UPND presidential advisor Douglas Siakalima has observed that it was unprofessional for Lusaka province Police Commissioner to risk the security situation in Lusaka by announcing that there was inadequate manpower to police the UPND rally as officers had been deployed to Ndola for the Zambia versus Uganda game.

Mr. Siakalima has told QFM News that the statement by Dr Jere had the potential to contribute to criminal activities in the city as criminals could have taken advantage of the tip they got from the Police through the announcement.

He adds that it is such kind of statements that give reason to believe that the move by the Police to stop the UPND rally was politically motivated.

Mr. Siakalima has noted that Dr. Jere should not allow himself to be used by politicians at the expense of providing a service to the Zambian people.

He says the PF government is jittery because of the increasing mealie-meal prices and the hike in bus fares hikes that the country has experienced against the continued low income levels that most people continue to be subjected to, thereby trying by all means to stop the opposition from talking about such issues with Zambians.

QFM

The Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia (FFTUZ) has described as evil motives by people promoting ethnic divisions in the country.

This comes in wake of a letter authored by a group calling itself Tongas under Oath declaring war against Bemba speaking people in southern province.

In a statement released to QFM News today copied to the President Michael Sata and all major political party leaders in the country, FFTUZ President Joyce Nonde-Simukoko says it is appalling that some people could take pride in tribal divisions despite the country’s rich heritage of peace arising from the “One Zambia One Nation” philosophy which has unified the 73 tribes in the country.

Ms Simukoko warns that there is no single country that has developed when faced with tribal divisions, reminding political stakeholders in the country that the killings of innocent people in the Balkans, Darfur, Sudan and Rwanda are too fresh to forget the evils of ethnic cleansing.

She adds that it will be folly for any person or opposition political party in Zambia to believe that they can ascend to power using tribal divisions.

Ms Simukoko explains that development does not happen where there are ethnic divisions which breed tribal wars, stating that stability is a precondition for national development.

She further explains that Zambia’s economy is built on foreign capital which is sensitive to internal stability of the country.

The FFTUZ president says therefore any person fanning tribal divisions should be considered an enemy of the people and should be condemned.

QFM

Transparency International Zambia is dismayed at the manner the Zambia Police Service and the Patriotic Front government have handled the UPND rally which was scheduled for Kanyama Compound on Sunday.

TIZ chapter president Reuben Lifuka says in a statement released to Qfm News that the heavy handed action of the police should be a source of concern for all Zambians who treasure democracy and anticipate fundamental features of democracy such as freedom of expression and association.

Mr. Lifuka has therefore warned the PF government that such action which border on unbridled and unprecedented in tolerance of divergent views is unnecessarily creating divisions in the country.

He says the continued use of brutal force by the police is not a solution to the many political problems currently being faced in the country.

Mr. Lifuka says the PF as a party in power should exercise leadership which requires restraint even in the face of provocation.

He has therefore called for peace on the political platform stating that all political leaders must commit to peace as this is the only way to enhance the country’s democracy.

The TIZ president has also advised the PF government to take criticisms as learning points.

Mr. Lifuka has since called on justice minister Wynter Kabimba and his Home Affairs counterpart Edgar Lungu to act urgently and work towards creating a peaceful environment before the country witness abominable actions.

and The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says the Police action to stop a UPND rally in Lusaka’s Kanyama on Sunday is unfortunate and uncalled for.

SACCORD Executive director Oscar Tembo says Police should respect the constitution rights of the Zambian people.

Mr Tembo says Zambians should be allowed to enjoy the right to freedom of assembly as guaranteed in the Bill of rights.

He says it is unfair for the Police to have treated the United Party for National Development (UPND) in such a manner.

Mr Tembo says police are expected to protect the human rights of citizens and not violate the same rights.

Mr Tembo was speaking to Qfm News.

Government through the ministry of education, science, technology, vocational training and early education has today signed a mutual accountability framework with its cooperating partners for the third national implementation framework (NIF III) of the education sector under the sixth national development plan for 2011-2015.

A total of 211.25 million United States dollars has been committed for the period of the third national implementation framework up to 2015.

The committed resources will be critical in programmes such as the implementation of the free education policy up to grade 12, upgrading of community schools into fully fledged primary schools as well as promoting gender equality and equity.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka this morning, Education Minister John Phiri says unless attention is paid towards improving literacy and numeracy levels particularly for the early graders, performance among children will forever remain at the tail end in the SADC region.

Dr. Phiri says the country is resolute in its quest to attain the education for all and millennium development goals by 2015 adding that the Patriotic Front government has prioritized education as one of the key sectors for increased investment during the period of the sixth national development plan (SNDP) and beyond.

He however stated that government on its own cannot afford to meet the demands owing to the many competing needs.

And speaking on behalf of the cooperating partners, Shaya Ibrahim Asindua, who is UNICEP deputy representative to Zambia said no nation can aspire to substantive economic and social progress without investing in quality education.

Mrs. Asindua notes that strengthening and building capacity in the educational planning and use of accurate and timely data for evidence based decision and policy making is vital for effective implementation of the third national implementation framework.

QFM

MMD leader Dr. Nevers Mumba has advised President Michael Sata to stop intimidating diplomats serving in Zambia.

Dr. Mumba, a former Zambian envoy to Canada stated said it is unwise for any leader to attack diplomats serving in the country.

He was commenting on President Sata’s continued threats on diplomats over their alleged meddling into internal politics.

Dr. Mumba observed that President Sata should use diplomatic channels to address any concerns he may have with the conduct of some diplomats.

He said launching public attacks on the diplomatic community over unsubstantiated allegations is unfortunate.

“No diplomat wants to serve in a mission where you are not respected and the Head of State calls you names, it’s so demeaning and very uncomfortable,’ Dr. Mumba said.