Do not politicize, 2023 Summit for Democracy, prods Mundia Paul Hakoola

US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzalez with Mundia Paul Hakoola

By DERRICK SINJELA

CONTINENTAL Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola is concerned that the opposition wants to use the Summit for Democracy (S4D) as a platform for politicking.

In an apparent reference to a negative stance taken by Patriotic Front (PF) Vice President, Mr. Given Lubinda, Mr. Hakoola implored the Zambian diverse community to see and use it as an opportunity evaluating and showcasing improved global democracy.

During a recent Press Conference at Lusaka’s Cresta Golfview Hotel in Lusaka, Lubinda argued that both the US and Zambia did not have a moral right to host a good governance meeting.

PF Acting President Given Lubinda with wife, Dr. Chishimba Kambwili and New Congress Party President Pastor Peter Chanda at ACC Mon Jan 2022 pix Derrick Sinjela

But in a Tuesday, 28th March, 2023
Press Statement, Hakoola reiterated that the Summit for Democracy is an important undertaking in shaping local and global democracy and respect for fundamental human rights citizens in Zambia as a host nation.

Hakoola branded elements planning protests as misplaced individual as there is no cause of action.

Hakoola explained that the agenda of the Summit for Democracy is clear and available with Ministry Foreign Affairs and Ministry Justice, pointing out that aggrieved stakeholders can easily contact Foreign Affairs Minister Stanely Kakubo and Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe, who stand ready to allay perceived fears.

Justice Minister State Counsel SC Mulambo Haimbe (left), Education Minister Dr Douglas Siakalima (second left), National Science Centre NSC Director General Dr. Ben Banda and Prisoner of Conscience (PoC) Lus 4818/18 DERRICK SINJELA – picture by Henry Chunza – Today Zambia Newspaper (TZN)

On concerns raised by stakeholders planning to protest, Hakoola argued that such items were not part of the agenda as Zambia clearly outlaw’s homosexuality.

Joe Robinette BIDEN Jr , 46th current President of he United States of America (left) with 7th Zambian President, Hakainde Sammy Hichilema, 7th First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and First Lady Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden

“We cannot ignore the noble cause of the Summit for Democracy by politicking and being frivolous. The planned protests are misplaced as they compromise the safety of the delegates and paint a bad picture on Zambia, which not there, our view is that concerned stakeholders must address their minds and energy to the programme schedule,” advised Hakoola.

Speaking as a forthright optimist, Hakoola backed a position taken by President Hichilema that Zambia has a moral right to host the Summit for Democracy as the country has constantly improved its good governance record, over the years and the countries in Africa and worldwide can learn enviable best practices from her (Zambia).

An elated Hakoola tagged two day Second Summit for Democracy as giving hopes to African youth in countries where democracy is just a dream that one day liberty and enjoying an enabling democratic environment will becoming a sustainable reality.

On Tuesday, March 28, the U.S. Government will host a variety of Cabinet- and Sub-Cabinet- level thematic events to spotlight key Summit themes.

Partnering for Democracy: New Approaches for Reform

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will host a full-day, four-session event, led by Administrator Samantha Power, that highlights new approaches and partnerships that strengthen democracy, human rights, and governance.

The U.S. Department of State will host a panel session, chaired by Secretary Antony Blinken, about the need for a Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine.

The virtual gathering will feature the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussing his vision for a just and lasting peace, alongside Foreign Ministers from a regionally diverse group of countries.

This gathering will provide an opportunity to hear various perspectives on the elements needed to end Russia’s war led by Vladimir Putin and establish a durable peace in Ukraine in line with principles contained in the UN Charter.

On the Complex Path to Achieving Democratic Dividends, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) will co-host a panel session to examine the linkages between democracy, economic growth, and poverty reduction. The session, chaired by MCC CEO Alice Albright and NED Chairman Kenneth Wollack, exploring challenges that democracies and aspiring democracies face in responding to citizens’ needs, and how MCC and the NED provide support to bolster institutions and build resilience around democracy and economic growth.

At the Council on Foreign Relations, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will discuss how the U.S. Department of Justice is countering new and evolving threats to the rule of law posed by hostile nation states, from transnational repression to foreign malign influence.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will host an event , chaired by Secretary Janet Yellen, which will bring together leaders from government, civil society, and international organizations to discuss the efforts to counter corruption and illicit finance in order to uphold the rule of law, promote good governance, and ensure an equal economic playing field.

The U.S. Department of Labor will host a session to elevate the role of labor movements as drivers of democracy and essential components of democratic societies.

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will give a keynote address highlighting labor related achievements throughout the Summit’s Year of Action.

Government and labor representatives will highlight country cases and approaches of labor movements defending, reclaiming, and expanding democratic space, with an emphasis on the responsibilities of governments to protect and hold space for democratic labor movements.

The U.S. Department of State will host an event, chaired by Secretary Antony Blinken, that builds directly on the December 2021 Summit for Democracy event “Empowering Prosperity: Advancing Women to Advance the Status of Democracy.”

This gathering will highlight the imperative of gender equity and equality to democratic, rights-based societies and the universal importance of women’s civic and political participation, as well as underscore one of the biggest barriers women and girls face: online harassment and abuse.

The event will showcase the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, a 12-country initiative and commitment announced by the U.S. government at the first Summit.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves will represent the U.S. government at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)-hosted half-day Forum spotlighting the importance of the private sector to democracy and the commitments that companies are making to advance it.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves will represent the U.S. government at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)-hosted half-day Forum spotlighting the importance of the private sector to democracy.

Georgetown University will host a conversation on how hate-fueled violence presents a threat to democracy and what governments can do to respond. Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Joshua Geltzer will be joined by former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Executive Director of Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection Mary McCord for a discussion moderated by Georgetown School of Foreign Service Professor Bruce Hoffman.

On Wednesday, March 29, the Summit for Democracy’s five co-hosts — the United States, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, and Zambia — will officially kick off the Summit, with each co-host leader hosting a live, fully virtual, thematic, Leader-level plenary session. Plenaries will be interspersed with “spotlight interventions” by leading activists and civil society figures.

Vice President Kamara Harris with US President Joe Biden