Zambia Roundup: Death penalty ban, visa waiver, witchcraft attempt against president
Death penalty ban
On December 17, 2024, Zambia made a significant move at the UN General Assembly by voting in favour of a temporary ban on the death penalty. This vote, which saw 130 in favour, 32 against, and 22 abstentions, marks Zambia's first support for the resolution since its inception in 2007. Justice Minister Princess Kasune represented the nation, emphasising the need to align international commitments with domestic laws while highlighting the improvements in Zambia's human rights record.
Open-heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects
The Israeli organisation Save a Child’s Heart conducted a mission in Zambia to provide treatment for children with congenital heart defects. An international team, including medical professionals from Israel, Tanzania, and Zambia, performed open-heart surgeries and catheterisation for 25 affected children, emphasising training for local medical staff. Since its beginning in 2017, the programme has treated over 100 children and fostered the development of local cardiac care expertise. Dr. Lior Sasson from Wolfson Medical Centre noted the mission's role in empowering local doctors, while Israeli Ambassador Ofra Farhi hailed the initiative as a mark of international cooperation.
Visa waiver for nationals from 53 countries
The Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) chairman, Yousuf Zumla, commended the government's recent decision to waive visa requirements for nationals from 53 countries, including Argentina, Turkey, and Ukraine. This policy shift is anticipated to enhance tourist inflows significantly, which could boost Zambia's economy and promote international exchange.
$100 million World Bank financing package
The World Bank has approved a financing package of $100 million aimed at enhancing Zambia's climate and economic resilience. This includes $25 million allocated for regular Development Policy Financing (DPF) and $75 million designated as a Catastrophe Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) for emergency funding in response to national disasters. This initiative intends to bolster Zambia's disaster management capacities, improve social protection systems, and promote strategies for climate adaptation, especially within the water sector.
Witchcraft attempt against President Hakainde Hichilema
Zambian authorities arrested two individuals, one from Mozambique and another Zambian chief, for allegedly attempting to use witchcraft against President Hakainde Hichilema. In possession of various charms, including a live chameleon, the suspects are accused of being witch doctors allegedly hired by a relative of an opposition MP facing severe criminal charges. They will be charged with animal cruelty and are set to appear in court shortly.
