Washington, DC: “In response to media inquiry regarding the recently announced change in leadership at the central bank of Zambia, an IMF spokesman made the following statement:
“We note the change in leadership announced over the weekend at the Bank of Zambia before the end of the previous Governor’s mandate.
“The macroeconomic stability that most developing countries have enjoyed in recent years has greatly relied on the much-improved effectiveness and increased independence of central banks. It is imperative that central banks’ operational independence and credibility is maintained, particularly at this critical time when economic stability is threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Without credible institutions and sound policies, sustained economic growth and much needed improvements in living standards will not be possible.”
IMF Communications Department
MEDIA RELATIONS
PRESS OFFICER: Lucie Mboto Fouda
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday took on Edith Nawakwi on radio and confronted her for lying after the FDD leader called him a thief. Featuring on Hot FM’s Hot Seat programme, Thursday, Nawakwi said Hichilema was a rich man who lacks wisdom and is self-conceited, with no respect for anyone. But Hichilema took exception to being labelled a thief and challenged Nawakwi to provide evidence of her allegations so that he could respond and clear the air. Hichilema also confronted Nawakwi on her claim that the UPND president bought his.
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu must tell Zambians what he is going to do to improve the poor state of the economy after admitting that he was apparently not in charge of the nation’s affairs, says former finance minister Ng’andu Magande. On Monday, President Lungu said Zambia’s economy was almost shutting down in some sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic so it was imperative that he took control of the situation, as the man in charge. But in an interview, Magande wondered what finally made President Lungu realise he was supposed to.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema says he is a successful man because he has denied himself unnecessary consumption like purchasing expensive cars, which is why can promise a better Zambia once elected as Head of State.
Meanwhile, Hichilema says he will have a balanced Cabinet with representation from all 10 provinces.
Hichilema was speaking on Camnet TV’s National Matters programme which was hosted by Pastor Moses Chiluba.
With the ever depressing economic situation in the country, the PF regime should stop looting public resources through corruption and channel the money to helping our citizens.
We are therefore directing the corrupt PF regime to immediately do the following.
1. Offer safe and conducive trading places to our citizens that are trading in the streets.
2. Ensure these places are provided with toilets, water and other sanitary facilities so as to avoid waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
3. Empower these vendors with some resources to expand their businesses so they can grow.
4. Remove PF thugs from the markets where they are charging them illegal levies and basically terrorising citizens.
Ultimately, there must be a well thought out strategy to create meaningful jobs for our citizens, particularly our young people and women.
There is a lot of money being stolen from the treasury by the PF leaders who are currently living lavishly while citizens are suffering.
*Hakainde Hichilema*
*UPND President*
The continued closure of the Copperbelt University (CBU) should equally be ranked as one of the biggest scandals and legacy of the PF regime alongside the looting of public resources and running down our economy.
It is irresponsibility of the highest order for a regime that ascended to power on a platform of caring for the youth and the vulnerable, to treat the young people whose future Zambia depends on, in this manner.
Even worse, the majority of our citizens, particularly the youth, are roaming the streets without jobs, while on the other hand, you deny them lifelong skills to acquire university education by withdrawing student aid and shutting down learning institutions.
As national leaders, we need morality and consciousness in the way we conduct ourselves, so that we don’t buy customised private jets with state resources at the expense of spending money on our young people, through education and job opportunities.
