NGOCC Sara H. Longwe CHAIRPERSON
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By NGOCC CHAIRPERSON Sara H. Longwe
THE Non-governmental Gender Organisation’s Coordinating Council (NGOCC), commends the Government and the Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Ms Godfridah Sumaili’s decision for banning Congolese rhumba artiste Antoin Christophe Agbepa Mumba popularly known as Koffi Olomide from entering the country to perform.
The Artist has abused the hospitality of hosting countries with his barbaric behavior towards women e.g. the assault he exhibited in Kenya towards one of his female dancers at Kenyatta International Airport. Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains on the upswing in Africa and Artists of Koffi’s reputation should conduct themselves in dignified manner and abide by the laws of each country in which they perform. We are aware as an organization that apart from the Kenya incidence, the musician also faces criminal charges for assaulting a Photo-journalist in Zambia during his last visit. So, we expect the Zambian Police to pursue this matter and ensure that the musician faces the law for his wrong doing.
As a women’s rights organization, we therefore fully support the decision by the Government to ban him from performing in Zambia. This will send a strong signal to all GBV perpetrators to desist from engaging in the vice.
NGOCC would like to see that all business houses, especially those in the entertainment industry, consult widely on the characters of the performers that they select for their shows. It is the duty of every Zambian to protect fellow citizens from being exposed to performers who are facing criminal charges within and outside Zambia.
ISSUED by Samuel C.C Mwanakatwe Documentation Officer