by Chola Milambo

Ever since the election of November the 4th 2008, there has been much talk about the multitudes of people who will descend onto the capital city from far and wide to be a part of this historic inauguration – the swearing in of the first African-American as the President of the United States of America. The authorities have also announced the closure of several main roads and bridges into the DC (as they call the city), particularly from the state of Virginia which is to the south. So to get a glimpse of some of the preparations that were taking place, on Wednesday January 17, 2009 I decided to drive down with a camera in hand from Howard University which is not far from the main business district.

As expected, the city was buzzing with activity. More cars on the road, more people walking on the street and several people donned in different types of Barack Obama attire, from t-shirts, to hats, from watches to gloves. It was clear that the big event was around the corner. By the way talking about corners, there seemed to be a ntemba at almost ever corner selling anything that would fit the name ‘Obama’ on it, as I approached 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue where the White House is situated. 

The front of the White House was particularly busy with workers setting up an enclosure where the VIPs shall watch the parade that takes place there every four years. Several tourists paused for photographs in front of the White House even though the temperature was close to freezing point. Judging from the general mood and euphoria in the air, I doubt if the cool arctic air that has blown into the city will deter several others to be out on what could be a very frigid January 20. On that day, over a million people shall converge in the three-kilometer-long lawn that stretches between the Capitol Hill, where the swearing will take place, and the Lincoln Memorial. This gathering is certain to invoke the memories of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that took place on August, 28 1963, when civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous ‘I have a Dream’ speech. With that in mind, off to the Lincoln Memorial I went.

At the Lincoln Memorial, I found a stage and large speakers were being put in place for a live concert where several celebrities shall perform. This is just one of the many events scheduled for the inauguration week. It has been a long tradition of the inaugural period that several galas are attended by the newly sworn in President dating back to early years of the Nation. But as I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, my thoughts were not on the long history of inaugural celebrations, but in rather on the long journey people of color have had to travel to gain a fair standing in the United States.

I thought of how their ancestors were brought in from  distant lands as slaves, some sold by their fellow Africans. I thought of the struggle for the abolition of slavery and the cry by northerners such as Abraham Lincoln that all men are created equal. I pondered upon the Civil War that ensued and the emancipation of African-Americans. I imagined the struggles of Frederick Douglas in the late 1800s as the first black Vice-Presidential Candidate for a political party in the country, almost 100 years before the signing of the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices. I admired the courage of Rosa Parks and the resolve of Malcolm X. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have been 80 years old on January 15, told the world he dreamt of a time when man would not be judged by the color of is skin but by the content of his character – a message which found resonance with many African freedom fighters of the time such as our own Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

What a journey. The lone black United States Senator of the 110th congress will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America at the US Capitol, a structure built with the brawn power of black slaves.

The significance of this moment cannot be made light. The message it shall send to countries in which minority groups continue to be marginalized is powerful and one of hope. That freedom prevails in time.

As I drove through the crowded roads of the central business district and back to Howard University, I was convinced that I had joined those who believe that a multitude shall gather for this event. During my short tour, I saw excitement from all races; black, white, Asian and Latino. There a general sense of hope of a new day here in DC, and it seems to be contagious. In that respect, I can say I am now more certain of another thing – change has come to America!

SADC has called yet another meeting with Zimbabwe’s main political leaders in Harare on Monday next week to discuss the current political impasse and map the way forward.

SADC chairman and South African President Kgalema Mothlanthe said on Thursday, the meeting which was initially scheduled for Friday, was postponed at the request of one of the parties.

Zanu-PF leader, President Robert Mugabe and the two MDC formation principals Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara were expected to attend the meeting.

The three main parties signed a power-sharing deal last year but implementation of the pact has been delayed due to differences over the allocation of key ministerial posts and the composition of the Security Council, among other issues.

SADC leaders, including Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and former SA president Thabo Mbeki, who is also the chief mediator in the Zimbabwe inter-party talks, were also expected to attend the meeting.

“President Kgalema Motlanthe will on Monday 19 January 2009 lead a SADC delegation to Zimbabwe where discussions will be held with leaders of the country’s political parties involved in the inter-party dialogue,” read part of the statement.

The meeting would be followed by a meeting of the negotiating teams on outstanding matters related to implementation of the September 15 agreement and Constitutional Amendment Number 19 Bill.

Despite the delay in implementation of the power-sharing deal, all parties have expressed commitment to the deal.

New Ziana/ZANIS

Former Zambia Air Force commander, Christopher Singogo, who was sentenced to six years in prison on Monday, has been granted a K50 million bail in his own cognizance.

Lieutenant General Singogo was granted bail on Friday morning by Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate, Charles Kafunda, after hearing his bail application.

Two working sureties were produced and each charged twenty-five million kwacha.

General Singogo has also surrendered his passport after being granted bail.

Meanwhile, General Singogo’s lawyers have appealed against the six year jail sentence.

General Singogo was on Monday sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted on two counts of charges of theft by public servant and abuse of authority of office.

[ZNBC]

The Immigration Department says, over the past one week, it has repatriated five foreign nationals for abrogating immigration laws.

The Department further said during the same period, it has arrested 24 foreign nationals for custodian offences.

Immigration Department Public Relations Manager, Mulako Mbangweta confirmed the development to ZANIS in an Interview in Lusaka today.

Ms. Mbangweta said the repatriated five foreign nationals include three Egyptians, one Indian and a Briton.

She said the Department also arrested and took to court three foreign nationals, a Somalian, a Congolese and a Nigerian. She said the three have been charged and sentenced by the courts of law.

She said Mohamed Dahir 20, who is Somalian has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for altering documents contrary to section 352 of the Penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Ms. Mbangweta further said John Okkrohowo 30, a Nigerian was sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labor for illegal stay in the country contrary to Section 22 (2) and section 30 (1) of the immigration and deportation Act chapter 125 of the laws of Zambia.

Meanwhile, a Congolese whose name could not be disclosed for lack of full details was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with hard labor for illegal stay in the country.

Ms. Mbangweta further said among the 24 foreign nationals arrested were also eleven Guineans who were arrested after they produced forged VISA application letters.

She said four Pakistanis were arrested for illegal entry into the country and are in detention, pending prosecution.

Ms. Mbangweta further said four Eritreans were arrested as they could not give proper reasons for coming to Zambia and will be repatriated soon, while an Angolan was arrested for illegal entry.

She said all will appear in court soon. She has also warned foreigners that there are people masquerading as Immigration officials.

Ms. Mbangweta said such people are mostly found at hotels, adding that they are denting the image of the Immigration Department.

She advised foreigners coming to Zambia for the first time to go to straight to the Immigration Offices whenever they have problems relating to their stay in Zambia.

The Department further said that the eight Zimbabweans who were arrested on the Copperbelt have completed their jail sentence and will be repatriated to their country soon.

Ms. Mbangweta called on lodges and guest house owners in Mazabuka to help the Department stop Zimbabwean women harassing their clients.

She said there is need for all the stake holders in the hospitality industry to come together and help stop the further spread of HIV/AIDS.

“The lodge owners should come in and help the immigration department control the situation and this is good if we are to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the District” She said.

Ms. Mbangweta said the Department is doing everything possible to address the situation.

ENDS/GP/PK/ZANIS