and guarantees of, freedom of expression and a free press and a multiplicity of competitive news-media outlets.

With respect to a free press and a multiplicity of competitive news-media outlets, there is a need for citizens—particularly in countries where governments have a monopoly over TV and radio operations—to implore their leaders to put an end to the situation whereby large segments of the mass media are state-owned, under tight controls by the government of the day, and the virtues of individuals’ rights and freedoms are subordinate to those of the ruling political party and the state.

4. Adoption of the Principles of the UN. National leaders need to unconditionally embrace the “Principles of the United Nations” stipulated in Article 2 of the multilateral organization’s Charter, which essentially prohibit member-countries from engaging in activities and/or covert operations against the territorial integrity or political independence of other member-countries.

Specifically, the following Principles stipulated in Article 2 of the United Nations (UN) prohibits member-countries from threatening or, except in self-defense, using force or war against other member-countries in Clauses 3 and 4:

(a) The UN is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.

(b) All Members, in order to ensure to all of them the rights and benefits resulting from membership, shall fulfill in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the present Charter.

(c) All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.

(d) All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the UN.

(e) All Members shall render assistance to the UN in any action it takes in accordance with the present Charter, and shall refrain from giving assistance to any member-country against which the UN is taking preventive or enforcement action.

(f) The United Nations shall ensure that states which are not Members of the United Nations act in accordance with these Principles so far as may be necessary for the maintenance of international peace and security.

(g) Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter Vll.

A 2023 UN Resolution:

In February 2023, owing to their multifaceted cooperation with the Russian Federation, three BRICS member-countries—that is, China, India and South Africa—abstained from supporting a UN General Assembly’s resolution requiring Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and [calling] … for a cessation of hostilities.”

Seven UN member-countries—that is, Belarus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Mali, the Russian Federation, and Syria—voted against the resolution for a diversity of reasons.

Besides, other twenty-nine UN member-countries—that is, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, and Zimbabwe—abstained from supporting the UN resolution apparently due to their over-dependence on Russian oil and/or their obligatory trade relations with the Russian Federation.

(The distribution of the UN General Assembly’s votes requiring Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and [calling] … for a cessation of hostilities” were as follows: in favor: 141 votes; against: 7 votes; and abstentions: 32 votes.)

But regardless of their different reasons for not supporting the UN resolution designed to compel Vladimir Putin to pull his country’s military forces out of Ukraine, the dissenting UN member-countries are literally Putin’s enablers and cheerleaders.

Grant Recalls Kambole

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Avram Grant has announced his list since his appointment in December with the unveiling of provisional 27-member home-based call-ups for this month’s 2023 AFCON qualifier against Lesotho.

The list is separate from the foreign-based players he has yet to name for the two dates against Lesotho on March 23 in Ndola and March 27 away match in Johannesburg.
Two-long term absentees make the list.

They are Zesco striker Lazarus Kambole who returns for the first time since 2019.

Napsa Stars midfielder Augustine Mulenga is back after over a year’s absence mostly due to injuries that coincided with international matches.

The team will go into camp this Sunday for the first leg match to be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Zambia is third in Group H on 3 points tied with Comoros and is one point behind leaders Cote d’Ivoire while Lesotho is fourth with 1 point heading in games three and four of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers this month.

TEAM
Goalkeepers: Allan Chibwe, Cyril Chibwe, Charles Kalumba, Lawrence Mulenga

Defenders: Luka Banda, Dominic Chanda, Aaron Katebe, John Chishimba, Mwila Phiri, Benedict Chepeshi, Killian Kanguluma, Shemmy Mayembe, Gift Mphande, Teddy Khumalo

Midfielders: Oliver Lumbiya, Andrew Mphande, Kelvin Kapumbu, Gideon Sichone, Joshua Mutale, Abraham Siankombo, Augustine Mulenga, Kelvin Kampamba, Charles Zulu

Strikers: Lazarous Kambole, Derrick Bulaya, Joseph Phiri, Andrew Phiri

Government releases K10.9 billion in February 2023 for budget execution

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Government releases K10.9 billion in February 2023 for budget execution

Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning has announced that K10.9 billion was released in February 2023 to fund various public service delivery programs. The funds were disbursed as follows: K3.6 billion was released for public service wage bills, K3.5 billion was spent on debt service and other liabilities, K1.5 billion was released for transfers, subsidies and social benefits, K1.7 billion was released for general operations and program implementation, and K573.5 million was spent on capital expenditure for road infrastructure.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, emphasized the importance of financial governance and efficient public resource utilization in contributing to the economic transformation and improved well-being of Zambian citizens. He also called on public institutions to communicate their program implementation milestones quarterly to the public and ensure that funds released by the Treasury are utilized efficiently and effectively.

The K1.5 billion released for transfers and subsidies was distributed to various government ministries for operations, public hospitals, and grant-aided institutions. The Youth and Women Empowerment Funds under the Constituency Development Fund received K220.8 million, while K209.9 million was allocated for the Social Cash Transfer Programme countrywide. K120.1 million was released for the operation of public universities, K111.6 million was allocated to the Local Government Equalization Fund, and K108.0 million was designated for the Food Security Pack Programme.

In addition, K573.5 million was spent on road infrastructure to ensure emergency road works are carried out, and K1.7 billion was released for general operations of government ministries, provinces, and agencies, with K436.7 million spent on medical supplies and equipment. K3.1 billion was allocated towards the payment of domestic and external debt, while K376.1 million was spent on dismantling arrears to suppliers of goods, services, and fuel.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning emphasized the need for strengthened monitoring and evaluation processes and increased stakeholder engagement on treasury information briefs to encourage public participation in monitoring and evaluating developmental programs in their localities. The government is committed to reducing the country’s indebtedness while ensuring effective public service delivery.

USA urged to stay out of Zambia’s LGBTQ issues

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USA urged to stay out of Zambia’s LGBTQ issues

The President of the Socialist Party of Zambia, Fred M’membe, has called on the United States to stay away from LGBTQ issues in Zambia. According to M’membe, the Western nations’ promotion of same-sex relationships in the country is a threat to Zambia’s traditional values and beliefs.

Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, M’membe said that homosexuality has no place in Zambia, and that same-sex relations are unacceptable. He added that Zambians have their own beliefs, traditions, and customs, laws, and practices, and should be allowed to decide what to keep and what to change.

“There’s no need for the West to encourage same-sex relationships in Zambia. In African traditions, sex matters, in general, are not dealt with in this way. We are obligated to protect our children from degradation and degeneracy. If we are not careful, this will pervert the family and national identity,” M’membe said.

M’membe also accused the West of pushing a gay agenda in Zambia and urged Zambians to take responsibility for protecting their country’s traditional values. He warned that if they fail to do so, they risk losing themselves.

“We don’t agree with many of their laws, political practices, or even traditions, but we have left that for the American people to decide how they govern themselves and their country,” he said.

M’membe’s comments come amid growing concern among Zambian officials about the promotion of LGBTQ rights in the country. Last year, Zambia’s President, Edgar Lungu, signed a law that criminalized homosexuality, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

The United States and other Western nations have been criticized by some Zambian officials for their support of LGBTQ rights. In 2019, the US Ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote, was recalled after he criticized the country’s laws criminalizing homosexuality.

M’membe’s comments are likely to be welcomed by conservative groups in Zambia, who have long campaigned against LGBTQ rights. However, they are likely to draw criticism from human rights groups, who argue that Zambia’s laws criminalizing homosexuality are a violation of basic human rights.

Do not politicise Lusaka-Ndola Dual carriageway Project –Milupi

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Do not politicise Lusaka-Ndola Dual carriageway Project –Milupi

The government says it is not going to cancel the agreement it signed with Macro-Ocean Investment Consortium for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of 327 Kilometres Ndola-Lusaka Dual Carriage way.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi says people who are against the project are not doing it out of good will but want the new administration to fail.

Mr Milupi has reiterated that the Lusaka-Ndola road project is a pure Public Private Partnership (PPP) and will go ahead as planned.

The minister was speaking in an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

He stated that government went the PPP way on the project because it is managing the existing huge debt portfolio which it inherited.

“We have no money in the treasury, the reason we decided to engage the private sector, is only that people do not understand the extent to which the economy was damaged,” he said.

Mr Milupi said the Lusaka -Ndola road is a major and an economic channel for Zambia and that its reconstruction will create thousands of job opportunities for the youths hence politicking on the project should not be entertained.

Government has signed a USD 577 Million concession agreement with Macro-Ocean Investment Consortium to reconstruct the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway.

ACC arrests Auditor General Dick Sichembe

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ACC arrests Auditor General Dick Sichembe

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested and charged Auditor General Dick Sichembe for corrupt practices involving over K1million.

Dr. Sichembe, 52, of plot number A23 Miracle Lane Roma, Lusaka has been charged with one count of obtaining Goods by False Pretences and one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the Government.

He has also been charged with Willful Failure to Follow Applicable Procedures Contrary to Section 34 of the Anti-Corruption Actm

Dr. Sichembe has further been charged with one count of Theft by Servant.

This is contained in a statement issued by ACC Head of Corporate Communications Timothy Moono.

“Details are that on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2018 and 31st December, 2021 in Lusaka District, Dr. Sichembe jointly and whilst acting together with other persons, whilst serving in his capacity as Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance and subsequently as Auditor General at the Office of the Auditor General, did receive various payments for fictitious activities purporting that all activities were actualized and performed when in fact not to which he received an accumulated sum of K1,160, 639.57 in allowances (exclusive of salaries), acts prejudicial to the rights and interests of the Government of the Republic of Zambia,” Mr Moono said.

Mr Moono said Dr. Sichembe has since been released on bond and will appear before court soon.

Patriotic Front seeks answers from Infrastructure Minister over Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway deal

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Patriotic Front seeks answers from Infrastructure Minister over Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway deal

The Patriotic Front (PF) Media Director Antonio Mwanza has taken the Zambian Minister of Infrastructure, Hon Charles Milupi, to task over the controversial Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway deal. The deal has sparked public discontent and uproar, prompting Milupi to issue a Ministerial Statement in Parliament. However, the statement has raised more questions than answers, and stakeholders have sought answers from the minister regarding the deal.

Mwanza has raised several concerns regarding the deal. Firstly, he questions how the government intends to guarantee the interests of the public, as well as quasi-government institutions, NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), in case the concessionaire fails to deliver the project according to the agreed timeframe and specifications.

Secondly, Mwanza questions whether the reduction in the cost of the contract from $1.250 billion to $649,976,167.00 was due to a change in the scope of works or a price adjustment. He also requests the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) for both the initial contract and the new one to compare the scope and cost of the works to be done.

Thirdly, Mwanza questions the criteria used to pick the concessionaire in the absence of a conclusive financing arrangement, as well as the government proceeding to sign the contract with the concessionaire before the conclusion of funding agreements with NAPSA and others.

Fourthly, Mwanza raises concerns about the profits that the concessionaire will rake in, totaling $1.849 billion, which represents 289% of the investment. He suggests that NAPSA could pay the concessionaire for the works and then recoup its money by taking over toll fees for the period of the concession. This way, all the estimated $1.8 billion profit will go to the public coffers and be used for other developmental projects.

Lastly, Mwanza questions the need for a sovereign guarantee when the money being used is public money for pensioners.

Mwanza believes that the deal does not make any financial sense and must be withdrawn and redone. The public deserves transparency and clarity on this matter, and the government must address the concerns raised by stakeholders.

22 Heads of States to attend Summit for Democracy

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22 Heads of States to attend Summit for Democracy

Twenty two Heads of State are expected to attend the Summit for Democracy slated for March 29 to 30th 2023 which will be co- hosted by Zambia, Costa Rica, Netherlands and Republic of Korea.

Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary for Legal, Mwenya Bwalya says invitations have been sent to twenty-one countries including neighboring countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Botswana and the Republic of Tanzania.

Ms Bwalya said other stakeholders are expected to participate include Civil Society Organizations, Academia and parliamentarians from Zambia and the invited countries and is expecting to draw about 400 participants in total.

“So for purposes of the African leaders, we have sent out twenty one invitations to twenty one Heads of States so including Zambia, we will have twenty two participating. Aside from the Heads of State from Africa we are going to have other non-state actors participating as well,” she said.

Ms. Bwalya stated that Zambia has been given the opportunity to host and spearhead the African Region because of its good history of democratic governance and history of peaceful handover of power.

She said the co-hosts have equally been selected as a result of the leadership they showed in the year of action when the initiative was first rolled out.

“The March 2023 summit for Democracy is the second one that is being held and the reason for this is because of the strong foundation that Zambia has with respect to democratic governance and as a result of that, we were given an opportunity to co-host with other countries,” she said.

Ms. Bwalya added that the Summit will provide Zambia with an opportunity to showcase the strides it has made enhancing its democratic principles as well as showcase its ability to resolve disputes and respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

She has assured that preparations for the event have reached an advanced stage and that the venue and other logistics to hold the 400 participants have been settled.

“We have sent out invitations to the Heads of State as I had earlier mentioned, we have also ensured that we have sent out invitations to the panel moderators as well as panel discussants, we have drawn up letters for the various participants as we are looking at 400 participants and so we have secured the venue and the Ministry of Information is working on publicity materials and various ways of showcasing the event,” she explained.

The Summit which will be held under the theme” Free, Fair and Transparent elections as a foundation for democratic governance” is the second to be held, while the first one was hosted virtually by United States (US) President, Joe Biden in 2021.

Residents appeal for rehabilitation of Maamba-Batoka road

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Residents appeal for rehabilitation of Maamba-Batoka road

Residents of Sinazongwe district in Southern Province have called on government to quickly work on the Maamba-Batoka road which is currently in a deplorable state.

The residents have bemoaned the delay in timely delivery of services within the district and beyond as well as hampering economic progress in the area due to the poor state of the road.

Maamba Collieries Limited Development Trust Manager, Jethro Sikalunda, says the road needs urgent attention from the relevant authorities, stating that the company is currently not able to transport heavy duty machinery for their mining operations due to the bad state of the road.

“Our trucks are not able to bring in heavy duty machinery into our thermal plant for our mining operations, due to the bad state of the roads,” Mr Sikalunda explained.

He noted that the bad state of the road has over time resulted in delay of delivery time of services, saying the trucks are subjected to spend a longer time on the road, in order to avoid wear and tear.

Mr Sikalunda however, said the company is assisting in patching up some selected parts of the road, through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that this has become difficult over time, with the road now needing a general overhaul.

“The current state of the road needs proper workmanship, as it now becomes impassable during the rainy season, with trucks being marooned in one place for a number of days. We are now appealing that our plight is urgently looked into,” he appealed.

And some truck drivers expressed concern with the delay to work on such an important economic road, which is endowed with various mining companies.

The truck drivers narrated that they now spend close to four hours on a stretch of about 80 kilometres, when the initial time is only an hour.

One of the drivers, Misheck Mungoshi explained that though they are subjected to driving on the bad road, which causes wear and tire to their vehicles, but have continued to work, though with multiple delays.

“The road is bad, but we have continued to work because we need to fend for our families. We now have to be very careful and alert, to avoid any sanctions from our superiors for damaging the vehicles,” Mr Mungoshi narrated.

Another driver, Repeem Kalongo, said delivery time has really been affected resulting in some clients seeking services from other companies, saying the trucks are spending more time on the road, especially when there is a heavy downpour.

“When we experience a heavy downpour in the area, we park the trucks for even three days, so that the road clears and is passable again,” he said.

Some sections of the Maamba-Batoka road have been patched with large stones, to help moving vehicles seek passage through the bad stretch of the road.

K972,000.00 Disbursed to 72 cooperatives and clubs in Monze Central Constituency

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K972,000.00 Disbursed to 72 cooperatives and clubs in Monze Central Constituency

72 cooperatives and clubs in Monze central constituency were on Wednesday empowered under the constituency development fund.

Speaking during the disbarment of CDF funds, Monze area Member of Parliament who is also minister of home affairs and internal security Jack Mwiimbu urged people to utilize this opportunity and apply for the funds.

Mr Mwiimbu who was accompanied by his two counterparts Michelo Kasauta for Bweengwa and Fred Chaatila for Moomba Constituencies explained that funds will not follow anyone home hence there is need for women and youth to ensure that they apply for the funds.

Three groups of differently abled persons were among the people who were empowered as one way of promoting inclusiveness.

Projects applied for included Carpentry, welding, piggery and poultry among other projects.

And Monze Urban Cooperative for the Disabled chairperson Kebble Nchimunya thanked government and Constituency Officials for ensuring everyone was included in the empowerment programs.

He noted that differently abled persons have not benefitted from most empowerment programs but that it was a breath of fresh air that their plight is being recognized by the New Dawn Government.

He said K15,000.00 grant which his organization received to improve their carpentry workshop will go a long way in improving their work environment.

Government to transform agriculture sector

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Government to transform agriculture sector

Minister of Agriculture, Mtolo Phiri, has reiterated government’s continued commitment to transform the country’s agriculture potential into becoming the food basket of the region.

Mr Phiri said cited the current export of maize by Zambia to other countries as one of the initiatives that government is implementing to enhance its export markets.

The minister said this in Lusaka today during the signing of the 30 million euros credit facility between Zanaco and the European Investment Bank (EIB) aimed at increasing participation of smallholder farmers in market integrated nutrition value chains.

He said government will support the implementation of different initiatives in the aquaculture sector, as the efforts are crucial towards enabling the country take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which targets to increase agriculture exports to other countries.

“So far, we are on course as demonstrated by export of maize to countries as far as Sudan, I wish to inform you that with the initiative that government is implementing, exports of not only maize but other products will increase over the coming years,” he said.

Mr Phiri noted that the agriculture sector is the one of the major drivers of the country’s economy hence government will support the development of critical value chains in the sector.

He further stated that the initiatives such as the 30 million euros facility under ZANACO is key in supporting value chain development which will impact positively on farmers, and will in turn help in expanding agriculture production and export to international markets.

And European Union Head of delegation to Zambia, Jacek Jankowski, explained that EIB has mobilized a loan to be given out as credit facilities to different lending institutions and ZANACO is the first one to benefit.

Mr Jankowski explained that the credit facility will be disbursed through the Zambia Agriculture Value Chain Facility, which is aimed at increasing access to finance in order to contribute to sustainable growth and job creation of the agribusinesses especially among smallholder farmers.

Meanwhile, Zanaco Chief Executive Officer, Mukwandi Chibesakunda said the bank is committed to supporting the growth of the agriculture sector in the country through different initiatives.

Ms. Chibesakunda said the support by EIB to Zanaco has helped in increasing its agriculture investments, therefore creating job opportunities and improving the livelihoods of many farmers across the country.

2023 Zambia Rugby Kicks off on March 25

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The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has announced that the 2023 National League will kick off on March 25.

According to the fixtures released by ZRU, champions Red Arrows will start their title defence with home a match against Green Eagles.

Arrows are seeking to win their 10th straight National Rugby League title in the 2023 season.

Last seasons runners up KPF will welcome Mufulira Leopards to Kitwe.

In other day one fixtures, former champions Diggers will start the league campaign with an away match against Green Buffaloes in Lusaka with Kansanshi hosting Lusaka in Solwezi.

In the second tier competition, Ndola Wanderers will face Konkola with Nkwazi hosting Chibuluma and Nchanga will tackle Roan.

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