Global Voices » Zambia

Africa: 2012 Cup Semi-Finals Put West Africa in the Spotlight

Jane Ellis — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:02:14 +0000

Three of the four teams remaining in the 2012 Cup of Nations at the time of writing [Tuesday 7 February, 2012] are from West Africa: Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Ghana are set to play in the tournament semi-finals on Wednesday 8, 2012. Games will be played in Bata, Equatorial Guinea (Ghana) and at Libreville, Gabon (Mali vs Côte d'Ivoire). They are joined by Zambia, participating in their first semi-finals for 16 years.

The 3-0 quarter-final victory of Zambia against Sudan revived the hopes of supporters. A goal from defender Stopilla Sunzu in the fifteenth minute, followed by a second after 66 minutes from Captain Chris Katongo and another four minutes from the end by James Chamanga, clinched Zambia's first semi-final place since 1996.

eggwinedu commented on www.fifa.com:

Congratulations Zambia. You deserve it :) It may have occurred at the dismay of Sudan (another well improved team), but Zambia has now really set the world stage with great finesse. Good job

silvanorsa7 in South Africa added:

We are with you all the way Zambia…. the only Southern African country still in the competition! Viva Chris Katongo

Vicente Vizo Ngobeni tweeted:

@Mahuntsu: People are undermining Zambia. #Afcon2012

And Sipho Mazibuko replied:

@msiphola: They'so focused, they got a chance. Ghana is not convincing

Meanwhile, the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire secured their seventh semi-final place since 1970, beating Equatorial Guinea, one of the host countries, 3-0.

Equatorial Guinea fan in tears by @Noella_ELLOH

The Eagles of Mali overcame the Panthers of Gabon with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory following a full time 1-1 draw:

The Black Stars of Ghana confirmed their place in the semis with goals from John Mensah and André Ayew giving a 2-1 victory over Tunisia. Tunisia held the score at 1-1 until injury time before bowing out after a 101st minute blunder from their goalkeeper, Aymen Mathlouthi, gave Ghana their second goal.

There is a great atmosphere of celebration and interest surrounding this tournament. From Mali to Zambia, fans have shared their excitement as well as their predictions regarding the 28th Africa Cup of Nations Final, scheduled to take place on Sunday 12 February, in Stade de l'Amitié, Libreville, Gabon.

Fans of Ivory Coast by @Ceschod

Fans shared reactions on Twitter [fr]:

@Monsieur__K: Moi je dis la finale c'est Ghana/Cote d'ivoire #can2012

@Monsieur__K: I think the final will be between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire

@Ceschod: Football Africain: qui s'attend comme moi à une finale #GhanaVS #CôtedIvoire, #can2012 ? #afcon

@Ceschod: African Football: Who else is waiting for the final like me? #GhanaVS #CôtedIvoire

@aliounedia: #can2012 ça sent 1 finale Ghana Côte d'Ivoire … heureusement que yayah est la @miezanezo

@aliounedia: I think it will a Ghana Côte d'Ivoire final. Thankfully Yaya Touré is here @miezanezo

Swithin Swaray went further on Facebook, giving his opinion of some weak points of the Ghana team:

The Black Star has not got what it takes to win CAN2012….30 years down the line, we are still counting. Lacking ideas up front, no fire power, no man daring enough to shoot from around the 18.

Ghana and Mali each got the better of their respective opponents after long matches of more than 120 minutes. Will they have the necessary energy and stamina to face Zambia and the Côte d'Ivoire?

The semi-finals of Wednesday 8 February will reveal the answer.

Zambia: Netizens Weigh in on Labour Minister, Chinese Quarrel

Gershom Ndhlovu — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:14:01 +0000

Zambian netizens have weighed in on the quarrel involving the former Labour Minister Chishimba Kambwili, the Chief Medical Officer of the Chinese-run Sino-Zam Friendly Hospital in the mining region of the Copperbelt and the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia. The hospital was once owned by the state mining conglomerate, Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) before it was broken up and its assets privatised.

Kambwili who served as Foreign Minister in the first ruling Patriotic Front government cabinet before he was transferred to the Labour Ministry, ordered the revocation of the Chief Medical Officer Xisheng Quing’s work permit for allegedly mistreating workers at the hospital and exhibiting rude behaviour to the minister. The Chief Medical Officer complained that the minister was rude for pointing a finger at him while talking.

Chishimba Kambwili. Photo source: Chishimba Kambwili Facebook page.

Kambwili is now Minister of Sports, Youth and Gender after President Sata moved the Labour portfolio to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao was quoted as saying that Kambwili must be moderate in handling labour-related matters concerning foreign investors in Zambia, further saying that there was only one party in Africa, Zambia’s Patriotic Front, that made China an issue.

Ambassador Zhou said:

I do not know why this is so, because Chinese input in Africa is the largest among all African countries but the approval rate of China by Zambia is the lowest among all African countries. That doesn't mean China is doing the worst in Zambia. There is only one political party (PF) in Africa that makes China an issue.

Netizens on various online platforms were divided in their reaction to Kambwili’s behaviour at the hospital with some supporting his actions and others disapproving.

Samfya Mafia, in a rather lengthy comment on Lusaka Times, had this to say:

Dear Minister of Labor,

May I begin by congratulating you on your recent appointment and your gallant effort in trying to restore normal work conditions in the mining industry.

In light of the recent events at Sinozam Friendly Hospital, I have a few concerns, which I would like to bring to your attention.
It is possible, for anyone to write a letter to you making allegations against their employers. Did, the authors of the letters you received append their names, so you could be able to properly verify these allegations? If they did not indicate their names, which is comprehensible, did you then give the alleged contraveners of Labor law an opportunity to explain themselves? Our Employment Act gives heavy emphasis on the observance of natural Justice when dealing with a person against whom allegations have been made. If you did indeed give the other party an opportunity to be heard was it in a free and fair environment, furthermore, did you actually give them a chance to speak and on your part listen to their explanation?

Sir, you have a great task ahead of you. Being one of the people who were present at the Hospital on the fateful day, I could see that the environment was emotionally charged, and it appears that it was very easy for you to fall for playing to the Gallery. However, as a leader you have to hold your calm and not allow yourself to be influenced by only the emotions of the people, you will have to more importantly ensure that the allegations when made are substantiated.

In a Facebook post, Musamba Chama Mumba wrote:

Well, well now the Chinese Ambassador Zhou challenges Hon Chishimba Kambwili to pick 10 Zambian Companies and 10 Chinese owned, then compare the wages paid to workers. Sort your house first before you point fingers at others? My question is why then do you come into our country disguised as investors and excepted to certain taxes when in fact you are nothing but ordinary locals? And please learn when to open your mouth, because Hon Kambwili Chishimba has the backing of many Zambians on this one.

In a response to Mumba’s post, Milimo Mutale wrote:

I remember so many delegations going to China wooing these investors and granting them the incentives. We invite them because we want their money. We sell our companies for a song and benefit personally so our hands are tied. We need to sort out our mess for sure. Fire non performing civil servants. Begin to enforce all laws across the board. Scrutinize so called investors and give them the talk before while and after they set up- that we will not tolerate labour abuse or shoddy work. That their work is subject to regulation and inspection. Its time to act! And act by permanent solutions and when the investors still violates enter the minister on a white steed . To the rescue! Lol

Joe Chilaizya - if his is a genuine profile, he is Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation director-general - wrote:

How much do we pay our own workers??? Look at how abused domestic workers, farm laborers are in Zambia at the hands of fellow Zambians….We must be THE standard ourselves because foreigners will only pay according to the standard they find….Its so easy to blame chinese investors on this matter, but they are only doing what the “romans” (in Zambia) do - abuse workers!…..for instance how many Zambians employed by zambians on this forum can say they are adequately paid? Almost none!!!!…..Thats the tragic tale! We cheapen our own skilled labour when we offer it low salaries and wages. Foreign investors only pay what WE ZAMBIANS pay our fellow citizens.

On Twitter, @missbwalya wrote:

@missbwalya: Nice to know that Kambwili is willing to die for Zambian workers. This guy is an attention seeking clown. #Zambia

BradleysEvents wrote:

@BradleysEvents: #Kambwili had the interests of the Zambians at heart but his work methods were tottally wrong. He was not diplomatic & lacked ettiquett

@BradleysEvents added:

@BradleysEvents: #Kambwili works thru militancy & forcefulness. He won't change, he will take those ills with him to the ministry of sport & youth

@ssepiso tweeted:

@ssepiso: Things not looking pretty for Chishimba Kambwili. Trying too hard to impress as Labour Minister and ends up misrepresenting #Sata. #Zambia

On the issue of the minister pointing finger at the medical officer, @zadama24 said:

@zadama24: “Mr Kambwili the Chinese may mistake the finger pointing for a Karate or Kungfu move!” bit.ly/ziViIB

President Sata later cautioned ministers to stick to procedure and respect investors as well. Ironically, the PF issued the most anti-Chinese rhetoric among opposition parties before last year’s elections which ousted the MMD after 20 years in power.

Zambia: When Wikipedia Entry “Kills” a President

Gershom Ndhlovu — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:25:30 +0000

On the morning of 22 January, 2012, Zambians woke up to a statement from State House rebuking news websites for spreading a rumour that President Michael Sata had been assassinated. From the look of things, a lot of Zambians had not seen the story on any of the usual new websites.

The State House released a statement denying that the President had been assassinated. Part of the statement issued by President Sata’s spokesperson, George Chellah stated:

STATE HOUSE is saddened with the malicious, sadistic and unfounded story, which is circulating that His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia has died.

This follows the publication of an insensible and sickening article by a named uncouth website, claiming that the Head of State was assassinate…d in the early hours of today, January 22, 2012.

As a matter of fact, State House is aware that such horrid stories are being perpetrated by certain rogue elements, with a bulk of them being investigated for gross misconduct and corruption in the ongoing crusade against graft.

It was only later that it emerged that the rumour stemmed from a Wikipedia entry about Michael Sata giving an obituary of the veteran politician, in office for four months after the September 20 elections which saw the defeat of the MMD, in government for 20 years since 1991.

Although the Wikipedia entry was removed as soon as it was realized to be a hoax, WiredProject316 captured it:

Michael Sata was assassinated in the early hours of the 22nd of January. He was killed through a single shot to the chest, which proved to be fatal…

The location of the person behind the rumor has already been revealed:

The alteration appears to have been done in the United Kingdom town of Crawley by unknown persons using the IP Address 82.11.64.177 through the domain name virginmedia.com with Virgin Media Limited as Internet Service Providers.

The falsified alteration was sent through a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Digital Subscriber Loop – a family of technologies that provide internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone network.

The coordinates for the altered post appeared to be 51°6’48″N -0°10’58″W while the weather station code for the alter was UKXX0816, signifying that it was done in the England region of the UK.

Suspicion soon fell on the Zambian Watchdog , which has been at loggerheads with President Sata since his days as an opposition leader. The site has been alleged to be linked to opposition United Party for National Development Party (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema. Hichilema himself denied the allegations of his links to the website on a blogtalkradio show.

The Zambian Watchdog, however, hit back when it turned out that the source of the assassination hoax was in fact Wikipedia:

Front page of The Post, Zambia's leading independent newspaper. Image courtesy of @luchi7

Obviously enemies of online media and particularly the Watchdog are disappointed that the story that President Michael Sata has been assassinated was not carried by any Zambian website.

On Sunday, someone, maybe a government operative, altered Sata’s biography on Wikipedia and entered new information that he died on Sunday after taking a single but fatal shot.

Now, Wikipedia is not a Zambian online publication. It is not even a news website.

It is an information website that anyone can edit and post whatever information they want.

The website is hosted in USA but can be edited even from Lundazi (a rural district in eastern Zambia).

President Sata’s spokesperson, George Chellah, has come under fire from a Zambian journalist based in the US, Field Ruwe, who has been writing a series of artices titled “Hunt for a Successor”. Field Ruwe has called for Chellah's dismissal for committing what he called “one of journalism’s deadliest sins”:

President Sata must fire his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah for committing one of journalism’s deadliest sins—drawing from an unreliable source.
Wikipedia is not a credible and authoritative source!
Chellah should acquaint himself with the Seigenthaler Incident also referred to as the Wikipedia Biography Incident.

Ruwe continued:

The job of special assistant demands a qualified, proficient and skillful operative who plays a major role in bringing notability and decorum to the office of the president. He is a liaison between the government, the public, and the media. Major requirements of a special assistant include the ability to perform extensive research and maintain poise in high-stress environments. The president should have shopped better.
The whole assassination prank does not make sense. When the news came to Chellah’s attention he should have first weighed the gravity of the matter. Before briefing the president and informing the press, he should have checked with Reuters, AP (Associated Press), UPI (United Press International), and couriers BBC and CNN to see if anyone was carrying the story. At the same time he should have kept his ear to the ground for any reaction from the Zambian people.

President Sata recently ordered his government’s Attorney General to have all Zambian “based” news websites registered but it is not known how far the exercise has gone. The former Minister of of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism Given Lubinda once challenged news websites to disclose their physical location.

Rumors of Michael Sata's death were rampant during last year's election campaigns.

Africa: 2012 Cup of Nations Kicks Off!

Dan Horlor — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:47:12 +0000

[All links to external content are in French]

The Africa Cup of Nations began in Bata, Equatorial Guinea this Saturday January 21, 2012, kicking off three weeks of fierce competition. The Cup of Nations, the most important international football competition in Africa, is taking place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea between January 21 and 12 February.

Supporters in Africa and around the world have been enjoying the build-up to the two opening matches; dancing, light and sound were all part of the spectacle:

GaGuie the Mascot! With GAGUIE : GA as in Gabon, GUI as in Guinea and E as in Equatorial! Image from fr.cafonline.com with permission

Here is a round up of the first three days of the tournament.

Matchday One

Libya took on Equatorial Guinea in the curtain raiser on 21 January, and it was co-hosts Equatorial Guinea, making their tournament debut, who took a surprise 1-0 win.

With just six minutes remaining, Balboa, the Equatorial Guinea number 11 finally opened the scoring after a one-on-one with the Libyan goalkeeper. The score stayed 1-0 until the final whistle, to the delight of the Equatorial Guinea fans who had packed the stadium.

The Senegalese fluffed their entry to the competition with a 2-1 defeat inflicted by Zambia on the same day. Senegal fans took to the web to place the blame on coach of the national team.

Touy wrote on Seneweb News [fr]:

le souci avec un entraîneur local c'est que même s'il se rend compte que le capitaine par exemple Niang n'est pas au niveau il aura la crainte la peur ou la pudeur de le faire sortir au détriment de la victoire bien sur!!

The problem with having a local coach is that even if he realises that the captain, let's say Niang, is not good enough he'll either be afraid or too modest to take him off, to the detriment of getting the win of course!

Amara Traoré [fr] on RFI sheds some light on the subject for us:

Tout le monde savait avant même le début de la CAN que les zambiens sont très vifs et utiliseraient cette vivacité pour gérer les sénégalais beaucoup plus costauds. Alors lui l’entraîneur et son staff devraient trouver un bon système pour les contenir avant de les attaquer.Donc je trouve kil n'a pas fais son boulot qui était de voir les choses venir et de jouer avec des joueurs rapides mais surtout de ne pas trop bourrer cette attaque ou personne ne se retrouve .

Everyone knew, even before the Cup of Nations began, that the Zambians are very energetic and would use that energy to combat the much bigger and stronger Sengalese. So the coach and his staff should find a system to contain thembefore going on the attack. He hasn't done his job which is to anticipate and play fast players but above all not to throw men forward who then can't find each other.

Matchday Two

The second matchday saw the entry of one of the competition favourites: the ‘Elephants' of Côte d'Ivoire. A magnificent strike by Didier Drogba in the 39th minute secured the victory for Côte d'Ivoire over Sudan. The win for the Elephants wasn't enough for every Ivorian fan on the net however. Many felt that they could have done better.

Phox Hermann [fr] said:

la vérité est bonne à dire heinnn. ELEPHANT ke moi jai vu là c N'IMPORTE KOI

Good to tell the truth, riiight. That was no ELEPHANT that I saw

Bi Tia Vincent Toh [fr] added:

la conservation d'un unique but nous a donné des sueurs froides.
Que Mr Gervino soit un peu plus réaliste devant les buts,
Que Mr Yaya Touré regagne sa place au milieu et joue effectivement comme à city
Que la defense cesse d etre trop permeable,

keeping hold of a one goal lead brought us out in a cold sweat.
If only Mr Gervino [sic] was more realistic in front of goal,
If only Mr Yaya Touré could get his place back in the middle and play as well as he does at city
If only the defence stopped leaking,

Angola also played their first game and overpowered Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory.

Matchday Three

Gabon, the second co-host team of the 2012 Cup of Nations showed their strength with a 2-0 win over Niger, the opening Group C match of the tournament played in a fantastic atmosphere in the Stade de l'Amitié in Libreville.

Rodrigue Magaya [fr] commented on Aubameyang's goal on Facebook:

que dire?!!!merci aux gars, il fallait ça pour la beauté du spetacle et naturelement monter a tt nos adversaires que nous sommes la!!bien en place et on a pas peur!!!vive la can, et vive encore plus nos pantheres;que Dieu benisse le gabon!!!!!!

what can I say?!!!thanks to the lads, we needed that for the beauty of the contest and naturally to show all our opponents that we're here!!right on the spot and with no fear!!long live the cup of nations, and may our panthers live even longer;God bless Gabon!!!!!!

The 2012 Cup of Nations can be followed on TV5 Monde, Canal+ Afrique and on Twitter and Google+ via the hashtags #CAN2012 (in French) et #ACN2012 (in English).

Zambia: Netizens Abuzz Over Senegal's Loss at AFCON 2012

Gershom Ndhlovu — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:16:05 +0000

When Zambia beat Senegal at one of the two opening games of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon on January 21, 2012, Zambian netizens went abuzz on Facebook and Twitter to celebrate the victory even asking “Demba who?” referring to the much touted Senegalese player, Demba Ba, who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League. Demba Ba is the second top goal scorer in the Barclays Premier League.

Before the game Zambians wanted to get #Chipolopolo, or bullet, the Zambia national soccer team nickname, to trend:

@ntheyelungu: Let's get #Chipolopolo trending today @itawa_bovi @tha_jayman @zonefam @slapdee @missbwalya @mz_obika @GNdhlovu @ChiluLemba @Deejaylbc

2012 Africa Cup of Nations logo. Image source: cafonline.com

Impressed with Zambia’s performance, one tweep describe the players thus:

@ilfabiano: Zambia are the more athletic and oozing with verve and versatility. That's the direction African football has taken #SSAFCON

A tweet by one radio station ticked off the doubters:

@rphoenixzambia: Well done chipolopolo the doubters and commentators didn't give us a chance,we truly are a great nation

Wondering where the EPL Newcastle superstar, Demba Ba was during the game, one tweep @kamateso had this to say:

@kamateso: #CanSomeoneExplainToMeWhy Demba was not even on target against #Zambia? Chipolopolo woyeee. Football is played on the pitch and not on paper

Another tweep posted a YouTube video of the goals:

@missbwalya: Senegal 1-2 Zambia - Watch the goals: youtu.be/TerHEqJc-fY

@mwiingason reproduced a quote attributed to the Zambian captain:

@mwiingason: “Nobody expected us to beat Senegal, but our history speaks for itself. We need to carry on like this” ~ Christopher Katongo #Zambia

Zambian netizens were more expressive on Facebook. Remembering the 1993 Zambia national football team air disaster in Gabon on their way to play Senegal in 1993, John Ziba wrote:

Angela Chishimba simply stated in her post:

Demba who? Its Mayuka…[Emmanuel Mayuka scored first goal for Zambia]

Durban Kambaki injected some humour in his post:

What a nice feeling waking up to find Zambia won last night. Good boy that I am, I slept early and slept like a baby only to hear on BBC this morning the news. I will to stay awake for the next game.

But not all netizens were satisfied with the result. For Joshua Jere , Zambia could have done better and the players need to up their game:

I thought the Chipolopolo were on spot with they game plan but their endurance was in question. And if endurance is in question, concentration is lost. Against Libya Zambia stands a better chance than it did in the Senegal encounter. However the COPPER BULLETS should know this, North Africans play with 12th players on the pitch-THE REFEREE!

Richard Chanter recalled an article he posted about Mayuka early last year:

Well done Zambia! Told you about this player last year in March - remember?

Emmanuel Mayuka : Chanters Lodge Livingstone

www.chanters-livingstone.com
Zambian star Emmanuel Mayuka struck again for Young Boys this week, his 90th minute goal sealing the victory over 10-men St. Gallen by a score of 2-0. The goal, Mayuka’s 7th in the domestic league…

Others like Shalala Oliver Sepiso, added a numerology mystique to the victory:

We played this game on the 21st in the year 12 of the 21st century not long after the Lusaka West 2.1 billion and in West Africa we scored 2:1 . The games will end on the 12th. The first goal was scored in the 12th minute and the second goal was scored in the 21st minute. Via Henry Nasilele and IZambia.

Zambia: Blogger Challenges Ex-ruling Party's Query On Guy Scott's Appointment

Gershom Ndhlovu — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:42:53 +0000

The former ruling party, the MMD, has questioned the legality of the appointment of independent Zambia’s first white Vice President, Dr Guy Scott, threatening to take the matter to the court of law to determine its constitutionality.

The MMD’s national chairman for legal affairs, George Kunda, a State Counsel, immediate past vice president and minister of justice, the position he held concurrently with the second highest state position, said recently that Dr Scott did not qualify to hold his current position apparently because he did not act as president on the only two occasions President Michael Sata has so far left the country.

Zambia's new Vice President Guy Scott. Image from the ruling Patriotic Front website.

But one blogger, Munshyawamunshya, argues that Dr Scott qualifies to stand as republican president, saying:

Article 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia 1991 (as amended in 1996) contains the notorious “presidential parentage” clause, which among other things states that for one to be president of Zambia both parents should be “citizens of Zambia by birth or descent.” […] This study will show that if Article 34 is read together with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Lewanika and others v Frederick Chiluba, Guy Scott and many others would qualify to stand for the office of President of the Republic.

Munshyawamunshya, in reference to court cases of similar nature involving the first president Dr Kenneth Kaunda who is of Malawian parentage, his successor the late Frederick Chiluba, said to have been born in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and the fourth president, Rupiah Banda whose eligibility to stand for president was, ironically, challenged by the now ruling Patriotic Front because he was said to have originated from Malawi, observes:

The consequence of judicial interpretation means that a constitution like we have in Zambia is derived from several sources. First, our constitution is derived from a written physical document, which was passed by our parliament in 1991 and amended in 1996. What that document contains is our constitution. However, that document alone does not constitute Zambian constitutional law. A correct view of the constitutional law of our republic therefore should be found in that document as well as rulings of the High Court and the Supreme Court that have interpreted some sections of that constitution.

Munshyawamunshya further writes:

…[T]he court had identified serious problems with the requirement that a presidential candidate’s parents should be Zambians by “birth or descent”. The Supremes [sic] remarked that this law would present serious problems for the future. In essence they ruled that, this article couldn’t apply to Zambians whose parents were born before 1964—before there was a Republic of Zambia. Essentially then, people like Chiluba (born 1944), Michael Sata (born 1944), Rupiah Banda (born 1943), Guy Scott (born c.1940) and or Kenneth Kaunda (born 1924) cannot produce Zambian parents. This is because by the time that the parents of these people were born in the 1800s, there was no legal or constitutional entity known as Zambia.

Munshyawamunshya concludes:

Keeping with the arguments above, it is my conclusion that notwithstanding Article 34, Hon Guy Lindsay Scott can legally satisfy the requirement of Article 34 and can in fact serve as President of the Republic of Zambia. Unless overruled, the case of Lewanika and others v Frederick Chiluba is law and therefore applies to Guy Lindsay Scott.

Commenting on Munshyawamunshya observations, which latter appeared on the Lusaka Times, Janet C says that Africa is not ready for a white president:

Ok – so even if he qualifies – and I do not mean to be racist in any way – BUT in modern day Africa, it would be ‘politically incorrect’ to have a white presido ruling in a predominanly black society. I love ba Guy and think he should remain VP, but definately not presido – Africa is not yet ready for a white president!!!!

In response to Janet C, Peter writes:

#3 YOU HAVE A SERIOUS RACIST PROBLEM. GUY SCOTT IS A ZAMBIAN AND HE QUALIFIES TO BE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT. LET NOT COLOUR BLIND YOU. ITS HIGH TIME SATA STARTED APPOINTING GUY IN ACTING CAPACITY SINCE THE AIR HAS BEEN CLEARED BY THOSE WHO KNOW BETTER. I AM PRETTY SURE EVEN SATA WASN’T SURE ABOUT IT- NO WONDER HE WAITED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR DEBATE.

On Twitter, one tweep had this to say:

@CoolKanis: George Kunda's continue attacks on our Veep Guy Scott is a clear indication that, that [obscenity removed] is a #Racist. #IHateRacists

Another tweep had this to say:

>@missbwalya: How was George Kunda Justice Minister
when he doesn't even understand our constitution? What a dull man. href=”https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23Zambia”>#Zambia

Zambia: Former Diplomat Calls on West to Engage Iran Through IAEA

Gershom Ndhlovu — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:20:43 +0000

A Zambian veteran politician and erstwhile diplomat who once served as the country’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Vernon Mwaanga, has told a citizen radio station that the west should not be dismissive of Iran because it has become a nuclear power now.

Listen to internet radio with Politicalcrossfire on Blog Talk Radio

The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program designed to reduce its oil revenue, which is the country's main source of income.

Zambian veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga. Photo courtesy of Zambian Watchdog.

Mwaanga, who has held many cabinet portfolios including that of foreign affairs under the last four of the five presidents the country has had and served as ambassador to countries like the then Soviet Union in his early days, told Political Crossfire, an Internet-based radio station run by Zambians, that the West has to engage Iran either through the International Atomic Energy Agency, or the Arab League and other organisations such as the United Nations in negotiations and not confrontation.

In a January 7 interview, the former diplomat who was speaking in a telephone interview from Lusaka, Zambia, said:

The logo of Political Crossfire Internet-based radio: Freedom Statue in Lusaka, Zambia. Photo source: Political Crossfire site.

The stand (off) between Iran and the western world has always been there for years and I am sure that they will find a pacific solution to the problem. The issue of dismissing or being dismissive of Iran is not an option anymore.

The United States and European Union have imposed tougher sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The sanctions are designed to reduce its oil revenue, which is the country's main source of income.

Zambia 2011: Two Events That Shook the Country

Gershom Ndhlovu — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:35:47 +0000

Undoubtedly, two events in Zambia will go down as having shaken the country in seismic ways. The first was the death of Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba, a maverick trade unionist turned-politician who defeated Zambia’s founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda who had been in power for 27 years but was swept out of office in the first multi-party elections after 17 years of one party “democracy”.

This is how one Zambian blogger, Munshya, remembered Chiluba:

Here a man without High School education worked hard as a bus conductor to read a few A Level courses which he later admitted to have flanked. Additionally, not to be outdone by his many challenges, Chiluba went as far as Tanzania looking for opportunities. When he came back to Zambia in his twenties, he translated the knowledge he acquired while working in the Tanzanian Sisal industry into good use. He used his courageousness and his fearlessness to become a defender of his fellow workers. Through the trade union, a diminutive Chiluba had found an opportunity to talk and walk the tallest.

@ictjournalist tweeted:

@ictjournalist: @GNdhlovu i remember him as a person who who started a revolution in Africa which has spread all over

Afriwoman was a little sad:

@afriwoman: Listening to Zambian radio stations, going through pics of #Chiluba's funeral courtesy of @QfmZambia . Didn't like the guy but a little sad

The second was the defeat of the ruling MMD after clocking 20 years in power and only three years in office of the incumbent president Rupiah Banda who lost to PF’s Michael Sata at his fourth attempt at the presidency.

After his election president Sata, in another political masterstroke, surprised the world when he appointed his long time ally and his party’s vice president, Dr Guy Scott, a white Zambian who has been on the country’s political scene for over 20 years.

Reacting to Guy Scott's appointment, Zambian tweep and blogger @missbwalya noted:

@missbwalya: Zambia is the only African country with a white VP. Wonder how that will be received by “anti-white African” militants.

Zambia's new Vice President Guy Scott. Image from the ruling Patriotic Front website.

Chiluba’s death, which citizens first learnt of through Twitter, shocked the nation which only three years before, had buried a sitting president, Levy Mwanawasa who died in France after collapsing in Egypt while on international duty. Chiluba’s death became a hot campaign issue for the MMD whose cadres threatened to beat Sata if he attended the funeral of his once boss under whom he saved not only as cabinet minister but as the MMD’s national secretary.

Sata never set foot at the funeral venue following threats to beat him up by MMD cadres but he unexpectedly turned up at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre where Chiluba’s body lay in state and paid his last respects, viewing it along ordinary citizens, vexing even security officials who did not know what to do with the then opposition leader who was clearly in bad books with President Banda.

By the time the belligerent MMD cadres turned up to sort Sata out, he had already left Mulungushi. This was probably one move that increased Sata’s stature in potential voters’ minds. The irony, however, is that Chiluba, before his demise, touted himself as President Banda’s political consultant who vowed to deliver Sata’s perceived regional strongholds to the MMD.

Supporters in a truck celebrate the victory of opposition leader Michael Sata as he was sworn in as the fifth Zambian president. Image by Owen Miyanza, copyright Demotix (23/12/2011).

Related to Chiluba’s death was the presidential election for which the MMD was sure to win with its well-financed campaign vis-à-vis a Spartan and low key campaign strategy of the PF which adopted the slogan “Donchi Kubeba” with donchi being a corruption of the English word, don’t and kubeba being tell.

The MMD government tried to suppress the release of poll results when it became apparent that things were not going their way but netizens where clearly a step ahead releasing the results on Twitter, Facebook and social networks.

President Sata has embarked on a massive investigation of corrupt activities under the previous administration and within a few weeks of commencement of the investigations, security wings dug out billions of Zambian Kwacha from a former minister’s farm. Several other former cabinet ministers have since been arrested or have had their properties suspected to have been corruptly obtained, seized. When the scale of impropriety became apparent, citizens started calling for the removal of President Banda's immunity from prosecution.

Netizens also wondered whether the former president implicated himself in his farewell speech. On Facebook, Gongs Jhala asked:

Do you think RB and his sons will face criminal prosecution? I found it interesting when he said they did not “knowingly abuse public resources” [does] that mean they abused public resources but did not know they were doing so?

Many netizens weighed in on the fight against corruption:

@lwangamwilu: Some people miraculously acquired wealth in 3 years in office, let them be investigated - Milupi #Zambia

@stevenputter: #Zambia, 1000 bicycles “for personal use” thought it was only God that could be in more than one place at a time, no wonder investigated

Perhaps we should mention the Barotseland Agreement debate, which picked up in 2011. Long considered a non-issue during decades of one party rule, Barotseland became an issue of political contention in 2011.

Two people were killed in January 2011 after riots broke out in Mongu, the capital of Western Province over reinstatement of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964. Some activists in the region argue that the Barotseland Agreement provides for separation from the rest of Zambia.

Zambia: Meet Chibwe Katebe - Zambian Comedian

Ndesanjo Macha — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:06:18 +0000

Alumanda Shakankale blogs about Zambia's leading stand-up comedian: “Finalist in the MNET talent show “Stand up Zambia” Chibwe is no stranger in the international spotlight. He has performed at different forums locally and internationally.”

Zambia: Opposition Leader Addresses Facebook Parliament in a First

Gershom Ndhlovu — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:59:20 +0000

Zambia’s opposition National Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo Jr. has become the country’s first politician to “address” the make believe 1,318 member Facebook Zambian parliament after he was allowed by the “Speaker” to post his end of year message.

The Hon Speaker first posted the following message before he posted Chipimo’s speech:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Hon Members. May we welcome Hon Elias Chipimo, NAREP President to officially address this House by delivering end of year message from NAREP. As usual, the House ll proceed to debate his address.

Once we get hold of UPND President, Hon HaKainde Hichilema, and also Republican President, H. E. Michael C. Sata, we shall let them address the House.

President Chipimo, its an honour to have you in the House. You may address this august House.

Part of Chipimo's post reads:

President for the National Restoration Party (NAREP) Elias Chipimo. Photo courtesy of Elias Chipimo Facebook page.

Year-end message from the National Restoration Party (NAREP)
Looking beyond 2011: What the PF administration can start to do in its next 90 days in office
Zambia faces many challenges ranging from poor healthcare, dilapidated and inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education and an economy that is still not meeting the development needs of the majority of the people in spite of its strong performance over the last few years. Tackling these problems will no doubt require long-term focus, energy and vision. There are, however, 3 pressing issues that require a clear, committed and immediate response: (1) unemployment; (2) corruption; and (3) excessive presidential and executive power. Although the fight against corruption has been boosted by the PF administration, there has been a lamentable failure to find a formula for addressing each of these issues in a sustainable manner […] As far as globally defining moments go, the year 2011 belonged almost exclusively to the Arab Spring – that sense of democratic consciousness that seemed to emanate spontaneously from the streets of Tunis and spread like a virus through North Africa and the Middle East. Sub-Saharan Africa, and indeed Zambia, was not unaffected by these events. Remote though the idea may seem, the sentiments that prompted the democratic revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya were similar to those that resulted in the conclusive Patriotic Front (PF) victory on 23 September. Clearly, after 20 in power, something must went seriously wrong within the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) – the party that brought an end to UNIP’s 27 year rule.

A number of “Members of Parliament” in debating the “speech”, hailed the move to engage politicians in the virtual parliament. One member, Rodger Chali praised the opposition politician for being new media savvy:

Mr Speaker Sir, let me thank Hon. Chipimo for his submission and for being one the the leaders who understands the power of new media. Let me submit however that, Zambia is not lacking intelligent presidents , but a system which allows provinces and districts to flourish without looking to Lusaka. I would therefore wish to challenge Hon. Chipimo to champion the cause of a free Zambia from Lusaka control. This is the only agenda which will bring prosperity. If he can deliver this one issue before 2016, i can trust him to be president. Mr Speaker , I would not what to hear that the hon. can only do this if elected president.

Kasololo Chisenga said:
‎

Hon Zapp Speaker Sir indeed presidential candidate Hon.Elias Chipimo raises some important points that are worth debati ng in the house. I am particularly taken by his suggestion of growing biofules [bio-fuel] and coming up with a ‘new economy ‘ in Z…ambia. This is indeed innovaribve and is what is expected from a youthful leader such as him. It is my hope that such ideas can be ytaken seriously to reduce the leve of unemployment in the land.

On the same issue of bio-fuel, Nicholas Mutalama added:

Hon. Speaker Sir, the exploration of bio-fuel is now extensive in the West and farmers busy utilising this initiative through government and privately funded programmes. Why does it take us so long to jump on sustainable opportunities such… as these to move forward. Sir, the previous regimes together with the current administration have focused on programmes that hardly produce anything worthy…..! This we can do or maybe just maybe, we are waiting for another investor or donor to come to our rescue when clearly through serious fiscal responsibility and accountability would give us the much needed funds for the initial investment.

Zambian People's Parliament (ZAPP) was formed shortly after the September 20 elections which saw an opposition party, the Patriotic Front (PF), unseat the ruling MMD that had been in power for 20 years. The group was formed on the back of another Facebook group, the Zambian Peoples Pact which campaigned against the former ruling party. The following is the group’s description:

The Zambian People’s Parliament (ZAPP) is a replication of the Zambian Parliament comprising a cross-section of citizens who constructively discuss, analyze, debate, persuade and agree on issues which border on democratic governance. Specifically, ZAPP is a place where citizens contribute their voice on Zambia’s democratic governance, political and socioeconomic development.
The essence of these online debates shall be to enable citizens make input into parliamentary and government’s policy and decision-making and provide a fora for issue-based discussion by politically-minded citizens, leaders in our communities and experts thus enabling the group to mold an opinion and influence decision-making.

Mission Statement

The Mission of ZAPP is to engage citizens, leaders in parliament and government, public and private sectors in jointly setting policy direction and ensuring decisions made at all levels reflect the will of the Zambian people to be governed according to democratic tenets.

Vision Statement

ZAPP’s Vision is a leading platform for both ordinary and empowered Zambians who freely express themselves and are heard in Zambia’s democratic governance and promotion of socioeconomic activities of the nation.

Zambia: Has the 90 Days Promise Been Fulfilled?

Gershom Ndhlovu — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:51:01 +0000

Zambia’s President Michael Sata’s government reached its landmark 90 days in government on December 23, a period his Patriotic Front party promised it would turn around people’s lives and improve general governance.

Sata’s defeated the MMD which had been in power for 20 years after promising the electorate more money in their pockets and delivery of a new constitution, among other things, in 90 days. Netizens on various social networking sites have been assessing the new government’s achievements, if any, and failures.

Satire columnist, Kalaki’s Corner, captured an imaginary exchange between the president and the first lady:

Artistic depiction of Michael Sata as Zambia's Black Moses. Image source: 90 Days Countdown Facebok group.

I had nearly finished my toast and marmalade when he finally appeared, flicking specks of invisible dust from his lapel. ‘Good morning, darling,’ I said.

‘If you say so,’ he replied. ‘What’s in the papers this morning?’

‘The Boast has got a long editorial…’

‘That’s nothing new,’ he chuckled, ‘It always has a long editorial. Nobody to edit the editor, that’s the problem.’

‘Ninety days of broken promises.’

‘What did you say dear?’

‘That’s the title of the editorial. Ninety days of broken promises.’

‘Would you mind, my dear,’ he replied, ‘pouring me a cup of tea.’

‘Ninety days of broken promises,’ I repeated, as I poured him a cup to tea.

‘Who’s been breaking their promises?’

‘You, my dearest. He’s talking about you.’

He hung his head for a moment. Then looked up, and looked me straight in the eye. I’m very worried. Everybody will be talking about it.’

On the Facebook group, Zambia People’s Parliament (ZAPP), the 90-day promise did not escape debate by the “Honourable Members”. One member, Sidique Abdullah Gondwe Geloo, suggested a public march with people expressing their personal experience in the three months of the new government:

Mr Speaker sir,after much consultative counsel with both people of high profile and laymen, I proposed and stick to the following”The 90Days Promise Progress Check Match.” They campaigned, we listened; they promised, we believed; elections came, we voted. Now we ask, “How far have we come?” Join us in a Match to mark the 90days of PF in power. Bring your placard, happy or sad. Share your views, popular or unpopular.” Do I believe this match will yield fruit? In more ways than one.The government will get the message that we as a people are nolonger the gullible bunch that they feel can tremble or fear to stand up against false promises made.

On another Facebook group, The 90 days Countdown, Ebron Ngoma dismissed calls for a march:

My experiences in Zambia with demos. No one takes particula attention to detail as to why they are protesting. Today We are making noise about 90days ,so far no one has come up with a clear list of what pf promised to deliver in 90days. We need to be more inteligent than merely exciting pipo. Am a firm believer of making a politician accountable and no one wil ever change my views on accountability. If we dont have a list of the promises, we are as gud as leting it pass. A list of promises pipo, then am in. We need a clear roadmap on how we whant to do this, not just excitement. A youth who refuses to learn from the past will never be guaranteed of success. Lets NOT DEMOSTRATE because we want to, we need a CLEAR OBJECTIVE,then you will have the whole Zambian youth with you on that day. Politicians cannot be fought by shadow boxing-they must know that we are watching with intelegence.I INSIST -A LIST OF PF PROMISES vs ACHIEVEMENTS.

Most of the readers’ reactions to a story on the Zambian Watchdog quoting Information Minister Given Lubinda, the Chief Government Spokesman, saying that the Vice President Guy Scott would present a statement to Parliament detailing the achievements of the PF government in the first 90 days of its rule, did not spare government on backtracking on its campaign promises. One reader, Pimbi Mano wrote:

Mr Lubinda,please let the Zambians be the judges of your performance.You can not be your own judge and jury,the Zambia people have the right to analyse your performance in the last 90 days and give you a mark.

My mark so far is 1% just for keeping Zambia so far-but you have failed the rest.Your Cabinet is the worst since independence.Nobody knows what your long-term policies are. The only people who know what you are trying to do are the kaponyas [street vendors]-who have no idea of what they are doing in the first place.

Theb economy is in danger of not growing as fast as it grew in in the last 5 years. Look at the Zambian kwacha and see how it is doing.How real jobs have you created so far-noone.The truth is that you will not create any jobs during the next five years.

Your foreign policy is a mess.Angola,Malawi and evening Mozamabique are really not happy with you. You said you did not want any investment from China and now you are talking to China.

Mr Lubinda,please do not waste your time with a parliamentary statement-Zambians everywhere are watching.Remember every dog has its time.

However, one reader, Twesheko supported the PF government:

I am so surprised people made a big thing out of the 90 days remark. Seriously, how can you believe in such political statements? This was just an empty political statement – the PF is in power not because of the 90 day thing – actually, the Vice President should not even say anything about achieving promisses in 90 days – this is because PF won as result of the long term strategic plans that they have outlined in their manifesto which you will start seeing in the 2013 budget. So far so good. Mineral Royalty tax has increase, there is Tax Relief on PAYE, cleaning up the fuel procurement process – fuel reduced, minimum wage to be revised per sector in consultation with all – the 90 days have been useful but are not the most important thing.

There were also questions about the 90 day promise on Twitter. One such entry read:

@sandakc: Michael Sata gave himself a 90-day honeymoon to turn #Zambia around, a deadline that expires Friday. Has he delivered on his 90-day promise?

Zambia: Sata at Close Quarters

Ndesanjo Macha — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:08:10 +0000

Gershom Ndhlovu blogs about Zambia's new president: “You got to love Michael Sata, Zambia’s fifth president, or hate him—for his abrasiveness bordering on rudeness tinged with crude language—and now as head of state, disregard for protocol.”

Zambia: President Sata Accuses Central Bank of Printing Fake Money

Gershom Ndhlovu — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:22:06 +0000

When the website Tumfweko first broke the news last October about the Zambian Central Bank using alternative currency printers other than the traditional supplier De LaRue, it took a long time for the Central Bank to own up to the new arrangement.

However, a few days later, President Michael Sata disclosed that actually the Bank of Zambia under the direction of the then ruling MMD, printed “fake money” which is said to be in circulation. However, the MMD through its former Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has denied the allegation saying the Central Bank is at is at liberty to print extra money without consulting the Finance Minister or the President because it has the mandate to do so.

After President Sata was sworn in after the September 20, 2011, elections, the Central Bank Governor, Dr Caleb Fundanga was one of the first, if not the first, government official or parastatal chief associated with the former ruling party to have been relieved of his duties. Strangely, the position has not been filled more than two months later.

President Sata and his PF government have exposed a number of illegal dealings that went on during his predecessor, Rupiah Banda’s reign such as the purchase of expensive Lexus cars, the unearthing of billions of Kwacha from a former’s minister’s farm and other scandals most of which are yet to be proved.

The recent disclosures have been met with mixed reactions with some netizens supporting the government's actions while others expressly disagreeing with the president in the manner he was handling national affairs.

One contributor, KGB, on Lusaka Times suggested that Zambia should change its currency:

20,000 Kwacha note. Image courtesy of Zambian Watchdog.

Country Men and Women, if what our combined security and law enforcement Officers uncovered at Dishonourable Austin Liato’s farm (ie K2.1 Billion burried under concrete slab) is anything to go by, then the Government must change the currency immediately to avoid uncontrolled inflation in our beloved nation.
There must be more money burried away in different parts of the country.

Therefore we musn’t allow those selfish” ma [POLITICIANS]” to ruin our economy by injecting fake Kwacha – printed out of selfish motives – into our economy. Please President SATA change the currency NOW so that they can get stuck with their Billlions of fake Kwacha. Mr President we are behind you.

Another contributor calling him/herself ‘Zambia A Cursed Nation: Another 5 years wasted', advised Sata to quietly deal with the Central Bank:

This man is a liar. Honestly if there is fake money circulating in the economy we would have seen inflation tripling. And what have the Cabinet Secretary Joshua Kanganja and Chibiliti at the Ministry of Finance got to do with the printing of money? Sata please direct your querries to BOZ. At you age and your so called experience you do not even know how govt works. Sata you are a very irresponsible person. This is a very serious matter. In the most unlikely event that this was true, an intelligent president would have quietly instructed BOZ to mop out the fake currency. What you have done with this irresponsible accusation is to raise unnecesary alarm in the economy. Please next time you swear in your tribesmates stick to the task. We are tired of your endless litany of complaints…eish!

Lundazi Dweller wrote:

It is sad when the president starts to reduce himself to bar talk. Now that he is president there is no need for him to talk cheap like he used to when he was not president because then he would comment based on rumours. BOZ changed printers does that make the money fake? Can he explain to the nation the excess amount of money printed? Surely I expect more professionalism in the presidency than this

Kasapato, in defence of President Sata, wrote:

All those denying what my presdo revealed are simply showing their hate on the fact that PF won & they are disgruntled (Most likely these are from a party that will never rule Zambia (UPND).Well for your own information the boat has crossed the sea this time and you have remained with your powerless magical hand shake(Hajanza).Learn to live with this fact that sata`s name is in books and even god had a hand in his appointment.It is evident that money was printed and if you are that clever check the currencies and you will see different printer you disgruntled minority!

On Twitter, one tweep was concerned at the rapid rate at which the Kwacha was falling against the US Dollar.

@mosesmafwenko: Today we trade K5210 to $1. It might be the fake money!BOZ zambia @sandaykc missbwalya @GNdhlovu

After the Zambian Watchdog website reproduced a speech by Bank of Zambia deputy governor, Bwalya Ng’andu, at a money supply seminar at which he disclosed that one of the companies said to have printed money illegally was actually engaged under the late Levy Mwanawasa’s administration, one member of a Facebook group, Issues Concerning Us, had this to say [the comment is currently unavailable]:

As usual we have shouted wolf and what do we end up with? Something like this

Giesecke and Devrient started printing Kwacha notes in Mwanawasa regime | Zambian Watchdog

www.zambianwatchdog.com

Giesecke and Devrient GmbH of Germany started printing the Zambian Kwacha notes during the Levy Mwanawasa administration.

One response under the post by Himalambo Swedish Sianyaka, read:

If this is the experience that Sata claimed he had to run govt then he needs brain check? The whole issue is so embarasing for a head of state to stand on an ant hill and make noise on issues he has little understand. Someone needs to tell him to think and analyse issues before opening his mouth.

Another netizen calling him/herself Zambia Iya New on Zambian Peoples Pact Facebook group was not very kind with the conduct of the PF government:

The PF seem to thrive on rumour mongering -first GBM is scared of his own shadow, the Gold scam, the NW chiefs,the ex-Generals and now (fake) or illegal money printing .What is this govt ,let them focus on the fast approaching 90 Day deadline and stop this kachepa business. We shall not be hoodwinked by focusing on petty issues.Any way this is typical kaponya tactics they grab byour aattention as you look away ,bang they have searched your pocket.Watch out my countrymen eyes on the ball or is it our pockets. Ba kaponya kwena (these hooligans)!

Chita Matt Nonde responded to Zambia Iya New's comment with a question:

Are [you] saying we were in paradise in the last 20 years of MMD?

Zambia: President's Son New Luxury Cars Cause Uproar

Soneka Kamuhuza — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:44:14 +0000

It appears that there is no shortage of political revelations for Zambians these days. In the midst of former President Banda's sons being scrutinized for questionable purchases before the elections, the new President's son Mulenga Sata, is now at the center of controversy following revelations by Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire that he recently acquired two expensive vehicles worth 1.8 billion Zambian Kwacha (about US$ 200,000).

Zambians weigh in on the revelation at Zambian Watchdog website:

Mpimpa says:

True to the PF political slogan of more money in your pockets, We have not seen this money, we still go to bed having only eaten one meal, and yet our neighbours are buying luxury cars at 1 billion. What an example Mr. President. Please walk the talk this is inclusive of your immediate family. God have Mercy on us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

President Michael Sata's son (holding a camera). Photo courtesy of Zambian Watchdog.

KimZ adds:

Mukanwa mukikopo,then why are we questioning RB’s sons if we know that they have that privelledge of acquiring property as children of the sitting President? Or just because it’s done by the son to the man you love so it’s normal? Right now,people are demonising Liato over K2.1 billion and Liato has been a Minister for a long time.Mulenga,whose father has not even clocked 90 days in Office has so far spent K 1.8 billion. You can imagine how much he will spend by the time his father has ruled this country for 5 years.

The article notes that Mulenga's primary occupation was as an importer of dogs for the Zambian market and so Sipho humorously weighs in:

naine ndeya muku order ama puppies kuti wa wina!!! [translation: Even I will start importing dogs, maybe I can win/become rich].

On a more serious note, Kabanshi laments:

Its sad to see that just because the father is president he has no right to own such a car,if a person like me owns such nobody would know whats happening,i this this publication along with some of the people that comment should show maturity in the way they discus matters of national interest.Normally you read very lousy comments that don’t make sense at all and just because people have an audience every Jim and jack thinks they have news .This man who calls himself a leader of this NGO that i have heard of today for the first time will just bring stories that he probably was discussing with friends in the bar and of course this paper thinks everything is right without credible sources .Shame!!!

Black Doyo defends Sata's son:

Poeple get your facts right! mulenga is a higly qualified civil engineer. this guy is learned.

Netizens have also been reacting to an unprecedented move in Zambian politics after the the president implored law enforcement agencies in the country to investigate his son and encouraged Mr Chifire to report any suspected unlawful activity linked to the first family to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Discussing this on Tumfweko.com, Tumbo Tumbo says:

HE Sata has done what RB and other Presidents can never do. Subjecting his own son to DEC and Police is commendable. Chifire must be very careful, just like some blogs which judge others in newspapers without those accused having an opportunity to respond or defend themselves. MULENGA Sata is a gentleman.
I hope Chifire has evidence.

HE Sata must also tell and reveal to the nation what has happened to the report he asked about from Cabinet, and investigating wings about DR MITI whose appointment was revoked within 24 hours of being appointed as Ambassador to WHO, Geneva. A Public feedback to Zambians is crucial just like his own Son, MULENGA. We have a reliable, fearless President in HE Sata. Let Miti and MULENGA be cleared from the investigating wings of GRZ!!! Publicly!!!

Mulenga, through his lawyers, has given Gregory Chifire 48 hours to apologise or take him to court. Chifire says that he is not intimidated and is just waiting for the police to call him so that he can go and tell them what he knows.

African Bloggers React To UNESCO's Admission Of Palestine

Patricia Worth — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:44:19 +0000

[All links lead to French language pages except when otherwise noted]

The admission of Palestine as a full member of UNESCO on 31 October 2011 has prompted an intense debate, with people taking very different stands. Africans from the continent as well as the diaspora have also taken an active part in the debate online. However, whether they agreed or disagreed with Palestine's admission to UNESCO, the different sides have often projected the debate onto the internal problems of their own countries.

UNESCO admits Palestine. Photo by Salaam Shalom on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The site ouestaf.com reveals which African countries abstained from voting:

Trois pays ouest africains figurent dans le lot des abstentionnistes : Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Togo. Ils constituent avec le Cameroun, l’Ouganda, la Zambie et le Rwanda les seuls pays africains à n’avoir pas voté en faveur de la résolution faisant de Palestine un Etat membre à part entière de l’Unesco.

Three West African countries figure among the non-voters: Ivory Coast, Liberia and Togo. With Cameroon, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda, these three are the only African countries to have voted against the resolution to make Palestine a full member state of UNESCO.

Each of the countries that chose to abstain gave its official reasons, which bloggers then quickly tore apart. The site amaizo.info published an article giving valid reasons for most of the countries:

En réalité, ces pays ont en commun d’assurer une partie de leur sécurité rapprochée jusqu’au niveau des gardes présidentielles avec Israël sans compter les aides économiques.

Ces « neutralistes » se cachent derrière l’obligation de réserve au lieu d’expliquer qu’ils sont tous directement ou indirectement tributaires du soutien des pays qui ne veulent pas entendre parler d’un Etat Palestinien pour le moment. Nommons Israël, les Etats-Unis, le Canada et la Colombie, etc. La France a voté en faveur de l’adhésion de la Palestine à l’UNESCO, mais annonce qu’elle s’abstiendra au Conseil de Sécurité.

In reality, these countries have a common purpose in ensuring part of their security, up to the level of presidential guards, with Israel, not counting economic aid.

The ‘neutral ones' hide behind the duty to preserve secrecy, instead of explaining that they are all directly or indirectly dependent on the support of countries that, for the moment, don't want to hear about a Palestinian state. Just to name some: Israel, the United States, Canada, Colombia etc. France voted in favour of Palestine joining UNESCO, but announced that it would abstain from the Security Council.

Explaining the position of Ivory Coast, the only African country run by a Muslim president to have opted for abstention, S. Débailly writes in an article entitled “Palestine in UNESCO / Ivory Coast abstains from voting - Why Alassane Ouattara didn't say yes to Nicolas Sarkozy”, published by abidjan.net:

Une source au ministère d’Etat, ministère des Affaires étrangères reconnaît que la pression a été forte. Mais, ajoute-t-elle, elle est restée fidèle à sa nouvelle ligne de conduite dictée par la recherche de la paix par la négociation et la volonté de préserver les amitiés avec tous les Etats du monde. Un peu comme la philosophie diplomatique du père fondateur [Félix Houphouët-Boigny], à savoir : ‘’la Côte d’Ivoire, amie de tous, ennemie de personne’’.

A source in the state ministry, the Foreign Affairs ministry, acknowledges that the pressure has been strong. But, she adds, Ivory Coast has remained faithful to her new line of conduct dictated by the search for peace through negotiation and the desire to preserve friendships with all the world's governments. A bit like the diplomatic philosophy of the founding father (Félix Houphouët-Boigny), that is, “Ivory Coast, friend of all, enemy of no one”.

But Roch Tieh, a resident of Sétif in Morocco, commenting on that article, has quite a different explanation, more personal, for President Abdourahmane Dramane Ouattara (ADO):

Loin de partager l'avis de la plupart des frères qui sont intervenus sur ce sujet, j'ai une autre vision de la chose. Je risque de choquer certains, mais pour ceux qui me voient souvent prendre position pour ADO, je dirai ici (Sans en avoir la preuve) que le vote de notre Pays a été influencé, par la Première Dame (Que je respecte beaucoup). Elle serait d'origine Juive et donc comme le dit l'Agade: Ce qui Femme veut, DIEU le veut aussi. Notre Président a demandé que notre Pays s'abstienne, si on ne peut pas voter pour l'adhésion de la Palestine à l'Unesco, il faut rester neutre. C'est sage de sa part et il n'y a pas de Palabres inutiles à la maison.

Far from sharing the advice of most of the brothers who intervened on this subject, I have a different view of things. I risk shocking some people, but for those who see me often taking a stand for ADO, I will say here (without having any proof) that our country's vote was influenced by the First Lady (for whom I have a lot of respect). She would be of Jewish origin, thus as Agade says: What Woman wants, GOD also wants. Our president asked that our country abstain; if we cannot vote for Palestine to become a member of UNESCO, we must remain neutral. For his part, it's wise; there'll be no endless, useless discussions at home.

A story written by Alain Noah Awana of the journal Le Messager (The Messenger) on cameroon-info.net agrees with the previous analysis on why Cameroon also abstained:

Joint sur son téléphone portable alors qu'il se trouvait à Paris, le Pr. Messanga Nyamding donne les trois raisons qui, selon lui, ont poussé le Cameroun sur la voie de l'abstention….En filigrane, on peut comprendre que le pays a choisi la neutralité pour ne pas attirer les foudres de la communauté internationale, notamment celles des Etats-Unis. Deuxièmement, il se pourrait que le Cameroun ait voulu éviter de «frustrer» un pays ami. Là, le professeur parle d'Israël, qui était formellement opposé à l'admission de la Palestine à l'Unesco. «Le Cameroun a de très bonnes relations avec Israël, sur les plans économique et militaire. C'est un partenaire privilégié que nous n'avons pas voulu frustrer», argue-t-il. Enfin, et c'est la troisième raison, la position du Cameroun tient lieu du fait que c'est un pays très attaché aux groupes du tiers monde et des non alignés. «Nous avons donc choisi la voie du milieu, en attendant qu'il y ait visibilité. Et c'est d'ailleurs ce que le chef de l'Etat a toujours prôné», appuie-t-il.

Calling from his mobile phone while he was in Paris, Professor Messanga Nyamding gave three reasons which, according to him, drove Cameroon along the abstention path … It is implicit that we understand that this country chose neutrality in order not to attract angry responses from the international community, particularly the United States. Secondly, it might be that Cameroon wanted to avoid ‘frustrating' a friendly country. Here, the professor is talking about Israel, which was formally opposed to admitting Palestine to UNESCO. “Cameroon has very good relations with Israel, on economic and military levels. It's a special relationship that we don't want to trample on,” he argues. Finally, the third reason is that Cameroon's position is a substitute for the fact that it's a country that's very attached to third world and non-aligned groups. “So we have chosen the middle road, while waiting for things to become clearer. And this is, may I add, what the head of state has always advocated,” he insists.

These explanations don't seem to convince Massaknowall, who makes the following remarks in the comment section:

La garde rapprochée de Biya est formée par les israëliens ceci explique peut-être cela tout simplement

Biya's bodyguard is composed of Israelis; perhaps this might be a simpler explanation.

In a comment on a story by Justin Daboné, entitled “Palestine in UNESCO: Those American anti-democrats”, which appeared on the online site for L'Observateur Paalga in Burkina Faso, a reader named Osiris wrote, addressing President Obama:

vous devez user de votre influence pour amener les durs d' Israel à mettre un peu d'eau dans leurs vins§ beaucoup d'Israeliens ont payé de leur vie et idem pour les palestiniens ! Il est temps de donner un état à ce peuple.

You have to use your influence to bring the tough guys from Israel to put a little water in their wine. A lot of Israelis have paid with their life and ditto for the Palestinians! It's time to give this people a state.

Clive Chanda finds another reason for Zambia's abstention [en]:

… in 1991, several Jewish Rabbis, came to Zambia, and held a press conference at one of the top hotels in Lusaka, I forget which one. At this conference, they said that God Almighty had told them that there was a lost tribe of Jews in northern Zambia.

Another comment by Yambayamba published on zambianwatchdog.com draws conclusions [en] which sum up the point of view of many Africans:

Palestinians have suffered long enough. Telling Israel this truth does not mean, or should it ever be interpreted as being ANTI JEWISH. Good friends tell friends the truth. Sometimes truth is hard to hear, but it is the truth nonetheless. Because for how long are the Israelis going to sustain the current existing “status quo” between them and their neighbors, the Palestinians? The earlier they deal with this issue, the less physical and psychological damage it is going to cause to future generations in that part of the world.