Democracy further wearing away in Zambia

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from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE arrest of journalists and opposition figures as well as the ban on political party rallies is a further erosion of democracy in Zambia under the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema.

A longtime opposition leader, he and the United Party for National Development (UPND) came into power in 2021 with a pledge to uphold human rights from the administration of Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front (PF) who were accused of running the country with an iron fist.

Critics accuse the new administration of reneging on the pledge almost three years after the election, and with polls set for 2026, crackdowns are anticipated.

Hichilema’s government insists this is a fight against corruption, which the party claimed pre-election.

A selective application of the law has however been alleged. That is because most of those arrested are from the opposition.

Hichilema is accused of targeting his predecessor, Lungu. In the latest fallout between the two rivals, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court on Tuesday ordered Lungu’s daughter, Chiyeso, to forfeit properties worth over K9 million ($359 000), whose acquisitions the court argued she could not account for.

The properties include flats, farms, a lodge and a luxury house.

It comes months after Lungu’s wife was arraigned on three counts of theft of motor vehicles and a count of theft of a certificate of title for a property.

Lungu late last year announced a return to active politics and is seen as the main contender against Hichilema in 2026.

Meanwhile, last weekend, police arrested Saboi Imboela, president of the National Democratic Party, and Jackson Silavwe, leader of the Golden Party, at the Matanda Ground, venue of an umbrella opposition rally that the law enforcers had outlawed.

“They were observed filming and conducting interviews amongst themselves within the ground,” Rae Hamoonga, Police Public Relations Officer, stated.

Journalists Rodgers Meilimba and Innocent Phiri were also arrested by police, whose officers are accused of patronage to Hichilema and his party.

Rae Hamoonga reminded the public of the importance of respecting lawful directives and regulations, particularly concerning public gatherings and events.

“The cooperation of all citizens is essential in maintaining peace and order in our country,” Hamoonga said.

Critics believe such laws are draconian.

“The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is deeply concerned with the continued violations of human rights of citizens by the Zambia Police Service,” LAZ stated.

– CAJ News

DPD Laser and Multiserv partner to democratise parcel delivery to all South Africans

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CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africans live busy lives and the massive growth in online retail and associated deliveries since the COVID-19 pandemic really does show just how much they’ve come to depend on the convenience it makes possible.

The only part of the online shopping process that some consumers may find less than ideal is being tied to a location as they wait for their purchases to be delivered.

While parcel delivery companies provide a delivery window that allows for some planning, external factors can affect that negatively, meaning that consumers get
frustrated when a delivery happens later than they expected, disrupting their diary for the day.

That’s why nationwide delivery provider DPD Laser has partnered with Multiserv, one of South Africa’s longest standing, most recognised brands, to offer an in-store collection or drop-off service. Services will include store to door or store to store delivery options.

Already established near the entrances of South Africa’s leading local and regional malls in more than 100 locations, Multiserv stores offer the basic services that every consumer needs – and have added parcel collection and drop off with this collaboration.

The partnership gives consumers the option of nominating a Multiserv store where they can collect the items they’re expecting to be delivered via DPD Laser, giving them the flexibility to collect the item at any time during the store’s opening hours. Similarly, anyone wanting to send an item using DPD Laser’s national and international
network, can drop off their package at a Multiserv at a time that suits them.

“Because Multiserv has so many stores in major centres, from the Western Cape to Limpopo and in so many locations between those, consumers are no longer tied to a location as they wait for their delivery,” explains Jason Lombard, CEO of DPD Laser in South Africa.

“The partnership gives them the flexibility to take care of their admin when they have time to, whether it’s having a shoe mended or having a set of keys cut at a Multiserv outlet nearby.”

The collaboration between the international DPD and the super-South African Multiserv brand creates additional earning opportunities for each of the Multiserv franchisees, whether it’s via making the DPD services available from their stores and adding convenience for their customers or through extra income from the added foot traffic that this partnership will bring. Who enjoys picking up laundry… now you can have it cleaned at Multiserv and delivered to your door.

It also brings the convenience of parcel shipping to many more South Africans who would simply not be able to wait for a collection vehicle or delivery to come to them. They can now send packages across the country when it suits them, to friends and family who would also prefer to be more in control of when and where they receive their goods.

“This partnership means that DPD Laser can offer the benefits of a store-based parcel delivery and collection solution without incurring the costs of setting up stores across the country,” Lombard adds. “We can offer an affordable shipping option to consumers while keeping our costs down, while extending the range of services to Multiserv customers.”

“Partnering with DPD Laser to expand the range of services our franchisees can offer to their customers adds value to their already wide range of services while bringing more people into their stores,” says Luandi Norris, Franchise and Marketing Manager at Multiserv.

“We’re proud to be working with such a well-recognised international brand with its focus on South Africans’ needs and look forward to seeing the wonderful opportunities it creates come to life.”

https://www.dpd.com/za/en

– CAJ News

Islamic State commanders killed in Nigeria operation

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from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE Nigeria Air Force (NAF) reports it has killed 30 Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including commanders, northeast of the country.

NAF said by neutralising the insurgents and destroying their logistical infrastructure in the Borno state, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region.

Vehicles, motorcycles and logistical assets were destroyed.

“The success of these airstrikes underscores NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens,” said Air Vice Marshal, Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information.

The slain commanders have been named as Mallam Ari, Ali Dawud and Bakura Fallujah.

Gabwet said intelligence gathered after the air strike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively demolished a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines.

The bombarded area is on the shores of Lake Chad.

ISWAP has been active since 2015, after its split from Boko Haram.

The insurgency in northeast Nigeria started in 2009.

– CAJ News

Nigeria destroys tonnes of illegal drugs

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from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – NIGERIA has destroyed over 304 tonnes and 40 kilolitres of illicit substances.

This is only a tip of the iceberg that is substance abuse and the illegal market in the West African country.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed the illicit substances in the city of Lagos, in the state of the same name.

NDLEA seized the substances from parts of the state and Ogun since the beginning of 2022.

They include cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tramadol, seized at airports, seaports and land borders.

“The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld,” said Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired).

Olusegun Onilude, Chairman of the Badagry West Local Government Area of Lagos, said illicit drugs led to an increase in other crimes.

“The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speaks volumes. Every right-thinking person should be worried,” Onilude said.

Nigeria has embarked on the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign rolled out in schools and communities.

Marwa called for more public support for the activities of the agency.

“The safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us,” he advised.

– CAJ News

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