Metro

Zambian opposition parties accuse ruling UPND of ‘systematic’ meddling in their internal affairs

Published

1 year ago

November 17, 2023

The 10 leading opposition parties in Zambia have cautioned the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) against what it described as the “systematic” meddling in their affairs.

The opposition parties, which raised the alarm during a joint press conference in Lusaka on Thursday, described the actions of the UPND as act of cowardice by meddling in their internal affairs.

President of Citizens First (CF), Harry Kalaba, who addressed the press conference on behalf of the 10 opposition parties which included the New Heritage Party and Golden Party of Zambia, among others, stated that the actions of the ruling party were aimed at weakening the opposition in Zambia because the “UPND did not want a strong opposition that could stand up to them.”

“For the first time in this country’s history, we are having senior military personnel being drafted to participate in covert activities that are intended to disenfranchise the opposition,” Kalaba said.

He warned those he accused of pushing such an agenda that the opposition parties knew what was happening and would not hesitate to hold them personally accountable at the right time.

The CF President reminded civil servants in the country, military and paramilitary personnel who are being drafted into covert operations to resist such activities as they were not meant for the good of the country.

He added that the country had also seen arrests of several opposition leaders on trumped up charges of espionage arising from them expressing their views.

“It is apparent that this takeover of parties was made possible owing to the apparent lack of unity among opposition leaders as well as other interest groups and the citizens not taking a position to speak out in favor of democracy,” Kalaba said.

The CF leader noted that the country had seen a significant increase in corruption that had been aided by President Hichilema’s alleged single sourcing practice, especially when dealing with key expenses on which the welfare of the nation heavily relied.

“What is ironic is that the oversight institutions have elected silence in the face of national pillage,” Kalaba lamented, expressing shock that donor agencies had equally opted to remain mute even in the “face of blatant abuse of public office orchestrated by those at the apex of public office.”

Lastly, he challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission to visit the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and look at the transaction with Egypt in which he claimed the correct procedure was not followed.

“The nation deserves to know why ZAMRA went ahead to approve the contract and delivery of drugs from Egypt in the absence of a dossier.
The scandal at ZAMRA today will make Honey Bee look like a storm in a cup,” he claimed.

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Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.