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Two people have died while others are seriously injured after the vehicle they were travelling in lost control along the Great North Road.
Muchinga province police commissioner Remmy Kajoba has confirmed the fatal road traffic accident to Zambia News and Information Services
(ZANIS) in an interview today.Mr. Kajoba said the accident occurred near Tanzania Zambia Mafuta pipeline (TAZAMA) area about 5km from Nambuluma – Chinsali Boma T-junction.
Mr. Kajoba said the fatal accident which occurred in the early hours of today around 02:00hrs involved a Truck registration number ERF T
704 BED/T313 APD.He said the Truck was coming from Congo heading to Tanzania with 4 passengers on board.
The Police Commissioner said the accident happened when Amisi Kamsi 29 a driver of the said vehicle lost control after being dazzled by the lights of an oncoming vehicle.
Mr. Kajoba said one passenger identified as Shomari Khalfani Kungombe 26 died on the spot, while the driver Kamsi died upon arrival at Chinsali Community District Hospital with a fractured right leg.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kajoba said three (3) others sustained serious injuries and identified them as Honest Kazamba 22 of Ndola sustained a cut on his head, Adolf Mwabamba also 22 of Tanzania suffered abdominal pains and Isaac Mohamed escaped with only general body pains.
He said the number of road traffic accidents in the district comes to three within four days.The trio has been admitted at Chinsali Community District Hospital for medical attention.
Many music producers are likened to wind, you hear them, but you don’t see them. The intense 5 seconds into a song helps us as listeners pinpoint who exactly is behind the sound. Whisper, yet, sharp, the sounds of “DJLO”, bring us to top tracks such as, General Ozzy – African Girl ( http://limelinx.com/eeiew), YBA feat Ice Kid – Go Down Low (http://www.hulkshare.com/6rupbx2l8io0), and not forgetting his own hot track “I’m Only Human” featuring KASS (http://limelinx.com/b04yg).
Starting with a vivid idea in the mind, the creation is progressed into a melody on the keyboard, sleek beats are integrated, vocals and harmonies are laid, buttons of perfection are pressed leading to a memorable and universal track blurring from the speakers.
Better known as Tha DJLo, Longwe Nyirenda has had a string of hits since arriving in the Zambian music scene in 2007, and has since gradually progressed into the spotlight as one of the most consistent and focused producers in the industry. In 2012, he begun making his way to the top by working with artists such as Exile, Pilato, Afunika, Slap D, Red Linso, Winston Moyo and the list continues. He is currently working on General Ozzy’s album, “The Evolution”, and is the affiliate producer of “BrathaHood Ent” were he is working with Roberto and Ice Kid.
CEO of Sonus Records, this multitalented music producer and artist is creating a new element in the Zambian music industry that sets him apart from other producers, and is certainly something we can be excited about.
“When words fail, music speaks, because hearing is believing”
Foreign Affairs minister Wylbur Simuusa speaks with Commerce minister Emmanuel Chenda shortly before President Michael Sata arrived in New York for the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly on September 23,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Emmanuel Chenda has reiterated that investing in sustainable energy is the backbone of all economic endeavours which Zambia and other developing countries are engaged in.
Mr. Chenda, who represented Zambia at a high-level meeting on the side-lines of the on-going United Nations general assembly, told ZANIS in New York yesterday that all least developed countries have concerted their efforts toward developing sustainable energy as a spring bolt to their economic development.
He said industrialisation and job creation which the Zambian government has embarked on through industrial clusters will not materialise if there was no huge investment into the energy sector.
“Clearly, we have no choice but to go the same route, to focus on attracting investment both in the private, private-public partnerships as well as government itself to invest in the energy sector because without energy, you will not be able to manufacture, without energy, you will not be able to industrialise,” he emphasised.
The minister said the meeting gave him the impetus to scale up and lobby within government and seek other partners to invest in the energy sector for commerce and trade to take place smoothly in Zambia.
Mr. Chenda said a substantial amount of money from the euro bond was allocated to the development of the energy sector but pointed out that much more needed to be done.
He said while investing into the energy sector was important, the emphasis was to move away from fossil energy to renewable type of energy and to efficiently use the resource.
Mr. Chenda hoped that Zambia will learn a lot of economic lessons during the UN general assembly and the high-level meetings.
Members of ParliamentAfrican Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zambia Chapter Chairperson Cornelius Mweetwa says government has all along been buying time on the presentation of the Access to Information Bill to Parliament.
Speaking on Radio Phoenix’s Let the People Talk this morning, Mr Mweetwa said government has now run out of excuses as to why the Bill cannot be taken to Parliament for enactment.
He said the Access to Information Bill if passed will enhance the fight against corruption and improve the management and utilization of public resources.
Mr Mweetwa added that the Access to Information Act would give effect and life to other anti corruption related laws such as the Public Interest Protection Whistle Blowers Act of 2010.
He said the eleven Acts that would come in conflict with the Access to Information Bill if enacted would not take two years to ammend if government was serious.
Speaking on the same programme, Information and Broadcasting services Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba said the legal impediments to the enactment of the Access to Information bill in its current form cited by the Attorney General are valid.
Meanwhile Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)is saddened by Governments delays to present the Information Bill.YALI wondered why Cabinet approved the Bill in the first place and then U-turned.
Below is the Full Press statement
1.The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is deeply saddened by delays by the PF administration to present the Access to Information Bill in Parliament especially that His Honour the Vice President, Guy Scott had months ago indicated that Cabinet had approved the Bill and he was ready to table it in Parliament until when he U-turned on the matter. The announcement by Information Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba that the Information Bill will not be tabled in Parliament in its current form saddens makes us question why Cabinet approved the Bill during its sitting.
Government’s indecision on the Information Bill can be compared to the behavior of Nigeria’s popular comedian, Ukwa, which must never be tolerated in management of the country’s affairs. If Cabinet and Government had realized the Information Bill would be in conflict with existing legislation in the country, why did Cabinet proceed to approve the Bill during its sitting? Although YALI has deep respect for Ms. Eva Jhala who has been engaged as consultant to study the draft Bill, we think this engagement is unnecessary wastage of taxpayers’ money and a way of delaying its presentation to Parliament as the Attorney General must have correctly advised Cabinet before it earlier approved the Bill.
Mr. Mumba Malila and his chambers, who have been reduced to rendering to political parties opinions on qualification of election candidates, must resign if he is failing to correctly advise Cabinet on important issues such as the Information Bill. We now understand the frustrations by President Sata that his Ministers are not performing for how could they meet as Cabinet and proceed to approve this important Bill without consideration of issues raised by Mr. Mwamba.
2. President’s Address to Parliament – Governance & Administration of Justice
Relatedly, YALI notes that President Sata’s official opening speech to Parliament lacked much detail on pronouncements he made on governance and administration of justice. The President missed an opportunity to remind the Technical Committee that their delay to release the final draft is negatively impacting on public perceptions on the PF Government’s commitment to deliver a people-driven Constitution within the shortest timeframe, as was promised during campaigns and his appointment of the Committee. Mr. Sata must have given policy direction on issues of the referendum after the document is handed over to Government and the public than remaining silent on this matter.
We note that President Sata has failed once again to strongly come out on condemning political violence and the failure by the Zambia Police to fairly enforce laws and deal with perpetrators of violence. The PF thugs who are being used to perpetrate violence against innocent citizens including their own Secretary General needed to be condemned in the strongest possible way by the highest office in this land.
The President completely avoided the continued occupation of Madam Justice Lombe Chibesakunda at the helm of the Judiciary despite opposition from the Law Association of Zambia and many other stakeholders. The public will continue to hold a feeling that Ms. Chibesakunda’s stay is being used to deal with political opponents, at the Supreme Court level, especially that the highest court has been rendering questionable political judgments.
We are deeply troubled that President Sata reduced his speech to simple remarks on issues of governance, the rule of law and administration of Justice.
Signed
Isaac Mwanza, Mr.
democracy & Governance specialist
YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE
COLD season…Patriotic Front (PF) Malole Member of Parliament Christopher Yaluma donates blankets to elderly women during a tour of his constituency in Mungwi districtDonata Special Needs school owner Donata Kalunga shows her gratitude to Dr.Kaseba for the donated gifts
What is a donation?
It’s a gift, grant or contribution made to a person, organisation or country for charitable purposes. I have been prompted to clear the air on the misuse of this word by the people of Zambia especially the government.
People donate for various reasons, to help the less privileged, as a way of sharing with others or as a gesture to show some appreciation for a good deed. In all these circumstances the people that donate use their own resources. If one uses part of his or her own income to get what they intend to donate then that justifies the word donation. I have lived in the western world for years I have never heard of people in ministerial positions or there relations making donations publicly.
I am tired of hearing about government officials making donations publicly. This is not what one would call a donation unless I am missing something. How does one donate to the public using public funds?
These articles on donations should state clearly where the money comes from. Someone going to donate using a government vehicle, filled with fuel bought with money from the government account and the item being donated was bought using public funds, honestly can one call that a donation? The answer is NO, it is actually giving back to the people of Zambia. But the people making these fake donations are either too clever to make people see them as angels or too dumb to realise that what they are doing is wrong.
It is also taking advantage of the Zambian people who are in so much need that every time these people tell them they are donating all they want is to receive. They will praise these people and keep hoping for more fake donations. Lets live by the truth and share with Zambian people what belongs to them. I can’t wait for a government that will live as per its manifesto. A concrete one that will not derail citizens minds with its lies and fake hopes.
LUSAKA lawyer, Kelvin Bwalya has defended the appointment of acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda maintaining that President Michael Sata acted within the provisions of the Constitution when he appointed her.
In a letter dated August 26, 2013 addressed to Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President James Banda, Mr Bwalya said the President was on firm constitutional grounds and advised the association against litigation.
He said based his argument on Article 93(6) which states that “a person may act as Chief Justice or Supreme Court Judge notwithstanding that he/she has attained the age prescribed by Article 98.” The Judges’ current retirement age was 65.
Mr Bwalya also dismissed assertions by some lawyers that the Chief Justice could not act for more than six months pointing out that Judges were excluded from the definition of who may not act for more than six months.
He quoted Article 139(2) of the Constitution which says “In this Constitution, references to offices in the public service shall not be construed as including references to the office of the Supreme Court and of the High Court, and to the offices of Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Members of the Industrial Relations Court.”
Article 93(3) of the Constitution states that where there was a vacancy in the office of the Chief Justice, “the President may appoint the Deputy Chief Justice and a Supreme Court Judge to perform such functions.”
Mr Bwalya further observed that the appointment was in conformity with the Constitutional provision and questioned why LAZ was opposing the Presidential appointment which was firmly anchored on the law.
Arguing against litigation, Mr Bwalya observed that LAZ had no case but some of its members wanted to proceed with litigation for the sake of driving their point.
He said the President could not be sued under Article 44 (4) of the Constitution because he was protected by Article 43, the Attorney General also could not be sued because he was not the appointing authority while the acting Chief Justice could not be sued otherwise the matter would become too personal as she was just appointed
“At this point, what will the Zambian public be thinking of LAZ? Mr president, and members of the council, this is not our fight. This is so out of character for our association. What do we really want? To set two arms of government against each other?” asked Mr Bwalya in his letter.
“With respect I think I speak for the silent or absent majority members of our beloved association when I say this is one fight we do not need.
“In my view, we respectfully advise the President on areas of concern, but to go to court for the sake of going to court is not only ill-conceived but a sure way of getting the Zambian public against ourselves,” he said.
PROFILE OF ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE
Date of birth: 5th May 1944
Qualifications:
1969: Barrister at Law, Grays Inn UK
1969: 1st Appointment State Attorney (August)
1969: First woman lawyer in Zambia
1973: First woman Solicitor General in Zambia and Africa
1991: Post graduate diploma in international law, Austria National University
WORK EXPRIENCE
State advocate 1969-1972
1975-1977: Ambassador to Japan
1977 -1982: High Commissioner to the UK – Ambassador to the Holy Sea
(Vatican) and the Netherlands
1982-1986: Chairperson Industrial Relations Court
1986 -1994: High Court Judge Lusaka
1994-1997: Judge-in-charge Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern and North
Western provinces
1997: Supreme Court Judge
June 14, 2012: appointed acting Chief Justice
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has gone to court to press for the removal of acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda claiming her continued stay in office is illegal.
LAZ president James Banda, who led a horde of lawyers clad in black gowns in what they termed as a “dignified protest,” filed in the Principal Registry, writ of summons against Attorney General Mumba Malila and Ms Justice Chibesakunda as first and second defendants respectively around 11.00 hours yesterday.
Mr Banda told journalists and lawyers shortly after the filing that “it is done…that is why the final claim is that she must vacate the office of Chief Justice and we hope the court will agree with us.” When contacted on whether he had been served with the summons, Mr Malila said he had not yet been served but was fully aware of the matter and would respond to it after he had been served.
LAZ wants the court to order that the re-appointment of Ms Justice Chibesakunda as Supreme Court Judge in May 2012 was illegal, null and void.
It wants a declaration that the President of Zambia may exercise the powers contained in Article 98 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, and the Constitution of Zambia Act Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, only once with respect to any one Judge of the High Court or Supreme Court.
LAZ which is represented by eight law firms want another declaration that the Constitution may not be used to re-appoint a Judge of the High Court or Supreme Court to a position other than the position that the said judge was ratified for upon first appointment.
Additionally, LAZ wants an order that the President may not appoint a person who has attained and exceeded the age of 65 years to the office of a Judge of the High Court, Supreme Court, Deputy Chief Justice or Chief Justice.
It further wants an order that Ms Chibesakunda having attained and exceeded the age of 65, does not qualify to hold the substantive office of Chief Justice of Zambia.
The association stated in its statement of claim that it had actively participated in matters where there was a threat or perceived threat against the rule of law while on the other hand, Ms Justice Chibesakunda was appointed to the Bench as a Supreme Court judge in 1997.
It said Ms Justice Chibesakunda reached her retirement age of 65 in April 2009 after which she was re-appointed by the President as Supreme Court Judge on contract for a further term of three years and that in May 2012, the President re-appointed her as Supreme Court Judge for a further term of two years.
It said while she was serving as Supreme Court Judge, she was appointed to act as Chief Justice on June 14, 2012 which appointment, according to LAZ was unlawful as the President did not have the power to re-appoint her after her contract expired in April 2012.
LAZ further contended that on or about January 20, 2013, the President appointed Ms Justice Chibesakunda as substitutive Chief Justice subject to ratification by the National Assembly when the Constitution only allowed a person to be appointed as Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Supreme Court Judge and High Court Judge to be below the age of 65.
LAZ said because of the issues cited above, there had been serious breach of the Constitutional provisions relating to the appointment to the office of Supreme Court Judge and Chief Justice which were an affront to the rule of law.
Panos Institute Southern Africa has commended the Zambian government through Vice President Guy Scott for demonstrating objectivity and strategic leadership in addressing HIV transmission in prisons.
Addressing a high level consultative meeting on prison conditions, Dr. Scott challenged Members of Parliament to set aside their political differences and work together to address HIV and AIDS in prisons.
Panos Executive Director Lilian Kiefer says Dr. Scott’s address provides a springboard for more sustained interventions to address HIV and AIDS in prisons and other marginalised sectors.
Ms. Kiefer notes that it is encouraging to see the political leadership of Zambia resolving to reframe the discussion of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
She adds that addressing such a sensitive issue and calling on politicians to be a united front has the potential to bring about a significant positive difference in the lives of many Zambians.
In a statement, Ms. Kiefer said the issue of HIV transmission in Zambian prisons has generated controversy when it has featured in the media because it implies the existence of same-sex sexual relations or needle-sharing for injecting drug users within the prison settings.
She explained that by acknowledging that such practices as same sex relations and injecting drug use do take place in our prisons, Dr. Scott has challenged people who are concerned about HIV prevention to develop specific and targeted responses that address these issues.
Ms. Kiefer says the government, civil society and private sector should work together to develop targeted interventions to prevent the spread of HIV among inmates.
She further says that in order to reduce the incidence rate of HIV and manage the epidemic comprehensively, Zambia needs to be strategic in the HIV response.
Ms. Kiefer also says that addressing HIV transmission in prisons will have a great impact on efforts to address HIV transmission in the outside world and vice versa.
According to the most recent Demographic Health Survey for Zambia (ZDHS 2007), the HIV prevalence rate is 14.3% and Zambia therefore still has one of the highest prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa and the world.
Information Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba says there is no witch hunt in the cancellation of the digital migration tender.
Reports are emerging that Mr Mwamba wants his predecessor Amos Malupenga arrested following the cancellation of the tender due to irregularities bordering on corruption.
Mr Mwamba said government only wants to ensure that it delivers the digital migration project to Zambians on time before the deadline.
He said the cancellation of tender for digital migration will not affect Zambia’s attainment of the June 2015 deadline.
Mr. Mwamba told Journalists in Lusaka that his ministry is considering reconstituting the taskforce on digital migration.
He clarified that there is no witch hunt in the cancellation of the tender saying government only wants to ensure that it delivers the project to Zambians on time.
Mr. Mwamba also revealed that his ministry will not suspend any officials who were involved in the securing of the tender.
FILE: GENDER and Child Development deputy Minister Esther Banda (l) inspects some locally made beads by Mwinde Women clubs of Mbala.
Gender and Child Development Deputy Minister, Esther Banda has disclosed that government has set 2015, as the year to half extreme poverty in the country.
And Mansa District Commissioner, Miriam Kauseni has observed that women in the district are hard working and engaged in viable business ventures aimed at supplementing government efforts in reducing poverty and increased household food security at household level.
Meanwhile, women in Mansa district have described their full participation in viable businesses as a clear demonstration of their desire to conquer poverty and food insecurity at household level.
ZANIS reports that Mrs Banda said government has formulated appropriate policies and measures aimed at eradicating extreme poverty by improving the livelihood of the people especially in rural areas where poverty is consistently higher.
She was speaking during the handover of assorted equipment and cheques to various women clubs in Mansa today as part of her continued four day visit to the province.
Mrs Banda who is on a four day tour of women clubs in Bahati and Mansa Central Constituencies is accompanied by Mansa District Commissioner, Miriam Kauseni and other senior officials from her ministry.
Various women clubs received hammer mills, Yenga Press Machines, Cheques, Chicks and other assorted equipment as part of the empowerment programme under the Ministry of Gender and Child Development.
And Mrs Banda who is also Chililabombwe Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament explained that government is aware of various challenges that women encounter in accessing suitable and profitable markets for their products.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that government is working closely with other stakeholders in addressing challenges that women and youths face when accessing credit and finance in their effort to develop their respective businesses.
She stated that it was for this reason that the government in line with its party manifesto seeks to create an enabling environment to promote the development of women in rural areas hence creating employment and wealth among the people.
Earlier, Mansa District Commissioner, Miriam Kauseni said women in the district are hard working and engaged in viable business ventures aimed at reducing poverty and increased household food security.
Mrs Kauseni further said women in the district have since organized themselves through formation of clubs, groups and cooperatives where they are involved in poultry, trading and tailoring among many other business ventures.
She has however noted that despite the women being innovative, they lack start-up capital, equipment and knowledge in entrepreneurship skills to sustain their businesses.
Speaking at the same function on behalf of other women clubs, Getrude Kalaba said the full participation of women in viable businesses is a clear testimony that they are eager to fight poverty and food security at household level.
Mrs Kalaba noted that government’s ambition of women empowerment programme will revamp their businesses that have remained stagnant due to lack of seed capital.
She has since appealed to government to seriously consider creating Sub-Bomas in outlying areas of the province in order to alleviate abject poverty among female headed households that are struggling to make ends meet.
Mrs Kalaba cited Matanda area as one of the most hit remote place when female headed households are finding into difficulty to look after their families.
She suggested that creation of Sub-Bomas and appointment of volunteer ambassadors in these outlying areas will bring government services closer to the people who are in dire need of social services.
Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) says it is unthinkable for anyone to say that its leader Hakainde Hichilema did not have an official invitation to visit Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.
UPND deputy Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa told Qfm news that it is unfortunate that the aborted visit of Mr Hichilema to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu is being politicized.
Mr. Mweetwa stressed that the UPND president had an official invitation before he traveled to Northern Province last week adding that the right procedure was followed.
He added that the visit of Mr. Hichilema is a normal way of paying courtesy to the traditional leader before doing any business in his chiefdom.
He said it is shocking that the ministry of home affairs responded on behalf of the Bemba speaking people that Mr. Hichilema did not have an official invitation to visit the Bemba Chief.
Ex-Zambia international midfielder Jericho Shinde has told football authorities in the country to accommodate criticism in the wake of Chipolopolo’s failure to advance to the final stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
FAZ and coach Herve Renard have reacted angrily to criticism over Chipolopolo’s flopped World Cup campaign.
But Shinde commonly known as Russian Tanker said all stakeholders should be allowed to comment on Zambia’s failed World Cup campaign.
“I believe we should give room to criticism, we should be open to constructive criticism, that way we will help each other,” the Nkana legend said.
“Foootball in Zambia is like a religion and every one has got a role to play including supporters. All the stakeholders should be given a say,” Shinde added.
He noted that Zambian football has a bright future.
“The sky is the limit for Zambian football.”
In 2013, Zambia failed to defend the Africa Cup in South Africa and could not even qualify for CHAN 2014 despite winning the COSAFA Cup.
President Michael Sata castigated his ministers for not telling the Zambians what his government had achieved over the two years. He went on to say they were lucky because there was no opposition in Zambia. These statements were attributed to the President during a meeting for PF leaders and cabinet ministers and during the swearing in ceremony for the Ministers of Information and Lands.
The aforesaid statements attracted varying responses from stakeholders, including NAREP, outlining the reasons why the ministers had nothing to tell Zambians in its statement of 20th September, 2013.
NAREP is disappointed that the Chief Government Spokesperson chose to counsel NAREP and failed to respond to the issues raised in the statement. We wish to reiterate that NAREP will not depart from issue-based politics.
We encourage the chief government spokesperson and other leaders to take a leaf from the Republican Vice President, Dr Guy Scott, who has admitted that the two years of PF rule have been difficult. This is objectivity at its best. Dr Scott knows that:
Zambia is still the home of load shedding,
Our education and health services are still far from optimal for the majority of the citizens,
The agricultural policy is still in tatters,
The constitution making process is still shrouded in mystery,
Numerous youths are still roaming the streets-jobless,
PF cadres are a menace to those with divergent views,
Entrepreneurs are being flushed out of business because of unfair competition from the so called investors- the list is endless.
We encourage the chief government spokesperson to take a moment of silence and ponder over these issues and give an appropriate response and not a reaction. For now, we have heard enough about the roads.
Unless drastic measures are taken to address these pertinent issues, the next three years will be harder. We agree with Dr Scott that the excitement must now die and it is time to serve Zambia with the diligence that the voters lined up to vote for you and defended the vote to the hilt.
NAREP proposes the following for the next three years:
1.Normalize the size of cabinet: There is no need to continue with more than one deputy minister per ministry. We are certain that the beneficiaries of the bloated government have been rewarded enough. Retire the tired NOW; those whose energies have dwindled and can only work for the stomach-and they are many.
2.Provide leadership for national development: Please stop stifling debate and stopping opposition leaders from meeting the Zambians. Opposition leaders cannot even attend national functions for fear of your cadres. That rowdy behavior at Parliament during the official opening is unacceptable.
3.Work on policies that support development: implement your talk on empowering Zambians through stopping unfair trade, have a second look on the removal of subsidies.
4.Commence value addition on all our raw materials: This will create jobs and we will make more money as a nation from our resources.
5.Consult NAREP on job creation: You will lose nothing to try out the Empowerment and Employment Plan which NAREP has thoughtfully crafted.
It is our hope that a more sober approach will be taken in responding to our well- intended advice to your government.
Armed police from the General Service Unit take cover behind a wall during a bout of gunfire, outside the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, where terrorists are holding an unspecified number of people hostage.AP
Almost all the hostages in the Kenyan mall siege have been rescued, Kenyan authorities have said, as black smoke is seen rising and loud blasts heard from inside the mall.
Kenyan security forces appear to have launched an assault on the Westgate shopping complex in the capital Nairobi in an attempt to break the siege there
Kenya’s interior minister said two terrorists were killed in the operation, but did not say if any hostages were harmed or how many were being held.
Earlier blasts were followed by other smaller detonations and volleys of gunfire.
The siege appears to be coming to a head, two days after Somali militants stormed the popular shopping mall, killing up to 59 people.
Tasmanian man Ross Langdon and his Netherlands-born partner Elif Yavuz were among those killed in the brutal attacks.
Smoke rises over Westgate Shopping Centre after an explosion in Nairobi, September 23, 2013. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
Earlier, as troops ran into new positions, security official told the Reuters newsagency at the scene: “It is us who caused the explosion; we are trying to get in through the roof.”
A plume of oily black smoke was still pouring from the building after 15 minutes.
A senior officer had said police were “closing in” on the militants after rescuing more trapped people overnight.
Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku had said “a few” people were still hostage.
“Our disciplined forces… have been extremely careful to find the balance between neutralising the attackers and getting as many people to safety as possible,” he said.
A spokesman for al Shabaab, which has demanded Kenya pull its troops out of neighbouring Somalia, had warned they would kill hostages if Kenyan security forces, who are being assisted by Western and Israeli experts, tried to storm their positions:
“Israelis and Kenyan forces have tried to enter Westgate by force but they could not,” Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage said in an audio statement posted online.
“The Mujahideen will kill the hostages if the enemies use force.”
Commerce, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Miles Sampa
The National Empowerment Forum (NEF) has described the 30 day ultimatum given to mining companies by Government to engage local suppliers of goods and services as ironic and hypocritical.
Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa recently disclosed that Government will be compelled to introduce a statutory instrument if mining firms do not comply with the directive.
NEF Executive Director Edgar Siakachoma says the pronouncement is one of the many utterances made by politicians in power to portray an impression that they want to empower citizens when they actually do not.
Mr. Siakachoma notes that Statutory Instruments have been put in place in the past, but enforcement and implementation on the part of Government has been dismal.
He has observed that a unilateral statement issued by a Deputy Minister in real sense does not constitute a policy and may not even be taken seriously by investors.
