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Pentagon approves sale of military helicopters to Zambia

Chief Editor
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Pentagon approves sale of military helicopters to Zambia

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Zambia for Bell 412 helicopters at an estimated cost of US$100 million.

Zambia has asked to buy the medium-lift transport helicopter primarily to conduct peacekeeping, regional security, humanitarian aid and disaster response missions over long distances and in all weather conditions.

The contract also includes requests for qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers, ground support equipment and contractor field support.

The purchase of the helicopters would be facilitated by a combination of foreign military funds and Zambian national funds, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

Bell will be the principal contract for the sale, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

The sale will also, according to the DSCA, help to “improve the security of an important partner that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Central Africa”.

Zambia already operates eight Bell 412 helicopters in its air forces’ fleet, having announced an $80 million grant with the United States in September 2023 for four helicopters.

At the time, grant covered three years of service, parts and training.

The Zambian Air Force also reportedly introduced two Bell 412EP helicopters into its fleet, from this order, in March 2024.

Dr. Tasila Tembo’s Killer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

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Dr. Tasila Tembo’s Killer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

After more than four years of legal proceedings, the family of the late Dr. Tasila Tembo, a renowned physician and former presenter of “Your Health Matters,” finally saw justice delivered as her killer, Nigel Musonda Mwaba, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lusaka High Court.

High Court Judge Sharon Newa handed down the life sentence to Mwaba, a former Zambia Army lieutenant, after ruling that he had brutally murdered Dr. Tembo, who was 47 at the time, in October 2020. Delivering the judgment, which spanned several hours, Judge Newa established that Mwaba had planned the murder and caused fatal injuries by striking Dr. Tembo in the jaw with a blunt instrument, resulting in multiple fractures and brain trauma.

The court found overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimony from a pathologist that proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Mwaba was responsible for the death of Dr. Tembo.

Dr. Tembo’s body was discovered in a decomposed state near Mikango Barracks days after she was reported missing. The court heard that Mwaba fled the scene and later hid in Mazabuka before returning to Lusaka after Dr. Tembo’s burial. He was apprehended at her gravesite in a chilling turn of events.

Mwaba, who initially denied the charges, claimed during his defense that Dr. Tembo had fallen from a moving car after an argument about alleged infidelity. He admitted to slapping her but denied intending to harm her. The defense also presented testimony that Mwaba suffered from borderline personality disorder, characterized by impulsive behavior and difficulties in social relationships. However, Judge Newa dismissed this defense, citing the overwhelming evidence against Mwaba and stating, “The defense of diminished responsibility cannot stand.”

The trial, which began in 2021, saw testimonies from over 20 witnesses, including Dr. Tembo’s family and friends. Witnesses recounted troubling details about the toxic and abusive nature of the relationship between Mwaba and Dr. Tembo. Her best friend, Caroline Simfukwe, testified that Mwaba had previously threatened Dr. Tembo and even warned he would circulate her private photos if he could not have her.

Dr. Tembo’s daughter, Sheryn Peters, expressed her reservations about her late mother’s relationship with Mwaba, describing it as unhealthy. The court also heard testimony from Dr. Tembo’s brother, Lonjezo Tembo, who was with her and Mwaba on the day she went missing. He recounted how Mwaba drove off with Dr. Tembo after sending him to buy bread and beer, never to return.

The sentencing brought some relief to Dr. Tembo’s grieving family, though they emphasized that no verdict could undo their loss. Speaking after the judgment, family representative Thomas Zulu expressed the family’s continued mourning over the brutal murder of Dr. Tembo, who was the breadwinner and had been caring for her elderly mother before her untimely death.

As Mwaba was led to a prison van wearing a red-and-white T-shirt, Dr. Tembo’s family and supporters left the court with mixed emotions—relief that justice had been served, but sadness over the loss of a mother, daughter, and trailblazing physician who had dedicated her life to helping others.

Tattered Image of the Human Rights Commission: Protecting Human Rights or Abuses?

Lusaka Times Editor
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Tattered Image of the Human Rights Commission: Protecting Human Rights or Abuses?

Tattered Image of the Human Rights Commission: Protecting Human Rights or Abuses?
By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Human rights practices in Zambia have drawn increasing concern over the past three years, with institutions such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, USA Country Reports on Zambia, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others noting significant deterioration. Locally, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Chapter One Foundation, and a coalition of 13 other NGOs have raised the alarm about what they describe as rising tyranny and dictatorship. However, contrary to these widespread concerns, the spokesperson of Zambia’s Human Rights Commission (HRC), Mweelwa Muleya, claims the country’s human rights record has improved.

This stark contradiction raises questions about the credibility and impartiality of the HRC. Muleya, once vocal in denouncing alleged human rights abuses under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, has now seemingly transformed into an apologist for the current United Party for National Development (UPND) government. His recent remarks reflect a pattern of excuses and victim-blaming that undermine the commission’s mandate to defend the rights of all Zambians, regardless of the ruling party.

Equally troubling is the presence of Laura Miti, an HRC Commissioner who frequently ridicules human rights victims and publicly lauds President Hakainde Hichilema. This dynamic within the HRC, where partisan loyalties appear to overshadow a commitment to justice, has eroded public trust in the institution.

The appointment of Mbololwa Wamunyima as the new Director General of the HRC presents an opportunity for much-needed reform. Wamunyima, formerly a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, faces the daunting task of rehabilitating the HRC’s battered reputation. Restoring public confidence will require not only structural changes but also a renewed commitment to impartiality and the defense of human rights without fear or favor.

The HRC must rise above political affiliations and return to its core mission: protecting the fundamental rights of every Zambian. Anything less will solidify its image as a partisan institution, incapable of addressing the worsening human rights situation in the country.

Alleged Closure On Solwezi Airport Clarified

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Alleged Closure On Solwezi Airport Clarified

Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has moved to allay fears over the alleged imminent closure of Solwezi Airport due to a developing gully.

In a statement issued to ZANIS, ZACL Managing Director, Ngoza Matakala, has clarified that Solwezi Airport, the principal aviation hub in North-Western Province, remains fully operational and has not been affected by the erosion.

Mrs. Matakala explained that while gully erosion has been observed in the vicinity of the airport, regular inspections and mitigation measures have been put in place to monitor the situation.

She said the erosion has not encroached on the runway or impacted flight schedules.

“To address the challenge, ZACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL) and the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), has engaged experts from the Geological Survey Department and hydrologists from the Department of Water Affairs,” Mrs Matakala said.

She added that experts conducted a thorough assessment of the gully and provided key recommendations, leading to the completion of a detailed investigation and the development of engineering designs for remedial works in 2024.

“Implementation of these solutions is scheduled to begin this year,” she said

Mrs Ngoma further added that the long term, ZACL has been allocated land in Solwezi for the construction of a new greenfield airport, with preliminary discussions and feasibility studies currently underway, led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

“ZACL has assured the public of its commitment to providing safe, efficient, and reliable air navigation and airport services, ensuring continued connectivity across Zambia, the region, and beyond,” Mrs Matakala said.

Should Zambia Really Return to Socialism?

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Should Zambia Really Return to Socialism?

By Chanda Chisala

Many Zambian intellectuals seem to be lost about the direction Zambia should be taking in economic policy, especially after our disillusion with the policy regime under the tutelage of the IMF.Before Zambia moved to the privatisation and liberalisation policies of the MMD government, we had experimented for decades with socialist policies under Kenneth Kaunda. There is no doubt in any rational person’s mind that these policies ended up in disastrous failure, which is why the people of Zambia overwhelmingly elected to remove Kaunda from office.

The new policies instituted by the MMD government were associated more with capitalism than socialism because they emphasized private-run businesses and a free market, as opposed to the government controlling prices of commodities. Whereas Kaunda’s policies had led to a critical shortage of essential goods, the MMD policies brought many more goods through the new privately owned shops. Other services that we now take for granted (like public transportation) improved tremendously, compared to the dark and depressing state of things under Kaunda.

However, there was still a lot of poverty in the nation and the MMD promise of prosperity did not really materialise. Many people remained jobless despite all these malls being built everywhere, and the salaries of those in employment remained low and stagnant.This is what has led to some people questioning whether we made a mistake by abandoning socialism.Others are wondering whether we went too far in the capitalist direction.

The truth is that we actually did not go far enough. That’s the real reason the policies did not truly work.People who say Zambia went too far in the capitalist direction have not looked at the data. Zambia is not ever listed among the list of the most capitalist countries in Africa, no matter which metric you use. It is countries like Rwanda, Botswana, Mauritius etc that constantly appear among the most capitalist nations in Africa, and these are also the countries that have experienced the highest improvements to quality of life.

The biggest mistake that Zambia made was to keep the taxes high for local businesses. If you have very high taxes, you cannot expect businesses to succeed in your environment, especially when you already have a small economy. The MMD government was quick to offer tax incentives to foreign investors, but they made the tax regime worse for local entrepreneurs, while also introducing too many regulations that made starting or operating a business difficult. That’s the opposite of having too much capitalism.It took many years for someone in the MMD to see this missing part of the formula. When Mr. Michael Sata left the MMD due to a leadership wrangle and formed his own party, he needed to articulate to the Zambian voters what he would do differently from his own party. This is when he realised that his party
had made the mistake of keeping their taxes high for local businesses and workers.

Low taxes would have not only made these local businesses expand and hire more people, they would have also made prices of commodities more affordable, thus leaving “more money in the pockets” of Zambians. The promise was to make Zambia one of the lowest tax countries in the world.

Unfortunately, Mr. Sata and his loyal successor, Edgar Lungu, failed to cut the high Zambian taxes because they refused to cut their heavy spending: you can’t make taxes small while making your budget bigger. On top of this, the Patriotic Front government also borrowed a lot of money, which could only be paid back with more taxes, and thus the promise of jobs and prosperity for Zambians remained elusive.As a result, the Patriotic Front was booted out of power in 2021 by the jobless youth and they voted in another politician who was also promising to bring jobs through lowered taxation.

Surprisingly, president Hakainde Hichilema also failed to kill these exorbitantly high taxes because he kept government spending high (he even reintroduced more expensive things like free education and expanded other “social” expenditures, while also continuing the unsustainable borrowing habit of his predecessors). The excessive spending has continued so much that the minister of finance even asks for extra (supplementary) budget expansions within the same year, which is leading him to look for even more taxes to squeeze out of the already over-taxed productive sector.

It is this failure by successive governments to lower taxes that has made capitalism look like it has failed.This has led to the ascendance of populist intellectuals who are promising to return Zambia all the way back to Kaunda’s socialist ways. The Socialist Party of Fred M’membe, for example, has decided to ignore all the economic lessons of history by openly proclaiming that they will abandon capitalism and return the country to socialism. Unfortunately, most of the voting age citizens of Zambia are too young to remember how painful socialism was in Zambia, and some of them are blindly following those who are promising them this unrealistic utopia that destroyed every single African or European or Asian nation that tried it!

The only smart way forward is not to return to socialism, but to figure out a way of completing the capitalist project by making business easier for local entrepreneurs through policies that will radically reduce taxes, eliminate excessive regulations, and increase access to cheap capital. But that requires a very disciplined government that can resist the temptation of spending money on things that they just can’t afford.

The author is the Founder of Zambia Online and Khama Institute. He is formerly a John S, Knight Fellow at Stanford University and Visiting Scholar to the Hoover Institution, a policy think tank at Stanford. You can follow him on X at @chandachisala.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Ex-Treasury Secretary to Open Defence in February

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Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Ex-Treasury Secretary to Open Defence in February

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba are scheduled to open their defence on February 12, 2025, following a request for more time to file additional documents and witness statements.

The request, made by Mr. Yamba, was granted after the matter was heard in chambers before Senior Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga. Mr. Yamba sought an extension to file documents he intends to use in his defence.

The two are facing multiple charges related to alleged misconduct and financial crimes. Mr. Yamba is charged with two counts of willful failure to comply with laid-down procedures. Meanwhile, Mr. Malanji is facing eight counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The case will proceed with the defendants presenting their evidence and witnesses next month, as the court continues its deliberations on these high-profile allegations.

Water Utility Companies Intensify Cholera Mitigation Efforts

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Water Utility Companies Intensify Cholera Mitigation Efforts

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), Collins Nzovu, has announced a series of proactive measures aimed at preventing cholera outbreaks in Zambia. Speaking during a press briefing, Mr. Nzovu emphasized the importance of water supply and sanitation in combating the disease, particularly in vulnerable communities and identified cholera hotspots.

Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has prioritized peri-urban areas, including Kanyama, George, Bauleni, Kabanana, and Chainda, by deploying water bowsers to ensure residents have access to safe water. In tandem, the Lusaka City Council has enhanced solid waste management in high-risk areas like Chibolya and Kanyama to mitigate risks associated with poor waste disposal.

In Nakonde, Muchinga Province, Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stationed a water bowser in Gabon Township to support vulnerable households. Meanwhile, Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has introduced a 10,000-liter water bowser and vacuum tanker to respond rapidly to water and sanitation needs.

To combat the risks posed by shallow wells, water purification tablets and domestic chlorine are being distributed across the country. Additionally, Eastern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has drilled emergency boreholes in Katete and is upgrading water systems in Petauke and Chipata to improve and restore supply.

Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stockpiled essential water treatment chemicals to ensure uninterrupted water quality management, while nationwide water quality surveillance has been heightened. This surveillance aims to swiftly detect and address potential contamination, maintaining safety standards.

Mr. Nzovu commended the collaborative efforts of water utility companies and local authorities, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of cholera through sustained water and sanitation interventions.

Emmanuel Mwamba is a demagogue; a danger to this nation!

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Emmanuel Mwamba is a demagogue; a danger to this nation!

Recently, the nation woke up to an alarming headline in ex-convict, Richard Sakala’s Daily Nation tabloid declaring thus, “UN sanctions Zambia for rights violations!”

The thrust of this outrageously misleading story was obviously hankered on Emmanuel Mwamba’s (a senior former diplomat in the previous regime) ranting on his Facebook page entitled, “Zambia Removed from the United Nations Human Rights Council.”

In the same offering, Mwamba blatantly and willfully claims that President Hichilema’s stranglehold on the legislature and the judiciary, his government’s attack on democracy, and enabling a shrinking democratic space and the flagrant abuse of human rights especially by the Zambia Police has earned Zambia a boot out of the United Nations Human Rights Council!

As has become fashionable for political upstarts in this country, without taking care to verify the authenticity of this information, another excitable individual, Harry Kalaba, who also happens to have served as the country’s foreign affairs minister, but now struggling to put together a political outfit called Citizens First, immediately jumped on the bandwagon and issued the following misleading statement: “It’s very sad that our country once known as a shining example of a budding democracy that respects human rights is now being relegated to the cesspool of a human rights abuser.”

As the purveyors of such falsehoods gathered around mahogany tables enjoying Cappuccino and patted themselves on their backs for having scored cheap political goes intended to inflict damage on the New Dawn Administration, the United Nations in Zambia responded, fire brigade style, and issued the following statement:
“The United Nations in Zambia notes an inaccurate and misleading story carried in the 13th January 2025 edition of the Daily Nation newspaper alleging that the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) has blacklisted Zambia for alleged failure to uphold human rights standards.”

A check on the United Nations website by this author revealed that there are 47 UNHCR member states of which 13 are African, namely: Cameroon, Eritrea, Gabon, the Gambia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Senegal, Sudan, Algeria and Benin.
Since we love to argue with facts, we further took the trouble to study the report on the evaluation of UNHCR candidates for 2025-2027. This report reviews candidate countries seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term in the vote slated to be held at the General Assembly on October 9, 2024.
The report established that 5 out 19 candidates have poor records and therefore do not qualify: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
On the other hand, 7 candidates had problematic human rights and/or UN voting records: Benin, Colombia, Gambia, Kenya, Mexico, Macedonia and Thailand.

Out of the 19 candidate countries, only 7 qualified to be Council members: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Iceland, Marshall Islands, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland. A full report is available on the UN website.

What do we make of all this?

In his desperate attempts to win favours in the eyes of ba Lungu, Mwamba has reduced himself to a demagogue…..an alarmist; daily concocting and spewing out falsehoods against President Hichilema ‘s government! What our former diplomat has resorted to doing is no longer politics but actually borders on criminality that may set this country on fire; the earlier he’s caged the better! What he is doing actually amounts to seditious practices with a potential to promote rebellion, insurrection, or violence against a duly elected government.

As political/social analysts who critically observe and analyse activities taking place in this country, we are duty bound to report Mwamba to the police for seditious practices so that he can stop whatever he’s doing. Maybe that constitutes part of their PLAN B….only God knows.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Former National Netball Team Vice-Captain Mweetwa Appeals For Medical Help

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Former National Netball Team Vice-Captain Mweetwa Appeals For Medical Help

Former Zambia National Netball Team Vice-Captain Orient Mweetwa has been hospitalized in Luwingu District Hospital.

Mweetwa has been hospitalised for multiple complications.

She told ZANIS in an interview at her hospital bed that the local medical team has advised her to seek specialised treatment at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.

Mweetwa explained that among the complications the liver is producing unwanted water in the body adding that her condition needs quick attention from experts at the University Teaching Hospital.

Ms Mweetwa has since called on both well-wishers and government to come to her aid and facilitate her quick evacuation in order to receive specialised treatment.

And Luwingu District Health Director, Joseph Mwansa, has disclosed that Mweetwa is admitted at the district hospital with multiple complications which needs to be attended to by specialised doctors.

Dr Mwansa has however, disclosed that despite those complications, the patient is stable.

He said the team of consultants were dispatched from Kasama General Hospital to Luwingu to come and check on her condition and advised that the patient should not use road transport to travel to Lusaka but unless airlifted.

Mweetwa who retired as a netballer in 2023 was a key member of the Zambia National netball team and also served as vice-captain and participated in various events such the world and Africa cups.

Mweetwa is a sergeant working at the Zambia Correction Service (ZCS) in Luwingu District, Northern Province.

Election is Not an Event but a Process, So is Rigging

Lusaka Times Editor
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Election is Not an Event but a Process, So is Rigging

Election is Not an Event but a Process, So is Rigging

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote:

Holding a general election is a process; from a fair process of registration of voters, to holding of campaigns, printing of ballots, voting, counting, totaling, and the release of verified results.

Election is not an event, it’s a process. It therefore ought to be a fair, objective, and transparent process.

This includes independent oversight processes such as monitoring and observation of the election by party agents and independent observers.

As has been seen in the past, at any stage, the process can be interfered with, with the intention to undermine the poll outcome.

Already, the Zaloumis Mwangala-led Commission has shown open bias towards the UPND and against the opposition.

ECZ has barred the participation of the Patriotic Front in any election. With impunity, it has called elections that have been stopped by the courts of law, as seen in the Kabushi, Kwacha, and Kawambwa by-elections.

ECZ has allowed and perpetuated irregularities in elections. It has not prevented violence or punished perpetrators of it.

Opposition-accredited polling agents have been beaten and removed from inside polling stations in the presence of both the police and ECZ, and ECZ has ignored this blatant attack on the electoral process, thereby making it an active accessory to the crime of stealing an election and thwarting the expressed will of the people.

Now, ECZ has suddenly and without discernible cause canceled a legitimate award of the tender for the printing and delivery of various electoral materials.

On 28th October 2024, ECZ announced the intention to award the contract for the printing of ballot papers and other electoral materials to Ren Form CC of South Africa.

But on Monday, 13th January 2025, the Commission notified the public that Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing of the United Arab Emirates had been awarded the contract to print and deliver ballot papers and other election materials.

The contract with Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing was signed on 10th January 2025. Despite previous pledges that the printing of ballots would be granted to Government Printers, this plan has been abandoned.

It is public knowledge that there are numerous government deals being offered and done with entities from the UAE, from energy power purchase agreements with ZESCO to now the contract to print ballot papers for the 2026 general election.

The opposition has demanded the dismissal or removal of ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis and Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi, as they are established members of the ruling UPND party.

The opposition has also demanded the removal of the Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, for his previous and serious disciplinary case of misconduct at ECZ.

But all these concerns, pursued to make the Electoral Commission of Zambia independent enough to process and deliver credible, free, democratic, and fair elections, have been ignored.

The holding of credible, free, fair, and democratic elections is one of the key factors to guarantee peace and security in the nation.

Therefore, actions that undermine these principles go on to endanger the security and stability of a nation.

ECZ must recognize this role it is trusted to play as an impartial referee and must act as a midwife to deliver the free expression and delivery of the will of the people through the ballot.

Sunday Chanda Condemns Fake News, Calls for Responsible Political Engagement

Lusaka Times Editor
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Sunday Chanda Condemns Fake News, Calls for Responsible Political Engagement

Sunday Chanda Condemns Fake News, Calls for Responsible Political Engagement

Kanchibiya MP Hon. Sunday Chanda has called for an end to baseless propaganda that he says damages Zambia’s reputation on the global stage, urging Zambians to prioritize truth and constructive dialogue.

In a press statement issued on January 14, 2025, Chanda denounced the recent circulation of a fake story alleging that Zambia had been blacklisted and expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR). The story, which he described as “irresponsible and baseless,” has been linked to some members of the opposition, including former senior government officials.

“This false narrative, amplified by some in the opposition, is not only misleading but also harmful to Zambia’s image on the international stage,” Chanda stated. He emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s reputation, warning that fake news undermines democracy, erodes public trust, and risks alienating Zambia from the global community.

Chanda expressed concern over the involvement of individuals who previously held positions of influence in spreading misinformation. “Leadership, whether in government or opposition, comes with the duty to protect and promote the country’s interests not tarnish them,” he said.

The United Nations in Zambia has since clarified that Zambia has neither been blacklisted nor expelled from the UNHCR. Chanda highlighted this as a reminder that “truth prevails over lies” and urged Zambians to question the motives behind such propaganda.

“As citizens, we must reject attempts to mislead the public for personal or political gain. Let us focus on constructive dialogue and solutions that uplift Zambia rather than tear it down,” Chanda added.

Calling for unity and vigilance, the Kanchibiya MP emphasized that Zambia’s strength lies in an informed and united populace. “Zambia deserves better, and it starts with each of us choosing truth over lies,” he concluded.

The press statement comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of misinformation on national cohesion and Zambia’s standing in the global community.

Improving Meanwood Chamba Valley Kwamwena’s Road Infrastructure: A Strategic Move for Zambia’s 2026 Elections

Chief Editor
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Improving Meanwood Chamba Valley Kwamwena’s Road Infrastructure: A Strategic Move for Zambia’s 2026 Elections
Some roads in Meanwood Chamba Valley, Kwamwena

By Aristide Bance

Compliments of the season and welcome to the new year 2025. I start off with an article that is dear to my heart as we are officially in the last year before elections of 2026. As a tradition, we will see many developmental projects implemented by the government to try and win votes. While that is not a good thing as it is very deceptive, it is unfortunately the way Zambian politics operate and some projects really take off and finish while others just never do. Then the incumbent leader will say, vote me in so I can finish my projects. A lot of Lusaka citizens have built their homes in an area called Meanwood Chamba Valley, Kwamwena.

Meanwood Chamba Valley, Kwamwena, situated approximately 4 kilometers off Lusaka’s Great East Road at the Munali roundabout, is a significant residential development in the city. Initiated in 2007, the project comprises over 7,000 medium-cost residential plots, each ranging from 400 to 600 square meters. The development also includes provisions for social amenities such as schools, business premises, markets, medical centers, parks, and recreational areas (Which have unfortunately not been delivered, story for another day). The Meanwood Chamba Valley, Kwamwena, have not sat back and waited for the government to build a police post as they put money together and built their own (Very commendable).

Despite its substantial growth and potential, Kwamwena Valley faces challenges related to inadequate road infrastructure. The lack of proper roads hampers accessibility, affecting residents’ daily lives and the area’s overall development. This issue is particularly pressing given that Kwamwena Valley is one of Lusaka’s largest townships, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure to support its growing population.

Addressing this infrastructure deficit presents an opportunity for the Zambian government to enhance its electoral prospects in the upcoming 2026 elections. By prioritising the development of roads in Kwamwena Valley, the government can demonstrate a commitment to improving living conditions and fostering economic growth in underserved areas. Such initiatives not only address immediate infrastructural needs but also resonate with voters who value tangible improvements in their communities. The properly planned housing is in danger of building infringements Zambians are known for and before that becomes the case, and roads become narrower (where you have a Kaunda Square situation, where someone’s house door lies in the road), the government could save this nice neighbourhood. Some parts of this hood are already becoming infringed.

Some roads in Meanwood Chamba Valley, Kwamwena

In recent years, the Zambian government has undertaken several infrastructure projects to boost connectivity and economic development. For instance, in October 2023, a $76.1 million concession agreement was signed with Jaswin Ports Ltd to develop the 61-kilometer Mufulira-Sakania-Ndola road under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). This project aims to improve trade and transportation between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating jobs and boosting economic development in the region.

Unplanned structures coming up in Meanwood

Similarly, in May 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, a major infrastructure initiative under the PPP model. This project is expected to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce travel times, and strengthen connectivity between key economic areas.
By leveraging the success of these projects and focusing on the development of Kwamwena Valley’s road infrastructure, the government can effectively address the area’s needs and secure support from voters who prioritise infrastructure development. This approach aligns with the broader goal of fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents in Lusaka’s expanding townships.

Patriotic Front Writes To International Community About Harassment Of the Opposition

Chief Editor
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Patriotic Front Writes To International Community About Harassment Of the Opposition

SUBJECT: DETORIARIATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZAMBIA-THE CASE OF HON. MUMBI PHIRI AND OTHERS

Mrs. Hon. Mumbi Phiri is a member of the Opposition party, the Patriotic Front. She is a former Member of Parliament for Munali Constituency in Lusaka. She is also a former Deputy Secretary General of the Party.
In February 2022, Hon. Mumbi Phiri was charged and arrested for murder. She was subjected to a trial and was imprisoned for over 428 days.

The charges against her were false but she suffered this incarceration.
Hon. Mumbi has once again been arrested and charged with armed robbery, false charges that arise from her brave act to expose and attempt to stop electoral fraud in the Kawambwa by-election that was being perpetrated by Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha.

The case of Hon. Mumbi is not different from the false and fabricated charges that have been concocted and preferred against members of the Opposition;

1. Socialist Party President Dr, Fred Mmembe- Charged with Sedition.
2. Given Lubinda- Charged and arrested for refusing to attend to the Committee on parliamentary privileges and failure to surrender passport.
3. Patriotic Front Secretary General, Hon. Raphael Nakacinda -Hate Speech, Sedition, Criminal Defamation.
4. Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity and Presidential Candidate, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba charged with sedition, assaulting a police officer after he was brutalized and beaten by the same police officers, and for disorderly conduct at the police station.
5. FDD President Edith Nawakwi-Arrested for espionage and seditious practices.
6. Lumezi Member of Parliament, Hon. Munir Zulu- Criminal Defamation, Hate Speech and Seditious Practices.
7. Mfuwe MP, Hon. Maureen Mabonga-Seditious Practices.
8. Civil Society Activist, Brebner Changala- Seditious practices.
9. Christian Democratic Party President, Dr. Danny Pule- Hate speech Patriots for and seditious practices.
10. Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP) President, Sean Tembo-Hate Speech, Criminal Defamation.
11. Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee and Presidential Candidate, Hon. Chishimna Kambwili-Hate Speech and Criminal Defamation.
12. Patriotic Front Eastern Province Information Secretary, Rizwan Patel and two others- charged with aggravated robbery.
13. A large number of social-media bloggers, and vloggers have been arrested and prosecuted for their criticism of government.

The action by the Zambia Police to be used to clamp down on members of the Opposition is part of the larger goal to seriously destabilize the Opposition ahead of the 2026 elections, render it extremely weak and eliminate strong contenders against President Hakainde Hichilema.

Both the Zambia Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions have refused to prosecute persons such as the Minister of Education, Mr. Douglas Siakalima who has publicly issued tribal remarks and hate speech against the people of Luapula and Bembas, and a UPND youth from Northwestern Province Chikokela Moses who has pledged to eliminate the life of the former President, Edgar Lungu.

Further, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the Zambia Police have refused to deal with persons at State House implicated in the abduction and torture of Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda.

Further President Hichilema has engaged in malicious actions that have obliterated the independence and autonomy of democratic institutions and has severely undermined the separation of powers among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary which are under firmly under the control and direction of the Executive.

This is exemplified by the action of the Constitutional Court, acting on a petition from a UPND Youth, Michelo Chizombe and perpetrated y Government to stop and prevent former President Edgar Lungu from participating in presidential elections.

Further members of the Opposition have been incarcerated and denied the right to appeal and prevented from obtaining bail pending appeal thereby breaching their fundamental right to appeal and right to innocence until the process is completed.
Zambia has recently been cited and recorded for flagrantly breaching human rights, shrinking the media and democratic space, restrict operations of the Opposition. These reports are contained in the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, the United States Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concern about this sadden development.

These autocratic and dictatorial actions by the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema, have undermined Zambia’s national peace and security and places it on a dangerous course of possible civil unrest and instability.
It is imperative that organisations and entities such as yours, record, recognize and speak against these human rights abuses and threats against Zambia’s democracy to promote nationhood, peace and security in Zambia and the region.
Further it is important that diplomatic and international pressure is brought to bear to have Hon. Mumbi Phiri to be released and charges against her and other members of the Opposition be dropped.

Hon.Raphael Nakacinda
Secretary General
PATRIOTIC FRONT

Boat Capsizes in Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia Army Officer Feared Dead

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Boat Capsizes in Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia Army Officer Feared Dead

A tragic boating accident occurred in the Bangweulu wetlands of Lunga district, leaving a Zambia Army officer feared dead while three toddlers and six civil servants narrowly escaped with their lives.

The incident happened yesterday around 10:00 hours at the Chipeni area on Lake Bangweulu. The group, comprising five teachers, one health worker, two toddlers, and three other individuals, was traveling back to Lunga district after the holidays in preparation for the reopening of schools.

Lunga District Commissioner Mathews Mwewa confirmed the accident, explaining that the survivors were rescued by sailors traveling in another boat heading in the same direction.

“The officers started off from Mpanta, near the source of the Luapula River, going to Lunga to attend to their services. As you are aware, those working in education, after the closing of schools, are given the chance to go home to see their families due to the unique nature of this district,” Mr. Mwewa said.

Mr. Mwewa identified the missing Zambia Army officer as Musosha Jasper, whose body has yet to be retrieved. A search operation has been launched to locate his remains, but efforts thus far have been unsuccessful.

“The search team has not managed to retrieve the body after a long search, which will continue,” Mr. Mwewa stated.

The accident underscores the risks faced by residents and workers traveling across the expansive waterways of Lunga district, a region known for its challenging terrain and reliance on boats for transportation. Authorities have urged travelers to prioritize safety measures to avoid similar tragedies.

Government Dismisses Claims of Blacklisting from UN Human Rights Council

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Government Dismisses Claims of Blacklisting from UN Human Rights Council

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations have both dismissed media reports suggesting that Zambia has been blacklisted from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for alleged failure to uphold human rights standards.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Zambia is not currently a member of the UNHRC and, therefore, cannot be suspended or removed. Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, explained that Zambia intends to contest for a seat on the Council during the 2026 elections under the African States Region quota for SADC.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Ms. Gundersen emphasized that the UN General Assembly has not adopted any resolution against Zambia. She noted that Zambia was among the inaugural members of the UNHRC, serving from 2006 to 2008, and highlighted that the Council is an intergovernmental body with 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly to serve three-year terms on a rotational basis.

Ms. Gundersen also criticized the Daily Nation Newspaper for publishing an article claiming Zambia had been sanctioned by the UN for rights violations. She reaffirmed that freedom of expression is a constitutional right but must be exercised responsibly and within the law.

Similarly, the United Nations Information Centre in Lusaka dismissed the allegations as inaccurate and misleading. National Information Officer Mark Maseko stated that Zambia has not sought election to the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 or 2024-2026 terms. He clarified that membership to the Council is determined through elections conducted by the UN General Assembly, based on equitable geographical distribution and transparency.

Mr. Maseko further explained that reports implying Zambia has been blacklisted are unfounded and misleading, adding that such claims create an inaccurate narrative about African countries not currently on the Council.

Meanwhile, Ndola-based democracy advocate Fabian Mutale has called on political players to avoid spreading falsehoods. He urged leaders to act responsibly and refrain from claiming political persecution when the law is enforced.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing human rights and hosting the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, who is expected to visit Zambia on January 19 at the government’s invitation.

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