Zambia Roundup: Commonwealth, footballers killed in crash, dismissed constitutional court judges

Zambia chosen as vice-chair of Commonwealth group

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Zambia was elected Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). The initiative aims to monitor breaches in democratic principles among its 56 member nations, with Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe leading these efforts. CMAG, established in 1995, plays a crucial role in championing human rights and constitutional governance. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasised the significance of CMAG in safeguarding democracy and civil liberties within the Commonwealth community. 

Zambian footballers killed in bus crash

Zambia is mourning the loss of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in north-western Zambia who perished in a bus accident while en route to a league match. This incident has drawn expressions of deep shock from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), which is currently liaising with the authorities for further information. In addition to the fatalities, twelve other individuals were injured, five of whom require treatment in Lusaka. Condolences and support for the affected families and the injured have been extended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Artur de Almeida e Silva, head of the Southern African Regional Football Associations. 

Zambia and Malawi to develop Kenya fuel import strategy

Malawi and Zambia are developing a fuel import strategy inspired by Kenya's procurement model. This strategy permits direct procurement of petroleum products from Gulf producers, bypassing the Open Tender System. A government-to-government agreement, successfully established with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, allows selected Gulf state-owned firms to designate oil marketing companies for distribution in Kenya. Energy officials from Malawi have sought advice from their Kenyan counterparts to devise a similar arrangement. A technical team from Kenya has been appointed to support Malawi in comprehending the deal's framework and the challenges it presents. 

Over 800 prisoners pardoned on Independence Day celebration

On the occasion of Zambia’s 60th Independence Day, President Hakainde Hichilema granted pardons to 859 prisoners. This decision included 840 ordinary inmates, along with nine elderly individuals, seven women with children, and three foreign nationals. In his commemoration efforts, Hichilema laid wreaths at the graves of liberation leader Kenneth Kaunda and the Freedom Statue in Lusaka. He engaged in an investiture ceremony and urged citizens to confront pressing national challenges, including climate change, poverty, and corruption. 

Zambian president dismisses constitutional court judges

President Hakainde Hichilema made headlines by dismissing three constitutional court judges, which has raised concerns regarding potential judicial interference. This action followed a recommendation by a judicial commission concerning alleged misconduct tied to a 2016 ruling that benefitted his political opponent, Edgar Lungu. Critics, including human rights advocates, have raised alarms about the timing of the dismissals, particularly with the upcoming 2026 elections on the horizon, suggesting a possible motive aligned with Hichilema’s political strategy. While a former vice president has defended the firings as a necessary oversight, Lungu’s legal representative has condemned the action as illegal, insisting that the executive branch should not rectify judicial rulings. Government officials maintain that the president's actions were legally justified, referencing constitutional authority to dismiss judges in response to commission recommendations.