Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Ndiyiyo Mutiti talks to regional chiefs of defence forces in Mansa
Home affairs Permanent Secretary Ndiyoyi Mutiti says government has no intentions of integrating refugees in the Zambian society.
Ms.Mutiti said integrating refugees in society can be done once a policy decision is made by government.
She said ministry has no immediate plans for refugee integration as earlier suggested by stakeholders during the world refugee day celebrations in Lusaka last June.
The permanent secretary told ZANIS in Lusaka today that it is not automatic that when you become a refugee you have to stay in that country.
She said that currently government is working closely with UNHCR on the process on repatriation alone.
Ms. Mutiti has charged that government wants to reduce the number of refugees as soon as possible.
She has since appealed to refugees to consider returning to their home country during this repatriation and cessation period.
The cessation period for refugees from Angola ends on the 31 of December and the cessation period for all refuges in Zambia ends on the 31 of December 2011.
She said that all refugees should be in camps unless those who have applied for work permit or to conduct businesses.
“No refugees are allowed to make business outside the refugee camps without a permit from relevant officials.
She added that professional refugees are free to apply for work permits in their different fields.
When asked about refugees married to Zambians, Ms. Mutiti said once a policy decision is made refugees married to Zambian can opt to or not to go with them to their country of origin.
She charged that there is no law allowing refugees who are married to Zambians to stay in the country on such a condition.
Government has entered into an agreement with a Turkish firm Guris Holding to upgrade the Lusaka International Airport. Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed that Government is in discussions with a Turkish company, Guris Holding to re-design the Lusaka International Airport.
Dr. Musokotwane said the re-modeling of the airport will result in the facility which was constructed in the 1967 modernised.
He said the re-modeling will be done in three areas including the face-lifting of the terminal building, the VIP section and the improvement of the marketing side.
He added that Government will not use any money on the project but that this will be financed by the private sector.
Dr. Musokotwane who could however not disclose the total cost of the project said that will be determined after negotiations are concluded
in four weeks time.
And Government has approved a plan to re-develop Longacres Lodge in Lusaka into a five star hotel.
Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane said the development of the Longacres Lodge will start in the next six weeks and will be financed by Thukuka Zambia Limited, a South African company with its Zambian partners at a cost of US$35 million.
ZANIS reports that Mr Musokotwane said the project will be done under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept and will be run by a
special purpose entity where the developer will be allowed to man the asset for a concession period of 20 years.
Dr. Musokotwane further stated that the developer will be paying Government US$32 million every year while Government will also maintain 15 percent shareholding in the asset until the concession period when it will completely take over.
He also disclosed that the developer will also pay all the employees at the lodge their benefits while those who wish to continue will be re-engaged by the same developer.
Dr. Musokotwane said this at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
The Minister and other officials from the Ministry were later in the day expected to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the re-development of the Longacres Lodge.
He also noted that the re-development of the lodge into a five star hotel will create an employment opportunity to hundreds of Zambians who will be employees in various capacities during the construction period.
Dr. Musoktwane said Belvedere Lodge is also another hostel that will be considered for redevelopment.
The five star hotel will also house a shopping complex, offices and a spacious parking space.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has stated that the One Stop Shop Initiative forged by the organisation in Lusaka would attract a good number of investors in the country.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, ZDA Public Relations Manager, Margaret Chimanse said the joint Initiative between ZDA and the Ministry of Commerce and Trade was aimed at curtailing the cost of investors conducting business in Zambia.
Ms Chimanse disclosed that following the setting up of this initiative, investors would be provided with incentives such as centralised organisations that would attend to their needs comprehensively, without them having to move from one province to another.
She noted that the initiative was viable as the two partners have a vision to broaden the horizons of the economy by investing in several
sectors.
She added that investors would play an integral role in the development of Zambia.
She noted that ZDA and the Ministry of Commerce had plans to spread these shops to other parts of the country, adding that arrangements to
extend the initiative were already underway.
Ms Chimanse disclosed that ZDA had managed to set up a One Stop Shop within Lusaka recently and that it was situated at Kwacha house.
“The One Stop Shop in Lusaka is the first of its kind and we are yet to extend this initiative to all the nine provinces of Zambia” she
stated.
Zambia national soccer team players in training at Independence stadium in Lusaka
The Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association (ZAVOSOFA) Patron Peter Makembo has advised the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to organize more international friendly matches for the Zambia National Soccer Team.
ZANIS Sports reports Makembo saying that friendlies are very important for the Chipolopolo boys for them to adequately prepare for major tournaments such as the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Makembo said ZAVOSOFA wants to see was good performance by the players win matches adding that friendlies will help sharpen the entire team for any international matches.
He added that if the Chipolopolos win the friendlies it will also assist the team to improve on the Coca cola international rankings . He said it was for this reason that his organization would continue to advocate for more international friendlies.
Meanwhile, Makembo has commended the Chipolopolo boys for moving 17 places up on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings.
He added that this shows that the team was doing well in terms of performance adding that this was how it is supposed to be all the time.
Zambia has moved 17 places according to the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings. The Chipolopolo now occupy 72nd position in the world, an improvement from last month’s 89th.
Dario Bonetti’s side is ranked 16th in Africa. The improvement comes on back of Zambia’s 3-0 home win over Mozambique in the 2012 Gabon Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup Group C qualifier at Nchanga Stadium on June 4 which saw Chipolopolo top the group.
Zambia has been stuck in the wrong end of the top 100 in the recent past, failing to go beyond the 69th position.
Group C second placed Libya has slipped from 58th to 63th position, Mozambique is now ranked 106th while tail enders Comoros Islands lie in a miserable 164th place.
Ivory Coast is the only African team in the top 20 occupying 14th position with Ghana now ranked 33rd in the world.
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga addresses journalists at his office in Lusaka
Movement for Multiparty Democracy MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga has said that the party is relieved now that Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo has left the party.
Mr. Mabenga said that the MMD did not like the behavior of Ms. Masebo and that it was therefore a relief that she has left the party.
In an interview with QFM in Lusaka, Mr. Mabenga said the MMD was still intact despite the departure of the former local government and housing minister.
He said the party does not regret that Ms Masebo has left the party because it will even become much stronger.
He has expressed confidence that the party will still retain the votes in Chongwe constituency because of the developmental initiatives that the MMD government has taken to the area.
Mr Mabenga further states that the party will remain focused and ensure that victory is guaranteed the coming elections.
And Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu has said the process of adopting candidates to stand on the ruling party’s Parliamentary and Local government seats in this year’s elections was going on well in all the constituencies across the country.
Mr. Nyangu said the party was so far satisfied with the manner in which interviews were being conducted throughout the country.
He urged all Provincial MMD panels involved in the process to do a good job so that the party would be able to choose winning candidates in this year’s elections.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that all interviews were currently being conducted at provincial level adding that they were going on smoothly in all the nine provinces of Zambia.
The deputy National Secretary said that the process was halted following the demise of the Second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba who died on Saturday, June 18, 2011.
Mr. Nyangu stated that the party was optimistic that by today,(Saturday), the National Executive Committee (NEC) would be in a position to receive a list of adopted candidates for both Parliamentary and local government elections.
He further explained that the MMD would ensure that it selects candidates who would be easy to pitch to the electorate ahead of this year’s elections.
He added that the party had never experienced any adoption problems from the time the exercise started early last month adding that this was an indication that the ruling party was the most democratic party in the country.
Mr. Nyangu also said that the opposition would wake up in a rude shock after this year’s polls because the ruling party under President Rupiah Banda‘s leadership was going to win the elections with a resounding victory.
He appealed to all Zambians to vote for President Banda and all MMD cadidates for continued development in the country.
Some of the Zambian soldiers at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka on parade before leaving for Sudan to participate in a peacekeeping mission.
The Zambia Army says a fact finding mission that was instituted to investigate international media reports that Zambian troops deployed as peace keepers in Sudan failed to protect the civilians in Abyei region during clashes between rival Sudanese forces has established that troops conducted themselves professionally.
Reuters recently reported that Zambian troops retreated during the fight that took place on the 21st of May, 2011 between Sudan armed Forces and the Sudan people’s Liberation army in Abyei.
At a press briefing in Lusaka this afternoon, Zambia Army Chief of operations and training, Brigadier general John Bulawayo said the fact finding mission to Sudan which was led by Deputy Army commander and Chief staff Major General Vincent Mukanda has revealed that the Zambian troops conducted themselves in a professional manner contrary to reports.
Brigadier General Bulawayo adds that the UN force commander Major General Moses Bisongi Obi confirmed to the fact finding mission delegation that the Zambian troops conducted themselves professionally and were able to protect the UN staff and property.
General Bulawayo has also noted that no fatalities were recorded among the Zambian Peace keepers who are currently in Sudan.
Government has disclosed that US$1 billion would be spent to establish a township under the Public Private
Partnership (PPP) in Kazungula district in Southern Province.
Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane said the
new township would have 4,000 housing units, and other social
amenities including a hospital, clinic, and schools.
ZANIS reports that he said the contract for construction is expected
to be concluded within the next weeks adding that houses once
completed would be rented or sold to the community.
Dr. Musokotwane said the construction of a modern township in the
border area was meant to equate the development in Kasane town in
Bostwana across Kazungula border.
He said the Zambian government wanted to see similar development on
the border area of the Zambezi River .
Dr. Musokotwane said this at a media briefing in Lusaka today.
He said government has identified some land around the country to
construct houses under the public private partnership (PPP) projects
to mitigate the housing deficit in the country.
Dr. Musokotwane said government will give the land to the private
sector where they will construct the houses and offer them for rent
and sale to the public.
Dr. Musokotwane named the places as Solwezi, Ndola , Livingstone,
Lusaka , Kabwe, Kabwe and Kazungula.
“The housing project will involve the development of complete houses
to be sold to Zambians at affordable prices. The grades of the houses
will be low cost houses, medium costs houses and a few high cost
houses. This will enable all Zambians from all walks of life to
benefit from this imitative. We want our people to live in decent
accommodation” he said.
The Minister has also confirmed that the K293 billion grant from the
Japanese government will go towards the construction of ring roads in
Lusaka province.
He said the agreement was signed last year and will see the
construction of ring road from Lilayi area in Lusaka to the Lusaka
South multi-facility zone.
Dr. Musokotwane said the roads will help de-congest the main road in Lusaka .
Concerned University of Zambia (UNZA ) students have commended the move by First Quantum Mining Company (FQMC) for its pledge to pay all outstanding mining tax arrears to government.
The Students told ZANIS in an interview , in Lusaka today, that they are grateful to the mining company over its intentions to pay off all its outstanding tax arrears to the State.
They have since appealed to all mining companies in Zambia to maintain consistency when it comes to payment of tax to the government.
One of the students Naomi Phiri, , a 4th year Economics Student, said the FQMC gesture will help supplement government efforts in building a strong economy.
“Consistency in the payment of tax remittance will help the Zambian government realize enough revenue to build a strong economy” she said.
Ms Phiri added that most Zambians feel that tax from the mines will positively affect several activities that will bring about development.
Her third year developmental Studies counterpart, Joe Kabaso, stressed that consistency in the payment of remittance tax by all mines. He said this will further help create employment for the local people.
Mr Kabaso noted that the revenue collected from the mines can be used to boost other industries such as the nitrogen chemicals of Zambia that can in turn create more employment opportunities for the local people.
“Tax from the mining sector will raise the standard of living in Zambia because more people will be employed when other industries are revamped” he noted.
However, Janet Besa, second year developmental studies students said other more mines should emulate first Quantum mine in remitting all taxes.
She commended the government for bringing the caliber of investors that are concerned with the plight of many Zambians, by being partners in terms of development with the Zambian government.
First Quantum Minerals is soon expected to pay Government accrued tax arrears amounting to about US$224 million.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed this yesterday shortly after opening
the Access Bank Economic Review and Trade Finance Seminar in Lusaka.
Dr. Musokotwane said Government has been collecting good taxes from the mines, which remains the country’s biggest tax contributor.
FLASHBACK: Spiritualists showcasing a ritual during the Lwiindi in Monze
Chief Monze of the Tonga people in Monze district of the Southern Province has warned against politicising this year’s Lwiindi Gonde traditional ceremony of the Tonga people.
The traditional leader says no individual will be allowed to dress in any political attire during the ceremony because it will politicise the traditional function.
He says although he is aware that his subjects belong to different political parties, it is his responsibility to work with the government of the day.
The ceremony scheduled for this weekend is expected to attract Zambians from all walks of life and tourists.
Meanwhile, Chief Monze says all is set for the ceremony which starts on Saturday and ends on Tuesday, July 5.
The Tonga people of Southern Province use the Lwiindi Gonde traditional ceremony to pay homage to their ancestral spirits for the good rains and harvest and also pray for rains for the subsequent farming season.
Chongwe Member of parliament Sylvia Masebo says she is excited at attacks targeted at her by the MMD following her resignation because they are an indication that the ruling party is panicking.
Ms. Masebo has told QFM amid laughter that she is wondering why the MMD has continued to attack her when they had earlier indicated that her exit from the party was good riddance.
The parliamentarian could however not comment on the accusations that she has been asking MMD members in Chongwe to surrender their MMD materials so that they can be used for a staged defection this weekend.
Ms. Masebo told QFM that she was rushing for a meeting to plan for a rally scheduled to place tomorrow in Chongwe district.
She adds that all queries that people have been asking about her will be answered during the same rally where she will formally announce her exit from the MMD.
Yesterday the MMD in Lusaka province during a press briefing announced that the Party had information that Ms. Masebo was planning to stage a fake defection were she would lead the defectors to the PF.
And Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata says Chongwe Member of parliament Silvia Masebo resigned from the ruling MMD because she wants to join the opposition Patriotic Front.
Mr. Sata says every person has a right to decide where they want to belong noting that when an individual decides to resign it means they are not satisfied with their current position.
He says Ms. Masebo is welcome to join the party adding that the PF will be ready to welcome her.
In a telephone interview with QFM, Mr. Sata says with the recent defection of former Kitwe mayor Lackson Kazabu from the UPND, the PF will continue welcoming more members into the party.
Mr. Sata says Mr. Kazabu’s defection to the PF is confirmed and that he has since applied to contest one of the constituencies in Kitwe on the PF ticket.
Family spokesperson of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba, Ben Mwila, addresses journalists at Belvedere lodge
2.
Family spokesperson of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba, Ben Mwila, addresses journalists at Belvedere lodge
3.
Family spokesperson of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba, Ben Mwila, addresses journalists at Belvedere lodge
4.
Members of the Baroste Royal establishment attending the funeral of later second republican President Frederick Chiluba at Belvedere lodge in Lusaka
5.
Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Daniel Munkombwe greets members of the Barotse Royal Establishment at the funeral of the late second republican President Frederick Chiluba at Belvedere lodge in Lusaka
6.
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya confers with Media liaison offficer, Eric Mwanza at second republican President, Dr Chiluba's funeral venue at Belvedere lodge in Kabulonga.
7.
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya and general secretary George Kasengele visit second republican President, Dr Chiluba's the funeral venue at Belvedere Lodge in Kabulonga
8.
Zimbabwe Minister of Defense Emmerson Mnangangwa talks to journalists after signing the book of condolences at Belvedere lodge
9.
Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa (left) and Zambia National Service Commander Major General Anthony Yeta sign books of condolences at the funeral of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba in Lusaka .
10.
Zamia Air Force Deputy Commander Major General Montah Chileshe signs the book of condolences at the funeral of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba in Lusaka .
11.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro is met by Zambia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mr. Muyambo Sipangule (left) on arrival to sign a book of condolences in New York in honour of Zambian second President Dr. Frederick Chiluba.
12.
Zambia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mr. Muyambo Sipangule (left) leading United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro and her team on arrival at the Permanent Mission in New York to sign a book of condolences in honour of former Zambian President Dr. Frederick Chiluba.
13.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro signing a book of condolences in honour of Zambia's former President Dr. Frederick Chiluba. Looking on is Mr. Bernard Kang'ombe, First Secretary (Legal), at the Zambian Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
14.
Zambia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Muyambo Sipangule, talking to Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, after she signed a book of condolences in honour of the late Zambian second President Dr. Frederick Chiluba
15.
One of the Sports personalities and administrators signing the book of condolences for former president Frederick Chiluba.
16.
One of the Sports personalities and administrators signing the book of condolences for former president Frederick Chiluba.
17.
Sports personalities and administrators, including boxer Esther Phiri signing the book of condolences for former president Frederick Chiluba.
18.
Anthony Mwamba Signing the book of condolences
19.
(Signing the book of condolences)Western Province Permanent Secretary Seth Muleya Joins Mongu residents to sign the book of Condolences for the late Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba in Mongu.
20.
(Signing the book of condolences)Western Province Permanent Secretary Seth Muleya Joins Mongu residents to sign the book of Condolences for the late Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba in Mongu.
21.
(Signing the book of condolences) Some Women opf Mongu sign the book of Condolences for the late Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba
22.
(Signing the book of condolences) Some Women opf Mongu sign the book of Condolences for the late Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba
23.
Indie K, Hezron Ngosa and Angela Nyirenda during the recording of a special song for the late second republican president Frederick Chiluba at the Sakala Brothers Arts Center in Lusaka.
24.
Indie K, Hezron Ngosa and Angela Nyirenda during the recording of a special song for the late second republican president Frederick Chiluba at the Sakala Brothers Arts Center in Lusaka.
25.
Indie K, Hezron Ngosa and Angela Nyirenda during the recording of a special song for the late second republican president Frederick Chiluba at the Sakala Brothers Arts Center in Lusaka.
26.
Indie K, Hezron Ngosa and Angela Nyirenda during the recording of a special song for the late second republican president Frederick Chiluba at the Sakala Brothers Arts Center in Lusaka.
Ariel ,born Mwiza shaba , is an urdan contemporary artist .
In 2010, Ariel signed to Elite Records and went on to feature on collabos such as ‘Murder was the case’, ‘ I should have told you’ ‘Monster’, ‘Catch me if you can’, and other hits. He also does some acting and has the lead role in an upcoming movie called “No under age”.
KAPA187: Who is Ariel? , tell us a bit about yourself.
ARIEL: Ariel is a 21 year old, Urban Contemporary Gospel Artist , who does a fusion of music genres. With his main genres been Soul and Dancehall.
KAPA187: Your music can be described as adult contemporary RnB , what was your inspiration to start doing this kind of music?
ARIEL: I have none in specific but I draw inspiration from most of the old school artists I grew up listening to such as; Brian McKnight, Bebe Winans, Commissioned, 3t, Gerald Levert, Mainza, Boys II Men, West life and new school artist such as Detrick Haddon and Neville inspire me.
KAPA187: What has been your biggest achievement since starting your music career?
ARIEL: Performing in front of President Rupiah Banda, Dr. Chiluba (the late), Maureen Mwanawasa and several other senior government officials and foreign dignitaries at the 2nd AIBT Graduation in 2010. Another one was getting rave reviews from the Weekend Post Edition a fortnight ago after my first public performance at Golden Bridge Hotel under the Zambia One Comedy. This drew comparisons with the great Charlie Wilson.
KAPA187: Your music may appeal more to an older audience, why didn’t you go for a more youthful sound?
ARIEL: I am going to have a variety of music in the album. I believe the Dancehall and Pop tracks will be more appealing to the youths.
KAPA187: At what moment in your life did you decide that music is what you want to do?
ARIEL : I’ve had on and off moments from the time I was 13 years old. But I took music very serious after the formation of a Boy Band, Revival Crew, in 2008, which I am still a member. During the same time, I was very active with music at University (AIBT). I was urged by my peers, church and family to take it up more seriously.
KAPA187: Who is your biggest inspiration internationally?
ARIEL : Uhmmm, that’s a tough one. It will have to be a three way tie between Brian McKnight, Babyface and Deitrick Haddon. I grew up listening a lot to Brian McKnight and I love the emotion he puts into his music, an attribute Haddon has as well. I admired Babyface’s writing skills.
KAPA187: Apart from music what other interests do you have?
ARIEL: Playing and watching football, playing video games, hanging out with friends, acting, reading and watching biographies or profiles of successful people and giving business advice.
KAPA187: Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
ARIEL : Almost got kicked out of University for been under age at 15 years old.
KAPA187: If you were granted 3 wishes, what would they be?
ARIEL: I would wish that everyone had equal opportunities in life based on the ability as opposed to nepotism.
I wish that we would have no racism in the world.
Everyone could come to the serving knowledge of Jesus Christ before they die and make it to heaven.
KAPA187: Where will you be in 5 years time?
ARIEL: I see myself as an inspiration to my generation and someone who changed at least one life in the past 5 years through my music or words I said.
I will have done international collaborations with legendary artists and shared the stage with them, hence flying the Zambian flag around the world.
KAPA187: Where can your fans listen to your music?
ARIEL: Reverbnation, Thanks for the interview
THE MUSIC
Miss u
A track for those who are missing there significant others “..girl you are the only one for me , when your not around its plane to see , i miss u baby….” he sings in the chorus.
THE Council of Bishops in Zambia has condemned Patriotic Front (PF) President Michael Sata for shunning Dr Chiluba’s burial, saying Zambians should not condone such behaviour from an aspiring president.
Bishop Peter Chinyemba said it is very disappointing for a politician eyeing the highest job in the land to harbour hatred.
He said in Lusaka yesterday that in a Christian nation, such behaviour from leaders should not be condoned because it is likely to create unnecessary animosity in the country.
“We should not tolerate such attitudes from aspiring leaders because it is unChristian and leaders should be promoting unity and not division,” Bishop Chinyemba said.
Bishop Chinyemba said it is important for leaders like Mr Sata to leave a good legacy by uniting the nation and not to harbour grudges against others.
“Mr Sata is not a young man and one day, people will look back and see what he has done. He should set an example for young people to follow,” Bishop Chinyemba said.
He said Mr Sata claims to have been good friends with Dr Chiluba but his behaviour does not attest to that. If he means well, he should apologise to the people of Zambia and Dr Chiluba’s family.
Bishop Chinyemba said Mr Sata has worked with Dr Chiluba and out of respect, he should have gone to comfort the former President’s family.
“No true friend can behave like that. How can anyone fail to attend a friend’s funeral?” Bishop Chinyemba said.
He said citizens should be wary of leaders who behave like Mr Sata.
“We should not accept such leaders. We cannot have people with such attitudes to lead the country,” Bishop Chinyemba said.
Bishop Chinyemba commended President Banda for the unifying manner in which he brought the nation together to mourn Dr Chiluba.
“This is how leaders should behave, not to perpetrate hatred just because of political differences and the desire to assume power,” he said.
“Mr Sata should emulate President Banda, who has committed to work with anyone in nation building,” Bishop Chinyemba said.
He said leaders should be able to put aside their political differences and embrace each other in difficult moments.
The Zambia Army says a fact finding mission that was instituted to investigate international media reports that Zambian troops deployed as peace keepers in Sudan failed to protect the civilians in Abyei region during clashes between rival Sudanese forces has established that troops conducted themselves professionally.
Reuters recently reported that Zambian troops retreated during the fight that took place on the 21st of May, 2011 between Sudan armed Forces and the Sudan people’s Liberation army in Abyei.
At a press briefing in Lusaka this afternoon, Zambia Army Chief of operations and training, Brigadier general John Bulawayo said the fact finding mission to Sudan which was led by Deputy Army commander and Chief staff Major General Vincent Mukanda has revealed that the Zambian troops conducted themselves in a professional manner contrary to reports.
Brigadier General Bulawayo noted that the UN force commander Major General Moses Bisongi Obi confirmed to the fact finding mission delegation that the Zambian troops conducted themselves professionally and were able to protect the UN staff and property.
General Bulawayo has also noted that no fatalities were recorded among the Zambian Peace keepers who are currently in Sudan.
[ QFM ]