Zambia’s long-standing president stands down after losing an election… a sign that the continent’s fortunes might be changing for the better.
Even in this remarkable year of uprisings and unpredictable events, it was an inspirational moment that revealed the pace of change sweeping Africa.
The veteran leader of a country whose party had become entrenched in office and been plagued by corruption allegations handed over the presidency after losing an election.
In a continent where all too often presidents cling on to power by any means necessary, Zambia’s Rupiah Banda conceded defeat on Friday with astonishing grace and dignity.
“My generation, the generation of the independence struggle, must now give way to new ideas – ideas for the 21st century,” he said, with tears in his eyes.
His generous message of reconciliation and unity was greeted with relief in a former British colony that has been relatively stable since gaining independence, especially given flickers of violence sparked by slow counting of votes. After half a century in the public eye, the 74-year-old said he would go home to play with his children.
Banda deserves to be called one of Africa’s big men. His fine words offer the sharpest possible reproach to the generation that has dominated the political landscape of Africa with often such dreadful consequences.
Given the demographics, the desire for change is irresistible. Democracy is spreading across the entire continent, bringing peace and increased prosperity in its wake. It has been given a huge boost this weekend by an old man in Zambia throwing down a challenge to the generation that freed their nations from their colonial rulers.
The refusal of another president to give up power in the Ivory Coast provoked a civil war and huge media coverage. The actions of Mr Banda attracted minimal discussion. In the long run, however, they show the real face of a changing continent.
Source Gurdian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/25/ian-birrell-zambia-president-hope?newsfeed=true
ZANIS
Yes its true. But we still have to find that Idio.t who was shouting ati “eh baba letani ten buses”, while at Central Police. He was acting with impunity at the Police Station.
Congrats Mr Sata, fairwell RB, though we know that soon you will be invited to top universities in the U S to make presentations on democracy and how you averted a possible violent uprising by conceding defeat. It is lesson to most African countries that the must emulate Zambia in such affairs.
And by the way, has RB just realised that we need ideas of the 21st century? How I wish our leaders could realise this when they are in power. Power blinds them, he could not allow to be challenged at the convention by any one including the young people with the same 21st century ideas. Bwana RB now you have sobered up, you were drunk with power. Shame!
Honestly Sata is a mad man!! Ho w come he is making careless statements like this and did the Priest tolerate this nonsense and dividing statement in the Roman Catholic church?
Sata is making a very very big mistake that his precedesor Banda made. Zambia is not predominantly Catholic but Evangelical. If Sata starts making these careless statements he risks hurting non Catholic Zambians who voted for him and will vote for the opposition next.
Zambians do not want the Northern Ireland problem, where Roman Catholics fights Evangelicals. If Evangelicals start praying for Sata’s downfall, he wont last much. Sata’s days are numbered in Statehouse.
Honestly no Zambian supported this nonsense coming from Sata now!!!!
truth be told, lts the catholic vote which got him in state house .
I agree with you. Man I am U C Z and I felt insulted by Satas statement in that Catholic Church on Sunday and I received about six calls from friends expressing thier dissapointments.I tell you this is just but the beginning.
Lets wait and see.
Good for RB, but which British paper are you referring to/copying from?
THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER
RB made way too many mistakes among a few good things. However, i think he made symbolic history for Zambia on inauguration day a way forward for many things to come. I also believe an enquiry need to be established for the former president to explain the sell of Finance Bank. I ‘m not advocating he should be probed.
i must say i loved his farewell speech especially the bit which talked ’bout younger generations succeding with fresher new ideas! we should move forward not backward. with failing markets here in europe ,zambia really has an opportunity to do this. its amazing how china has turned its economy round.they are learning from the west and doing the exact thing that they did to develop. one thing i hope this govt invests in is education. so many chinese are studying here in london uni’s and apparently they are the highest number of international students going to grad school in the us.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, erring British Paper! long-standing president as in?! Somebody tell me the meaning of this?
# 4 Shaka. God is not interested in Relgion but what is in your heart. we are all christians regadless of our denominations. Your Radical coments are un founded
Long standing President? And, why these headlines now on LT?
in fact he is the president with the shortest term , only 3 years
#5 exactly what i thought. which paper? the mirror, daily mail?there loads. am still searching for the articles online, havent seen any on the paper i bought 2day, anyone had any luck?
The piece is from the left leaning Obsever newspaper… it contains bits of lazy jounalism such as descrbing Banda ‘s rule as ‘long-standing’ . Banda served one full term as president… hardly long-standing! Descrbing African leaders as ‘big men’also carries negative conotations in Europen eyes…overall a positive piece about zambia.
0n this front,I too salute Banda.imagine if he had decided to behave like mugabe,the kenya man,bagbo,gaddafi etc,banda thank you,can only be compared to great KK on this one.
Clive Chirwa for foreign affairs Minister.
SHAKA your comments are irrelevant. There is nothing sinister with one talking about his own faith. FTJ talked about pentecostal but that never triggered uproar. Do not start un necessary criticisms which hold no grain of relevance. I am a proud SDA but I see nothing wrong with something talking proudly about being a Catholic. I guess Bo Shaka you have too much hate which you are habouring in your heart. Move on start afresh and forget about MMDism doctrines of hate and divide, this is a new era and a new beginning of political dispensation.
RB lost the election that’s why he stepped down. There is nothing commendable about that. That’s the way it is! Stop making heroes out of villains for no reason. F all of you agreeing with this report.
Why would a man who has mismanaged the country be on that list? Britain should refrain from their imperialist ways. Their day of colonialism are over. They should report on their own problems like how they let riots run for 4 days with no control.
You are the man (alias princess). Indeed there was notthing magical about letting go. The people did not want him. Infact it is on record that he tried so hard to delay and rig. He was forced out by us, the PEOPLE.
It’s so clear you’ve no clue why Kenya, Zimbabwe ad Ivory Coast went up in flames following their respective election results. Peaceful transition of the kind witnessed in Zambia and yet so elusive in the above named countries is encumbent upon not the winning candidate but the defeated one – RB in our case. RB was our HERO on that day and we pray that when it’s Sata’s turn he’ll not do anything less! Thumbs up to RB!
Nubian Princess,
How many leaders the world over have clang on to power even after losing. Give credit where it is due
I congratulate all Zambians through HE RB for showing such maturity after loosing an election, like did Supper Ken! Congratulation zambia!!! But Zambia is a CHRISTIAN NATION FOR ALL ZAMBIANS & NOT ONLY THE CATHOLICS, MOSLEMS INCLUSIVE. WE DONOT WANT ZIONISM IN SUB-SAHARAN REGION, ESPECIALY IN ZAMBIA. Thank you, all!
The paper is, in its view, just simply giving praise where it is due, considering what happened in ivory coast or Libya.
I remember one certain Gordon Brown going down in the history books as the worst Prime Minister. Here we have someone miles ahead as the worst President Zambia will probably ever have in a long time-barring Jesus coming back! The only legacy he has left is corruption.
British Paper? More like the funny noise we had about Bradford Uni in Canada! Sorry guys if people protected corrupt ministers, if people played a hand in the sell of Zamtel, if people had something to do in shielding criminals, they have to go in. Finance Bank sale should be investigated.
It ain`t cool on the other side of the fence is it? Someone will have to expalin about hearses, Containers convineintly called Mobile hospitals and well the list is endless.
Yes certainly the worst President we ever had!
@#15. Nubian. The mugs (Brits) are happy to see Africans stubbing each other. Didn`t you see Cameron`s smile landing in Tripoli after massive killings?
these uninformed western journalists are assuming rb has been at the helm since mmd came into power. and LT are quick to capitalise on that. That’s why even in Z, you worship these people.
When you lose at ANTEING, you should concede period. RB did the right thing to accept defeat. This article shows the low perception of Africa where doing the right thing is seen as EXTRAORDINARY, Its not. We should that RB for being a good example and defying negative perceptions.
# 18 haha very funny that made my day. they still love to think of themselves as rulers of the world along with the yanks(americans), when they have no idea how to get us out of the economic mess we’re in. cameron is indeed an *****. never voted for him and never will.
Good evening
I’m also equally searching for the source of the story because it is not on the official BBC world news site.
Anyhow, there’s no doubt that he did the right thing but there’s no need to glorify him for stepping aside because in a democracy, that should be naturally expected from a leader after losing elections. We should get used to the fact that every five years, somebody should be able to be dfeated and another elected – depending on their performance alone.
Ba Shaka mulekwata amano!
extremely graceful of RB .give way to “new generation of leaders”?who PRESIDENT SATA.VJ AND ALL HIS FELLOW COHORTS WILL BE CHANGING PARTIES AND TRY TO CONTROL PF.PRESIDENT SATA IS ALSO FROM THE STONE THROWING ERA WHO FOUGHT THE BRITISH FOR INDEPENDENCE.
And sorry it`s not as if they do it for charity, they get paid. How about the things that go with being the most important man of a country?
How about RB clocking more Air Miles in less than 3 years, more than Gaddafi did in almost 40 years? By the way he will be entitled to a lot of things until he dies. Remember Don Chi Chi and his Chrysler? By the way did he hand it back before he kicked the bucket?
Lupiah was president for 3 yrs, and if my English serves me right, this is not a long standing president by any ‘stretch of imagination’. You reporters must do your work with dignity. If you can’t do your work honourably, you lose the little following you may have had.
RB was forced to leave because of the people. The entire country was probably against him. We could have started war if he hadnt left and mark my words, we were ready for it. There is nothing heroic about him leaving when we did not want him. If he wants to be a hero, let him give back the money he abused through the sale of Zamtel, Finance Bank and the money used to buy those MMD campaign materials. RB is just a common thief like Chiluba
Would RB have talked about his generation giving way to a younger generation if he had won? NEVER! By the way Super Ken was in State house for 27 year, he never cried when he left, but just 3 years and RB is flooding the place with his tears when leaving…Why is he crying?
I think you live in mars- you never saw KK cry in 1991- stupid *****a!
Coz he knows what’s coming next, th wimp. If he had the stones to rip off the Zambian people, then he should equally have the stones to face up to any consequences arising from his actions.
Nine Chile you always talk sense but on this point you have missed it keep your intelligence going do not blog like some dull fellows on LT. Stepping down is still an issue in Africa remember bloodshed which goes with it.
Collectively with fellow proud Zambian patriots we vow to secure our ex-President H.E Rupiah Banda an international platform to inspire other leaders sacrificing their countries for fear of their fate once out of office. International speaking engagements, dispute resolution and promotion of democracy audiences to the benefit of young democracies awaits our seasoned Diplomat RB. His magnanimity, humility and exemplary passion for Zambia have just won him a deserving international status as icon of democracy with class.
International speaking engagements?! Lol! Yes, maybe if he’ll have enough free time from all the inevitable court cases that will be coming his way.
What a statesman who has won Zambia such higher level credentials which President Sata has to build on. These credentials are our expendable political capital on the international platform to the benefit of Zambia. God blesses Zambia even as we get set to take on President Sata in criticism. I have just secured RB a plat with US based over forthcoming elections in an two African friendly countries. More are on the way.
Proud Zambian
@26. If you can manage to read other people`s mails, know there are others who can do it on you as well. It is a crime and just wait and see what happens. Am out!
“I, Michael Chilufya Sata, having been constitutionally elected to the office of President of the Republic of Zambia, do swear that I will faithfully and diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in this high office, that I will uphold and defend the constitution and laws of Zambia, that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Zambia without fear, favour or ill-will, help me God,” President Sata declared.”This is HE Sata’s promise to the Zambia as he was accepting the presidency of Zambia. And not the principles of one denomination. Daily of Zambia, 24/09/2011
Its time for a Generational Change. Put on your tennis shoes and start posturing for 2016 now and not at the 11;45am before the hour.
the face in front tells you a diffrent story with what was happening behind the scene.Rigging was in place only that the difference was quiet big.Unpon this there was alot of vigilance from people.That the principle is of Democracy is that the looser has to accept the defeat and move on with his life.
Catholics oppose Zambia as a Christian nation. Sata was not voted for by Catholics alone. any where, i hope the banning, de registration of churches and deportation of foreign pastors will end in Zambia. the mad name of calling innocent people as satanists just because they are viewed as successful people , must also end.
SATA is a christian of catholic faith. But he did mean that he would subject everyone to catholic teachings no. but as he has being taught in catholic christianity he has to be guided by it to gevern.Just like u when u are elected you will base your leadership according to what you have been taught by your church to guide while accomodating everyone.unless you say that the President should start reading every church doctrine.But he is more conversant with the catholic teaching for his guidance.
Shortest saving President of Zambia. Even the monkeys in State House could sense that this was mabwerekete now after Mwanawasa that is why they peed on him. I knew he would not last long. He did not step down willingly, he never expected to exit in such a manner that is why he wept, he has gone down with all those that he thought he was doing favours and also completely destroyed the MMD as a party, they may never rise again. People pleaded with him to stay away from FTJ he refused, they pleaded with him to re-negotiate mining taxes now that the prices had shot up, he refused. They pleaded with him to apologise for Mongu killing, he refused. They pleaded with him to control MMD cadres who were beating innocent people including Journalists, he refused. Ignored plight of youths
Let us give RB the credit he deserves on what he has done. Had he decided to continue holding on to power, we would have been going the Zim way politically. RB made mistakes on Zamtel & FBZ, but let us honor him for saving Zambia from post elections blood bath.
All he was concerned about was opening Zambia to foreign investors as those are the ones he really cared about, Chinise shooting our youngsters in our land and they go scot-free. All he was concerned about was enriching his sons through dubious deals, how are they going to enjoy this wealth now? I am pleased that the people of Zambia showed him the way-out!
Hearts off to RB, you have demonstrated maturity, leadership and has put Zambia on the world map
Yes, big selfish men.
RB showed true democratic leadership qualities in the way he conceded power.
He had no choice otherwise he was going to have it thick like his twin brother as seen here: http://www.lusakatimes.com/2011/04/16/pictures-from-the-internet-of-how-not-to-leave-office/
Signs that RB was losing the election:
– A monkey peed on his head
– Chiluba died
– And worst of all, he ignored the people’s needs, flying around like a rock star in unfitted pants
NB: I hope the monkeys will be brought back from exile, they are a good prophets
Abena Zambia tamwakashe, ama jealous yalichila what until he state to called for peace mediating by AU or even UN it always takes someone from outside tell us about what we have
On British toilet paper.
He chased anyone close to Levy includin state house Monkeys. What kind of democracy…
Is ZANIS a British paper…days of Senior Citizen are over…
Most of these western reporters need history lessons before they can claim to be EXPERTS on Zambia and its political system. FACT: NO sitting Zambian President has ever refused to leave State house after losing elections. FACT: RB has only been President for roughly 3 yrs, so how in the world is the headline screaming “Zambia’s long serving President long standing President stands down after losing an election?” They are just disappointed that Zambia did not plunge into a war zone after the elections!
Yea he stepped down because he was preaching peace everywhere and he was afraid if he doesnt they will be violence;i know for sure they where going to rigg but this time people were so much wide awake.he was also saying no violence lets have peaceful elections knowing that the PF will loose.it was difficult for him to go against hes words.
Am sorry that headline and the claim that Banda was a long serving president needs to be corrected.When we talk of Africa’s “big men” we are usually talking of undemocratic,unchallenged & long in power,dictatorial and personality cult driven leaders who also abuse state resources like they were private riches.This are the likes of Moi,Mobutu,Mugabe,Muammar Gadaffi,Museveni & Obiang.If they are refering to Banda’s act of democratic & peaceful change then the word should have been “respectable men” like Mandela or Masire bcoz Banda was not anywhere close to be in that club of abusive”big men”
I personally have no hard feelings for the former president. He was weak and his weakness was translated into humbleness. His handover of power is extraordinary and remarkable. It shows that he has respect for human point of view.
Farewell mr president
The story was in the Guardian 25 september 2011 issue and the writer is Ian Birrell. These are just the opinions of one man and just because he is british doesn’t make his opinion stand over the majority of zambians. How can one journalist who has no idea of what it’s like to live in Zambia give an opinion on a president he hardly knows. The British media seem to love Sata as well because of his hatred of the chinese . One should remember that the chinese economic power is frowned upon by western governments because it means they lose thir powerbase in africa.
To begin with he should never have been president. The man was weak, corrupt to the core and his endlessly useless trips drained the living day light out of our economy. The gerrymandering of the judiciary to release Chiluba and his wife from their thieving cases caused severe damage to our independent court system while the sales of ZAMTEL and Finance back both smell of a rat that ought to be uncovered and all those found wanting executed. This has nothing to do with vengeance, it is plain accountability for ones sins.
“Long standing President”? Imwe bazungu I thought you taught us Journalism! Banda was president for only 3 years. Anyway I have no argument over his being a big man by peacefully handing over the baton
Why do we have to congratulate RB for doing what he is supposed to do???? why is it only zambians who respect someone for conceding defeat? Did the world congratulate george bush for being a good man for conceding defeat or tony blair for conceding defeat. All of sudden RB has a halo because he conceded defeat
For those who are technologically challenged, the story is from the British Guardian (guardian.co.uk, then go to search and type ‘Zambia’).
Yes I agree with Shalapungu, why do we have to congratulate Banda for defeat, Nobody congratulated Bush , what so special with this ***** Banda, Can someon tell me, when h is vacating the State House, back to the farm where he belongs. Azhachiwona Banda,how he treated Sata, and his useless Shikapwasha, Dora Siliya, William Banda so many to name these stupid *****s.
#37khinakho Sata was propelled into power by the katolika no doubt about it .Katolika think and feel they control the country .Am sure you one father walya who was campaipning for sata for over two years sponsored by the katolikas,duffy just died too soon to see his dream come true.And to you pf chaps RB has left a very eathy treasury ,a sound economy if he was such a ba leader you were going to see all the negative indicators,Zambians just wanted change but am sorry to say this change is the worst just wait and see how pa fwaka will fail miserably first with the 90 days demons.Then failure to recover Zambians’ money from Fred M’membe and his shinda pepa for the job well done 35 million dollars gone share with crooks.
Good for RB, he earned it!
list of wat? i guess the Britons r nt all that stupid. i s think RB shud b on the list of plunderers, most corrupt & useless leader, hopeless leader, or even a terrorist since he killed Barotse activists…
# 38. Catholics are not Christians. They are Catholics, that is their religion, don`t confuse people later on confuse yourself. Sata is Catholic. This said, we still love him and respect him as our President though Zambia is a Christian nation.
#60 what kind of theology is that? You are thinking like a Black America.
#60, No single denomination on earth will lead you to heaven but its your conduct, belief and what you do with your life. not all who say LORD LORD will enter the kingdom. so the Lord does not look at pentecostal or rutheran or roman catholic or sda of chitawala as a standard but your heart.
Being a christian by profession but doing deeds of the children of the devil does not make a difference. we have seen the deeds of grabbing regina and by magic the tv leaves state house and it finds itself in hands that have no connection to state house but silly judges see that as nothing wrong. he even says the tv was not reported stolen. you mean chiluba will report his girl friend that she has stolen the toshiba 51 inch tv? foolishness all hiding in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Zambia’s long-standing president stands down after losing an election?are you kidding me?long standing?a little stretch here,not too fast ,we have to wait for sata to open his files and know were the money for dressing the whole nation blue came from.
#13 Zodwa. Thats cool! Clive Chirwa heading Foreign Affairs. Iam overly tempted to go a step further by saying Inonge for Veep!
Huts off to my beloved president RB, you are a real man, thanx for accepting the will of the pipo. you are a true democracy. God bless you
That was very wise of you RB. I sincerely Salute you!
I have been taken aback by the many hurtful comments towards RB. Sure, he made mistakes, but to deny him the dignity he so deserves is another matter all together. RB is still emains one of us and he has played his part in Zambian politics and has left Mr. Sata a healthy platform on which to build the economy and create much needed jobs for the youth.
You hate brokers, you will soon wake up from your slumber and discover that the messiah has not arrived actually. There is no magic wand for Zambia’s economy and jobs. Why are we so jealous of each other. Let us celebrate our heroes. What’s there to adore of Bechkhams and yet the British sing hymns of them.
My beloved President RB,a real man indeed! Many thanx for accepting defeat.May GOD add more years of wisdom to you and Super Ken,true democrats,really you deserve to be put on the list of Africa’s BIG MEN. Am touched by your hand over of power willingly. OOOOH ZAMBIA I love Zambia and looking forward to being on the Zambian soil again.I salute you.
THE GUARDIAN UK: Zambia swears in new president Michael Sata, known as ‘King Cobra’,…….
Michael Sata, who once worked as a platform sweeper at London’s Victoria station, was sworn in as Zambia’s president on Friday after an upset poll victory that ushered in a smooth handover of power in Africa’s biggest copper producer.
don’t be fooled, the only reason he conceded the whitewash was because there was no way he could have worked around those figures, he was way behind Sata. So don’t think it was his good heartedness that made him accept the defeat, rigging just became too complicated considering the figures involved and any other option on his part wasn’t so much of an option at all. And why do people keep on congratulating him for “graciously” conceding defeat and handing over power, of course that’s what is EXPECTED of him, isn’t that what losers do, don’t make it look like he was doing us a favor.
Zambia’s Long STanding president…..what S**t ? what ka newspaper is this which cant even get it right or verify these facts. they do not even know Zambia’s political history, shame really.
What maturity?? RB lost all the tricks couldn’t work that you know. Unless you are in Pluto. Let the opposition MMD salute to this nonsense of RB deserves to be on list………. VIVA THE EYE let them talk-losers
There is nothing honorable or dignified about conceding defeat it is normal. If west African leaders don’t want to do that it is not Zambians’ business.
even in ne namwana i dont think my son who is 8 years old can refer RB to as Zambia’s long standing President!!!!!!!!!!!!! Namwamba kale uku dobola. muleke ifyamba ba LT
proud to be zambian well done RB bt the person who wrote that article must be sent back to school poor journalism research when it comes to african issue by the west
“After half a century in the public eye, the 74-year-old said he would go home to play with his children.”
his only been president for 1 term ,
RB himself said it firmly and strongly that Mr Sata would never rule Zambia and there are many other people who said the same thing. Sata’s victory has come as a very big shock to RB and all those that said Sata will never be President of Zambia. WELL HE IS NOW and people have started looking for other faults. People its good sometimes to just swallow our pride and face the truth. PRIDE COME BEFORE A FALL. As for Mr Shaka; ba mudala nga tamukwete ifyakulandapo ifyamano kwikalafye tondolo. Over 80% of people in Zambia are Christians and I am one of them. God loves us all even those of other denominations; Muslims, Hindus etc
Start arresting the bafoons.
# 4
ARE YOU TELLING ME YOU AHVE NEVER HEARD OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS…WHATS WRONG WITH THE PRESIDENT SAYING HE WILL RULE ZAMBIA WITH A GRIP OF THESE GODLY COMMANDMENTS…WHAT CHURCH DO YOU GO TO ………?
YEA..BUT WE ARE YET TO SEE COZ HE IS YET TO BE INVESTIGATED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES!!
DAMAGE CONTROL BY LT. KEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKE!
WAIT FOR THE PROSECUTIONS AND THE SACKINGS TO BEGIN!!!!!! LOLEST
PEOPLE MUST PAY FOR THEIR SINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LELO LELO
Why should RB be praised?People lets be realistic!!!! He lost why should he hold on to power?This is a democratic nation and wen you loose, you give power to the incoming presedent.I dont see anything to praise RB.
While Mr. Sata’s supporters have every right to be jubilant upon his victory, let them pause to reflect if they can on the irony of the situation: Mr. Sata has lots of difficult work ahead of him in order to prove his greatness. While he strove to do good work while in office, in the end, Mr. Banda achieved greatness by doing nothing.
Because it is a great thing to have power and to relinquish it without reservation, without resort to armed force when the people say “your time is up, now go.” Mr. Banda has set an example and a high bar of achievement for all of his successors — and indeed, for all of Africa’s future leaders — to follow.
What matters most is not Mr. Banda nor Mr. Sata. What matters most is Zambia, and what’s good for Zambia. Never forget that.
Satav is a reak man for Zambia,we will wait for the 90 day……. Sata should work on the tax,same company should pay their works good salaries eg Blue
No.80 Copper Bullet: “After half a century in the public eye….’ does not necesarily mean that he was president for half a century! It simply means that he was in PUBLIC SERVICE for that long. You know sometimes we want to look smart by quickily criticising, not realising that it is us who need some schooling. Nigger get some education, sha!!!!
58 and 60 Try putting things into perspective. Bush and Blair (by the way both were not standing) did not need to be congratulated for admitting loss of office because in those countries there are plenty losing presidents who admit defeat. On the other hand in Africa it is very very rare for a ruling party’s President to lose and admit the loss. You live next door to Robert Mugabe who lost an election and is still in power and as such this should not need illustration. A stone’s throw away Kibaki is still in power despite losing and causing bloodshed by staying in power. There was Gbagbo in Ivory Coast. So Banda’s action was something rare.
Long serving president? I am in Zambia and I thot he only served a truncketed 1 term! Note to editor Zambia is not like the rest of Africa we do peace for fun! Remember KK did after 27 years!
Why should this man take the credit that should go to the people? He did not step down voluntarily. He was willing to manipulate to the last minute until he was under mounting pressure. It is the people of Zambia who demonstrated that African peoples can not take this sort of nonsense any more. He needs to answer for his crimes. Big men dont send cadres to beat up villagers for supporting the opposition.
zambia is a peacefull,democratic and a christian national. it is a good step taken by our vibrant leader H.E. pres elect: Sata to stand for people and ensure that they are the beneficiaries. CONGRATULATION AS 5TH PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA. KUBEBA,