MINISTER of Justice, Wynter Kabimba, has observed that it is becoming increasingly credible that various forms of instability in Africa were being caused by forces outside the continent.

Mr. Kabimba noted that the school of thought which held that the causes of constitutional instability, for instance, were located outside Africa and driven by forces whose interests were not Africa’s interests, was firmly gaining ground today. He hoped the continent could acknowledge the importance of African unity and solidarity in addressing the problem.

Mr. Kabimba was speaking in his capacity as president of the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP) at the opening of a two-day experts’ workshop on constitutionalism and the rule of law in Pretoria on Monday.

CAPP is a forum of political parties on the African continent who have come together in unity to pursue the objectives of achieving the goals of a prosperous and peaceful continent.

The workshop, which has drawn participants from over 20 African countries, is meant to brainstorm around expanding the African Union (AU) doctrine on unconstitutional changes of government and to engage stakeholders in promoting and implementing the African Charter on democracy, elections and governance.

Mr. Kabimba said the workshop represented one of the many platforms for actualising some of the essential aspects of mutual aspirations and the basis of the cooperation, which is constitutionalism and the rule of law, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the AU in 2013. The MOU aims to strengthen institutional ties and cooperation in delivering programmes and activities aimed at promoting democracy, good governance, human and people’s rights, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and free and fair elections in Africa.

He hoped that while drawing attention to resolving the questions of unconstitutional change of government, popular uprising and all other aspects connected to the issues of constitutionalism and the rule of law, the main causes giving rise to unstable governments and the lack of respect for the rule of law would be candidly dealt with.

The Minister said it was gratifying to note that the workshop would provide opportunities for CAPP and other stakeholders to further explore areas of collaboration, synergies and complementation. It will also provide as an opportunity for the parties to interrogate ways of enhancing the capacity of organisations such as CAPP and the African Conference on Constitutional Court to enhance their effectiveness.

And South Africa’s Chief Justice, Mr. Mogoeng Mogoeng, called for immediate measures to address all factors that have been identified in order to improve on the rule of law in Africa.

Mr. Mogoeng, who is also vice-president of the African Conference of Constitutional Courts, said the Judiciary has to be insulated from interference from external forces if constitutionalism was to be guaranteed.

He said the continent should also be alive to the fact that the Judiciary had some corrupt elements that were compromising the drive to instil constitutionalism and the rule of law in systems of most African countries. He said the Judiciary should not only be independent but also be accountable to the people.

Mr. Mogoeng said the Judiciary in Africa has been sidelined from playing its part in ensuring the rule of law. He called for the urgent introduction of regional courts on the continent.

And International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) regional director, Ambassador Moorad Mustaq, urged the participants to brainstorm on whether the AU set aside its own rules when it readmitted Egypt after being suspended following instability in the country’s leadership in the last few months.

The workshop, which runs until 16th July, 2014, is organised by the AU’s Department of Political Affairs through International IDEA.

Civil Rights Activist Brebner Changala has re-submitted his writ of Mandamus for judicial review in which he is seeking relief on the decision or indecision by Cabinet to consider the question of the physical and mental capacity of President Michael Sata.

This is despite the High Court’s earlier decision to dismiss his initial application for judicial review in a matter he asked the court to constitute a medical board to examine the health of President Sata.

Mr. Changala says he re-submitted his writ of Mandamus this morning in the same court through his Lawyer Makebi Zulu.

He states that despite his re-submitted writ of Mandamus retaining the same content as the earlier writ dismissed on grounds that it lacked merit and was frivolous and vexatious, he is hopeful that his matter will considered on merit.

He says only this time he wants three Judges to look at the matter and for the court to allow him being the applicant, and the Attorney General, who is the respondent, to be heard.

Mr. Changala says his ultimate goal to push for the establishment of a medical board to examine the health of President Sata, is to ensure that the Head of State is working for the very purpose that he was elected by the Zambian people.

Vice President Guy Scott has refuted a rumor circulating on social media that he has been relieved of his duties following a Cabinet meeting which President Michael Sata chaired at State House today.

The rumor circulating on social media is suggesting that his alleged dismissal as republican Vice President could be in connection with the recent remarks he made insinuating that Mulenga Sata, the son of the President, who is also Lusaka Mayor is excluded from vying for the position of republican President because of the parentage clause.

But Dr. Scott has told Qfm news in an exclusive telephone interview that as far as he is aware there is nothing of that nature that has happened.

Dr. Scott says if there was such a development there could have been a written statement from State House confirming his alleged dismissal.

He says this is why he thinks people circulating such rumor about his alleged dismissal may only be passing time.

Former Tourism Minister under the MMD government, William Harrington has reiterated the need for government to act appropriately on the findings of the Roydah Kaoma-led Tribunal.

Mr. Harrington, who was the complainant in the Roydah Kaoma-ed Tribunal that was investigating allegations of corruption and abuse of office leveled against former Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo, says he is gravely concerned that government has to date allegedly failed, neglected or ignored to act appropriately on the findings of the Tribunal.

Mr. Harrington says has also been expecting government to institute corrective administrative measures by re-instating the affected officers and also allow the tender process to proceed as provided for under the relevant laws.

He has told Qfm news that he thinks that there is need for government through the Ministry of Tourism to expeditiously restore management at the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and award hunting concessions to the successful bidders if the escalating level of poaching has to be arrested.

The former Tourism Minister says this is especially that in its report the Roydah Kaoma-led Tribunal found that Ms. Masebo in her action to dismissed ZAWA officers was in breach the ZAWA Act as the officers were contracted by the ZAWA Board.

He notes that in addition tribunal also found that Ms. Masebo cancelled the tender for hunting concessions in contravention of the Public Procurement Act and Regulations.

Mr. Harrington states that this is why he is of the view that by allegedly neglecting or ignoring to act appropriately on the findings of the Tribunal, government must particularly shoulder blame for the unprecedented escalating high levels of wildlife poaching pertaining in the country.

He has observed that Poaching of wildlife has reached alarming levels in the country to the extent that game meat is being openly sold in markets and also finding its way into established meat outlets and butcheries.

First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has praised the Chilanga Senior Citizens Forum for its contribution to develop and foster the local economy of the area.

The First President who is also an ardent golfer himself said it was important that senior citizens in the country contribute to communities in which they live by alleviating poverty among the less privileged.

He was speaking today when he officiated at the Senior citizen’s fundraising golf tournament held at Chilanga golf club.

He also called on Zambians to continue praying for President Michael Sata’s good health.

The former Head of State sang his famous unity song Tiyende Pamodzi and chanted his One Zambia One Nation slogan as he urged Zambians to continue loving one another and co-exist as one people.

And Chilanga Senior Citizens Forum President Ben Muyobela said funds raised will be used to help elderly people in the district who are wallowing in poverty.

Patriotic Front Chiengi Member of Parliament Benson Kapaya has called for peaceful campaigns in the August 19 Mumbotuta ward local government by-election.

Addressing scores of PF supporters at Changwe Lungo Primary School in Milenge yesterday, Brig Gen Kapaya said the PF government had performed well since it assumed office in September, 2011.

The Chiengi Law maker who is also Luapula Province Minister said it was for this reason that the people of Milenge should vote for the ruling party in the forth-coming Mumbotuta ward by-election.

Three political parties are participating in the by-election namely the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD).

Brig Gen Kapaya urged the cadres to go flat out and campaign for the PF candidate Gevason Mumba who is competing against UPND’s candidate Joseph Mbewe and Gosten Mumba standing on the MMD ticket.

Brig Gen Kapaya said if elected Mr Mumba would propel the PF vision of delivering development and increasing its membership throughout the country.

“Let’s campaign peacefully, what we want are votes not violence so I’m urging you to desist from any violent activities as PF supporters, we should lead by example that we are a peaceful party committed to developing this country,” said Brig Gen Kapaya.

Meanwhile, Brig Gen Kapaya cautioned the people of Milenge not listen to opposition lies about the health of President Sata whom they allege was not feeling well.

“The president is in good health, he is the one governing this country whether the opposition likes it or not so let’s go and tell the people that our president is very much alive and that they shouldn’t buy what the opposition is saying,” he said.