Zambia

Two witchdoctors arrested for plotting against Zambian president

Africa /

Two suspected witchdoctors were apprehended in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, Friday for allegedly attempting to “bewitch” President Hakainde Hichilema, police said. Police spokesman Rae Hamoonga said in a statement the suspects had been formally arrested and charged with professing knowledge of witchcraft, possession of charms, and cruelty to wild animals. “The suspects, identified as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, and Leonard Phiri, 43, were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon and are alleged to be practicing witchdoctors,” Hamoonga said, adding that preliminary investigations revealed that the duo was engaged by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of Emmanuel, a former independent member of parliament, to use the charms to harm Hichilema. He said Nelson Banda was currently on the run. Police said the suspects disclosed that they were promised a payment of 2 million Zambian Kwacha (over $7,000) after the execution of their mission.

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AFDB approves $108M loan for Zambia’s economic reforms

Africa /

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $108 million loan to Zambia aimed at strengthening the country’s economic governance and supporting reforms across key public sectors. This financing will support the Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Resilience Support Programme, a vital initiative designed to foster a more robust and diversified economy in Zambia. Key objectives of the programme include boosting domestic revenue generation through measures such as the implementation of an electronic “smart invoice” system, registering 12,000 VAT-eligible taxpayers, and enhancing Zambia’s engagement in the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. The programme also targets the growth of the agro-industrial sector, particularly by backing the Ministry of Agriculture’s agricultural mechanization strategy and establishing ten mechanization centres. This will increase agricultural productivity and help farmers—especially those without access to modern equipment—produce goods for both domestic and international markets. A key goal is to reduce Zambia’s reliance on the mining sector, with at least 257 million kwachas (around $9.4 million) allocated for the 2023-2024 agricultural season. The project will facilitate market-driven funding, offering small and medium-sized farmers access to affordable financing for agricultural inputs through financial institutions. Additionally, the programme will improve public investment management, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of public spending. As of November 30, 2024, the African Development Bank’s active portfolio in Zambia includes 24 projects with a total value of $872.3 million.

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Zambian authorities concerned about 3 recent fatal elephant attacks

Africa /

Authorities in Zambia said Wednesday they are worried after three deaths were recorded, and a critical injury, in separate elephant attacks in as many days. They cited the deaths of two men and a woman. Most of the encounters occurred during the night. One elderly person is fighting for his life after an encounter. “All these and similar other incidents are regrettable and could have been otherwise avoided had they all adhered to wildlife protected area ethics and rules of avoiding walking at night and molesting elephants,” Dominic Chiinda, from the National Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement in the national capital of Lusaka. He advised residents to exercise extra caution when traversing wildlife hotspots by giving the right of way to elephants when on their corridor and resisting surrounding or harassing elephants with incessant noise and throwing objects at them. “Reduce movements, particularly at night and being too close to elephants, avoid following elephants and taking close photos or selfies and remain calm when you see an elephant,” he added. Due to its vast savanna, the southern African nation has a rich elephant population, with at times migrations from neighboring countries, including Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Most cases of human-animal conflict have also been attributed to human encroachment on national parks and Game Management Areas (GMAs). The issue has also been debated on the floor of the parliament, with select members being granted honorary wildlife police officers to supplement the number of wildlife officers policing Zambia’s 20 national parks and 36 GMAs.

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