MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT COMING BACK

By OLIVER SAMBOKO ZAMBIA will soon be restored on the Millennium Challenge Account following assurance by President Hakainde Hichilema that his administration to prioritize respect for rule of law. This came to light in Parliament yesterday when Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Stanley Kakubo, gave a ministerial statement on the President’s trip to the United States. Mr Kakubo said because of shrinking democracy and lack of respect for the rule of law during the reign of the previous government, the score card dropped leading to the country losing funding from the Millennium Challenge Account. He however, said the process to upgrade Zambia to its original score has begun after President Hichilema gave assurances that his government will respect the rule of law and ensure inclusion of all Zambians in the affairs of the country. Mr Kakubo said following the election of President Hichilema and the UPND, the world is now looking at the country in a positive way which will enhance Zambia’s relations, both at the bilateral and multilateral level. He said the UPND government is committed to restoring macro- economic stability and fiscal discipline to be able to deal with the huge debt burden left by the previous administration. Mr Kabubo said considering the gravity of the developmental challenges confronting the country, it was necessary for President Hichilema to attend the UN general Assembly in person, and contrary to assertions that it was a wasteful expenditure, the country has gained. He said while in US, the President held high level meetings with different dignitaries including US vice president Kamala Harris at the White House. Mr Kakubo said the meeting between President Hichilema and vice president Lamar Harris has reignited and deepened the friendship the two governments. He said among the key issues the President discussed during his weeklong visit the US focused on economic recovery and the need to dismantle the national debt in order to free up resources for national development.