New political party born in Zambia

Zambia's former vice-president Nevers Mumba has formed a political party as part of his bid to challenge President Levy Mwanawasa in next year's elections, an aide said on Monday.

"He will be a national coordinator of the newly formed Reformed Party," said John Ziba, Mumba's spokesperson, who is also interim chairperson of the new party.

Mumba was sacked from the ruling party after he announced his intention to challenge Mwanawasa at a party national convention in July this year.

"Mumba will be our presidential candidate in next year's elections," Ziba said.

Mumba, a charismatic televangelist, served as Mwanawasa's vice-president for only 14 months before he was sacked for causing a diplomatic row with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also contested the 2001 presidential elections under the ticket of the defunct National Citizens Coalition, but lost to Mwanawasa. He then quit his opposition party and joined the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy. -- Sapa-AFP

Reform Party

Dr Nevers Mumba, has identified himself with the newly formed Reform Party. Dr Mumba said yesterday during the Radio Phoenix's Face the Media programme that the Reform Party was determined to enter the political arena and the 2006 elections as a strong force and would soon be launched in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
Jump to Full Story

Diplomatic Passport - why was Dr. Mumba singled out?

The Mumba for President Media Campaign Team have responsded to the The Times of Zambia article about the public row over the diplomatic passport.

Under the Chiluba administration, diplomatic passports were issued to several ministers and pastors given that they were considered “Ambassadors” representing Zambia in the global arena whenever they travel abroad.

We see nothing wrong with that. What we take issue with is the way in which the Mwanawasa administration went after Dr. Mumba in regards to his possession of a diplomatic passport. Dr. Mumba informed the Ministry of Home Affairs that he would return his diplomatic passport on returning to Zambia which he has done. What was the need to blow this non-issue and make such a public hoop-la about it unless it was politically motivated?

This clearly shows that the Minister of Home Affairs was indulging in petty politics.

Mumba asked to surrender passport

The Times of Zambiareports that the Zambian government has directed former Republican vice president Nevers Mumba to immediately surrender the controversial diplomatic passport or face the wrath of the law.