#Qatarcrisis: More Nations are cutting their diplomatic ties with Qatar!

The list of nations involved in the Qatar diplomatic dispute is becoming very long and shows the power of the Gulf Cooperation Council and their Member States. As the already long list of nations ceasing their diplomatic ties are Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Now, in the last 24 hours there been even more nations reacting to it. As the Federation of Somalia, Sudan, Seychelles and Gabon speaking in diplomatic terms and wants peace between the Gulf Nations. Also, that the state of Kuwait has tried to involve as negotiations partner between Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain towards Qatar. Still, this hasn’t helped the situation, as of yet.

As a military reaction to it all, even if the US. has an army base in Qatar. The Turkish Parliament has passed a bill fast-tracking the possible troops in Qatar, these will be a battalion of 5,000 in a military base there. In the United Arab Emirates if you write in solidarity to the Qatari people and government, you might face jail, this is the official stance of the UAE government now.

So now, there are other nations who has decided to join the leaving party and show reactions to the allegations of sponsoring terrorism. These are Comoros, Djibouti, Jordan, Mauritania and Senegal. Take a look!

Comoros breake ties:

The United Republic of Comoros decided today to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar. This came in a memorandum sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Moroni saying, “This decision is effective from today, Wednesday” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Djibouti breake ties:

The Government of the Republic of Djibouti officially announces that it has decided to reduce the level of its diplomatic representation in Qatar. The decision of the Government of Djibouti was taken in solidarity with the International Coalition to Combat Terrorism and Extreme Violence as well as the Gulf countries and the Arab countries. The Government of the Republic of Djibouti, which remains committed to good relations with the Arab brother countries concerned, calls on the parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue and cooperation among the Arab countries” (Djibouti, 2017).

Jordan break ties:

Jordan will downgrade its diplomatic representation with Qatar, it said on Tuesday, after examining the “cause of the crisis” between Doha and several other Arab states, Reuters reported. Jordan also revoked the license of Doha-based TV channel Al Jazeera, government spokesman Mohammad al Momani said” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Mauritania break ties:

According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in a statement today, announced Mauritania’s firm commitment to defend ultimate Arab interests and steadfast adherence to the principle of respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs and its relentless efforts to consolidate security and stability in the Arab homeland and the world. “Qatari policy in the region,” the statement added, “was linked to support of terrorist organisations, the promotion of extremist ideas, the spread of chaos and instability in many Arab countries, resulting in great humanitarian tragedies in those countries, in Europe and across the world. It has dismantled the institutions of sisterly states and destroyed their infrastructure,” the statement continued. “In the light of the insistence of the state of Qatar to persist in these policies it pursues, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania decided to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar,” the statement concluded” (WAM, 2017).

Senegal break ties:

Senegal has stood on the side of Saudi Arabia and its allies in the crisis that shook the Gulf in recent days. Dakar has decided to “recall in consultation his ambassador to Qatar”, informs a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese from outside received in Seneweb. The same source stresses that “Senegal expresses its active solidarity to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt”. These countries have broken diplomatic ties with Doha, which they believe supports terrorism. “The Government of Senegal is following with deep concern the situation in the Gulf region,” the statement said” (Seneweb, 2017).

This crisis is far from over, how this will turn and who will react is not easy to know. That Greece would offer a hand in the dialogue between the GCC nations, shows how little the world is and how many are involved. As the trading partners and the ones getting grants from Qatar are reacting as well. Even FIFA and Barcelona FC are involved in it, as they both are implicated with the state. Therefore, Qatari problem, becomes not only an issue for Al-Jazeera and the Airport hub of Doha, but for the general shipping and exports of resources. The involvement of Iran in Qatar is also one to keep in mind. As they are both enemies of Saudi Arabia and United States. This can be a main reason for the sudden diplomatic spat. So with the knowledge of transport planes with necessities from Tehran today. Shows there acts behind the scenes that are compelling. But we cannot know all the reasons for this, as things will unravel. But what we do know, is that the allies of KSA and other GCC Member States are throwing their weight behind and putting even more pressure on Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Djibouti – ‘URGENT/COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.djibdiplomatie.dj/index.php/8-communique-de-presse/660-urgent-communique-de-presse

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Comoros severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1638089

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Jordan downgrades diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (06.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1637905

Wam – ‘Mauritania severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302617938

Communiqué: The Government of Republic of Seychelles is closely following the ongoing political situation in the Gulf region (07.06.2017)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 7, 2017 – The Government of Republic of Seychelles is closely following the ongoing political situation in the Gulf region.

In view of the excellent and friendly bilateral relations that the Government of Seychelles maintains with the countries of the Gulf region, Seychelles calls on all the parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to resolve and deescalate the current situation in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region and further afield.

Seychelles would further call upon the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as other key stakeholders to engage with all parties concerned with the view of helping to mediate and resolve the dispute.

Press Statement: The Federal Republic of Somalia is deeply concerned about the diplomatic row between the brotherly Arab countries (07.06.2017)

#Qatarcrisis: Updates on the Embargo and the implications of it!

During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar – look!” (…)…extremism, and all reference was pointing to Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!” – President Donald J. Trump (06.06.2017)

As the crisis in the Middle-East continue the diplomatic spat are continuing to create problems. Now the Turkish diplomat’s have explained their position: “Main opposition CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has urged the ruling AK Party to remain neutral in the ongoing #Qatar crisis” (Turkish Politics, 06.06.2017). But during the day even more has happen. The Philippines has also reacted:

DOLE suspends deployment of OFWs to Qatar

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Tuesday announced the temporary suspension of the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Qatar after neighboring Arab states cut diplomatic ties with the said country. “I temporarily suspend the deployment of our OFWs in the county of Qatar. This is for us to be able to assess the situation because there are so many wild rumors going around, saying things are not going well there. This suspension is for the welfare and protection of our OFWs,” Bello said. Given the situation in the said Arab country, Bello, meantime has sent augmentation team composed of five Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) officers and staff to Qatar and other involved Middle East countries to assess the situation and monitor the condition of around 250,000 OFWs in Qatar. Bello also said that it is necessary to assess the situation first before allowing the Filipino migrant workers to get deployed in Qatar. “We need to study first the situation. For now, the protection of our migrant workers comes first. The duration of suspension of deployment will depend on the assessment of the situation with close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Bello said. The labor chief also directed Labor Attaché David Des Dicang to ensure food provision of the OFWs as Qatar does not have its own food production. He also advised all recruitment agencies to get in touch with their counterparts in Qatar to see to it that Filipino migrant workers are sufficiently and effectively protected” (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) – 06.06.2017).

So the Philippines government have even reacted because of the uncertainty in Qatar, that the Doha government can feel it, as there 250,000 migrant workers in Qatar. So that is big group of workers and must be seen as vital part of the workforce. Since they are so many and the suspension means that the low-level jobs that the Philippians might do doesn’t get fulfilled.

While this is happening, a wonderful piece was written on the subject and that piece of Dr. Theodore Karasik in Al Arabiya: “Qatar’s past behavior complicates the mission that Saudi Arabia and its allies see as necessary now. With a new urgency for a greater integration of like-minded Arab states to deal with local and regional ills, Doha needs to be a positive Arab actor. Hence, Operation Restore Hope is unable to see any benefit in Qatar’s participation and thus Doha was ejected. Riyadh sees that the harsh air, land, and sea sanctions against Doha impacts to a small degree the GCC’s overall economy during this time of transformation. For Qatar, the economy may suffer tremendously. Qatar’s trade with Gulf nations reached $11 billion in 2016, constituting 86 percent of the country’s trade with Arab countries and 12 percent of its international trade” (…) “To be sure, Saudi Arabia and Arab allies are using smart sanctions on Qatar. With Riyadh and allies thinking about the energy equation as a pressure point, Saudi Arabia and allies do not want to damage their own relations with Doha’s LNG East Asian end-users such as Japan who are investors in GCC economies. This fact is to give investors and markets reassurance about the sanction’s intent” (…) “The sanctions put into place against Qatar are based on a list of actions to be taken against Doha originally drawn up during the 2014 spat three years ago and now being implemented without hesitation to continue Qatar’s tutorial. Saudi and Arab sanctions consist of about half of what is in the Saudi and Arab toolkit. According to a GCC interlocutor, “an Iranian food supply chain to Doha is not going to transit a blockade.” (Karasik, 2017).

Because of the current crisis in Qatar even Pakistan gets issues as explained here:

Pakistan, in its immediate response, said it won’t join the KSA-led move against Qatar – whose ruling elite is close to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Since PM Sharif has personal ties with the Saudi royal family too, it will be hard to leave one and choose the other. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said that Pakistan would continue diplomatic ties with Qatar. “For now [at least], there is no change for Qatar. We will announce if there is any development on this issue,” he said. Another official at the foreign ministry said that Pakistan would not jump into confrontation between other countries. “We cannot cut ties with Saudi Arabia or Qatar for their tension. Pakistan is a sovereign country and has to take its own interests into consideration,” he added” (Shaqat, 2017). So with the relationship between the Saudi Royal Family and also their friendship with Qatar.

With the diplomatic ties cut and the embargoes on Qatar puts a strain, there are even issues within the container business and port of trouble in Doha. Therefore this is even intervening in the shipping industry: “According to a notice posted on the website of Inchcape Shipping, Saudi Arabian and Bahraini authorities closed off all of their ports to Qatari-flagged vessels or ships traveling to or coming from the Persian Gulf state, in what can be described as a quasi-naval blockade. As Bloomberg adds, container and oil terminals in the United Arab Emirates also closed off traffic to any ships touching Qatar” (…) “Bloomberg also reported that A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, which owns the world’s biggest container line, said it can no longer get cargo to Qatar as a result of the Saudi-imposed blockade of transport to and from the Gulf state. Though the situation remains “very fluid,” with updates expected throughout the coming hours, Maersk Line expects “disruptions to our Qatar services,” spokesman Mikkel Elbek Linnet said in an emailed statement on Tuesday. For now, “we have confirmation that we will not be able to move cargo to or from Qatar,” he said” (Caplan, 2017)

So this situation just seem to be dire. With the comments and stance from Donald Trump, Pakistan, Philippines, Shipping Companies and Turkish politicians. Therefore, with the halting expat workers from Philippines. As well, as the stances from Saudi on their own, as well as the GCC implications shows to surface with the comments of Dr. Theodore Karasik. We can just wait for more leaks from UAE and their collaboration with United States.

There are also many allegations of the newfound relationship and transactions between the Qatar and Iran. Which the E-Mail leak tries to cover-up, as the GCC states United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are imposing and blockage of Qatar. This is certainly not only terrorism involved and sponsoring, as the financial aspect will come to the forefront as the crisis unravels.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar states this today:

Regarding the reasons for this escalation, honestly, we don’t know if there were real reasons for this crisis or whether it was based on things we’re unaware of,” HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani was quoted as saying during an interview with Al Jazeera” (…) “If there were real reasons, it would have been put on the table for discussion during the GCC meeting, but none of that was mentioned. It wasn’t mentioned either during the American-Islamic-Arab summit in Riyadh. There were no indications whatsoever,” HE the minister added” (…) “HE the foreign minister said “we are going through extremely difficult circumstances and challenges and there are wars in the Arab world and people killed whether due to terrorism and extremism or terror crimes committed by regimes against their peoples, and there is a crisis in Yemen, Syria and Libya, and these challenges must unite us. We are surprised that at such a time, a GCC country is being attacked by other GCC countries.” (MOFA Qatar, 2017).

We can wonder else will happen. This is just the beginning. There will be more to come. This is just more acts of what has happen during the last 24. Considering all the nations that has already participation in the cutting their diplomatic ties: these are Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Maldives. Still, waiting on the battle for supremacy between Somaliland and the Federation of Somalia. Also, the states of Djibouti or Sudan and which sides there are on. But many questions remain, when will Kuwait start their diplomatic mission between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arabs Emirates (UAE) who will talk with Qatar. So they can figure out the issues and find their ways. Peace.

Reference:

Caplan, Josh – ‘FLEX: GULF STATES LAUNCH NAVAL BLOCKADE OF QATAR’ (06.06.2017) link: http://vesselnews.io/flex-gulf-states-launch-naval-blockade-qatar/

Dr. Theodore Karasik – ‘Qatar must be part of Arab unity’ (06.06.2017) link: http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2017/06/06/Qatar-must-be-part-of-Arab-unity.html

MOFA Qatar – ‘Foreign Minister: Dialogue Is Qatar’s Strategic Choice for Settling Disputes’ (05.06.2017) link: https://mofa.gov.qa/en/all-mofa-news/details/2017/06/05/%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D9%87%D9%88-%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%A3%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1

Shafqat, Ali – ‘Pakistan in a fix over Qatar crisis’ (06.06.2017) link: http://nation.com.pk/national/06-Jun-2017/pakistan-in-a-fix-over-qatar-crisis

Greek Embassy in Qatar takes on diplomatic representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt (06.06.2017)

Greece is at the disposal of all sides to contribute in any way to the benefit of regional cooperation and stability.

ATHENS, Greece, June 6, 2017- During Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias’ telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, the Egyptian side requested that the Greek Embassy in Doha take on diplomatic representation of the friendly Arab Republic of Egypt in Qatar.
Within the framework of the traditionally friendly relations Greece maintains with the Arab world, Mr. Kotzias responded positively to his Egyptian counterpart’s request.

Greece is at the disposal of all sides to contribute in any way to the benefit of regional cooperation and stability.

South Sudan: The Leaked Points to be Discussed in Addis Ababa at the 12th June 2017 IGAD Summit (05.06.2017)

1. August 2015 Peace Agreement has fundamentally failed and there is no government in Juba Implementing it. What has to be done?

2. Roadmap to the new political process is needed and must be inclusive. What steps needed to be taken?

3. Returning of SPLM/A-IO leader Dr. Machar to South Sudan as a signatory to peace agreement has to be considered.

4. National Dialogue has to be used as a supplementary to August Peace Agreement not a replacement to a signed peace agreement.

5. Humanitarian crisis in South Sudan becomes worsening ever in African Continent. It needs urgent responses.

6. Government’s National Dialogue and unilateral ceasefire did not yield any improvement to the conflict so far. IGAD-backed by international community has a mandatory to take urgent action before genocide takes shape in South Sudan.

6. Taban Deng Gai’s break away group has to choose either SPLM-IO led by Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon or SPLM-IG led by Salva Kiir Mayardit in order to avoid a vacuum for confusions during the implementation of peace agreement.

IGAD-backed by international community pledged to lead and create a lasting peace ever witness in South Sudan.

#QatarCrisis: the Sudden fallout between neighbors and allies in the Middle-East!

There are a diplomatic spat of epic proportions happening in the Middle East, these is Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Maldives has all broke of their diplomatic ties with Qatar, because of the supposed support of terrorism. This has happen as the UAE diplomatic e-mail leaks has hit the ally of Saudi Arabia, which an intercept report stated this:

In another email exchange in late April of this year, Hannah complains to Otaiba that Qatar — a rival Gulf government that has clashed with the UAE in recent months over various issues — is hosting a meeting of Hamas at an Emirati-owned hotel. Otaiba responds that it’s not the Emirati government’s fault, and that the real issue is the U.S. military base in Qatar, “How’s this, you move the base then we’ll move the hotel :-).” (…) “The agenda includes extensive discussion between the two on Qatar. They are scheduled to discuss, for instance, “Al Jazeera as an instrument of regional instability.” (Al Jazeera is based in Qatar.)” (Jilani & Grim, 2017). So there seems to be a hunt between other gulf partners of the United States, that they are having ticks towards the Qatar leadership that has led to today’s reaction from the rest of the middle-east.

These countries has all started to land, sea and trade embargo with Qatar. Therefore, the Qatar state and it’s imports will be hit by this, as their neighbors trucks and freight-ships cannot come to Doha. This as a spat of epic size.

Egypt Reason for pulling diplomatic ties:

Egypt said it was cutting ties with Qatar due to its insistence on “supporting terrorist organizations” and meddling in Egypt’s internal affairs” (…) “Egypt said it took the decision “in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt.”Qatar slammed the decision, saying the Arab states were “unjustified” in their criticisms and were seeking to place Doha under political “guardianship” (Ahram Online, 2017).

Maldives reasons for pulling diplomatic ties:

The Government of Maldives has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar effective from today, 5 June 2017. The Maldives took the decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism. The Maldives has always pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The Maldives reiterates its commitment to work with countries that promote peace, stability, and show solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Qatar on 26 May 1984” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of the Maldives, 05.06.2017).

US advice to Citizens in Qatar:

On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt announced the cessation of diplomatic and consular ties with the State of Qatar. Qatar Airways and other airlines in the region have announced the suspension of certain flights to and from Qatar. The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Qatar to check directly with your travel providers for any potential impact on your personal travel arrangements and remain alert to additional developments. The embassy is monitoring the situation closely and is working with the Government of Qatar to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the country” (U.S. Embassy in Qatar, 05.06.2017).

We are living in interesting times, when a spat of this proportions gets this traction. As the Airlines are not going to Qatar and suspending flying there, these are Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Saudia and Gulf Air.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs answers to the international dispute:

What we can certainly know that is this is not the final nail in coffin, as the spat and diplomatic dispute will lead to more leads and more stories to be told. There might be more economic sanctions and reasons,as there always something underneath. Why the Saudi Arabia sparked this problems for Qatar and what is the real reason for the sudden change of tone between the neighbors. We will know it soon, but how quick is not easy to know.

Reference:

Ahram Online – ‘Egypt gives Qatari ambassador 48 hours to leave following severing of diplomatic ties’ (05.06.2017) link: http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/270281.aspx

Jilani, Zaid & Grim, Ryan – ‘HACKED EMAILS SHOW TOP UAE DIPLOMAT COORDINATING WITH PRO-ISRAEL THINK TANK AGAINST IRAN’ (03.06.2017) link:https://theintercept.com/2017/06/03/hacked-emails-show-top-uae-diplomat-coordinating-with-pro-israel-neocon-think-tank-against-iran/

South Sudan: Resolution Arising from Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Mediation Meeting Held at State House Entebbe (26.05.2017)

EAC: Signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project (26.05.2017)

Zambian authorities’ treason trial of Hichilema give them international recognition (not the way Patriotic Front had figured!)

In Zambi,a as the scheduled treason trial of the Opposition leader Hichilema goes underway, the visit of South African Opposition leader Mmusi Maimane has caused lot of headache for the Patriotic Front and their President Edgar Lungu, certainly President Lungu is following tricks of others totalitarian leaders, like President Museveni. Who also has put key opposition figures on treason trials, but has not had the issue of opposition leaders from abroad visiting to argument for their release. Therefore, Lungu got pressure from South Africa and by that means expelled the DA leader. As of today the supposed visit and treason trial was about happen. The problematic visit of Maimane has clearly created a storm the Zambian regime didn’t plan. Take a look!

How Zambia Authorities perceive the expulsion:

“THE Zambia High Commission to South Africa has informed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) that Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane was turned away from Zambia as his presence was going to undermine the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary. During the meeting between DIRCO officials and His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba, Zambia stated that the matters regarding Mr. Hichilema were in court and it was imperative that the due process of the law was respected without undue pressure or interference. Government was concerned with Mr. Maimane’s and the DA’s media statements prior to his visit to Zambia that stated that his party would pressure the Courts of the Law to release Zambia’s opposition leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who is currently undergoing a treason trial. Mr. Maimane alleged that Mr. Hichilema was facing trumped up charges and therefore he would mobilize fellow regional opposition sister parties and leaders to pressure the Zambian courts to release Mr. Hichilema. The Zambian High Commission had earlier advised Mr. Maimane to reschedule his visit until this and other concerns were resolved but clearly turned down such an advise” (Mwebantu, 26.05.2017).

As explained by Open Zambia:

“LUSAKA Magistrate David Simusamba was today at 12:00 hours expected to rule on whether the treason case involving United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and 5 other people should be referred to the High Court as per committal certificate issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to refer the treason case to the High Court” (Open Zambia, 26.05.2017).

Patriotic Front statement on Maimane:

We wish to place on record that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema is not a political prisoner but a criminal suspect. Zambia has no political detainees and that will never happen under the Patriotic Front Government of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Hichilema is a criminal suspect and not a political detainee. This is what is before the Courts. It is therefore unfortunate that South Africa’s “Nazi Party” Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and his sponsors intend to make a political issue out of a criminal case. We shall not be lectured to by architects and beneficiaries of apartheid like Democratic Alliance. Zambia fought apartheid and even at this stage, we shall not relent in dealing with its agents like DA. Zambia is a sovereign country, with sovereign laws which must be respected by all. It is not a playground for every tom and dick, including agents of capital such as Maimane” (…) “We wish to place on record once more that if blocking a Presidential motorcade is political in South Africa, it is criminal in Zambia. Further we wish to say that it does not matter whether Zambians laws on treason are laughable to others, once someone crosses the line, they are triggered, unfortunately. If it is politics to just walk into a South Africa as an alien, it is law in Zambia that everyone is screened at the port of entry and entry can be denied without explanation” (…) “We have no apologies to make when Maimane is denied entry into Zambia. It was inevitable and he was correctly advised by the Zambian High Commission in South Africa. It must be said to Maimane that Zambia is a sovereign state and he has no right to enter Zambia as he ignorantly alleged in his interview. Entering a foreign state as an alien is the preserve of that Country’s immigration department and we think this is simple civics which a political front should grasp easily. Immigration at ports of entry do not exist for decorative purposes. They are meant to screen and send back or arrest characters with questionable agendas like Maimane” (Sunday Chanda Media Director, Patriotic Front, 26.05.2017).

DA’s own statement on the matter:

“The Zambian government clearly feels threatened by Mr Hichilema and his party, the UPND, who have been working tirelessly in their attempts to stop the decay of democracy in Zambia. As the sister party of the Democratic Alliance (DA), they too are committed to the advancement of vibrant, competitive, multiparty democracy, the rule of law and the entrenchment of human rights and free speech across Africa. Mr Hichilema is also a founding member of the Southern African Partnership for Democratic Change (SAPDC), a body of opposition parties from across Southern Africa who are committed to securing democracy across the region, and which I am the current Chairman of. It is for these reasons I decided to attend the trial of Mr Hichilema, in order to show solidarity with him and with the project of building and deepening democracy that we are engaged in across the continent. In respecting the Zambian government’s wishes, I honoured their call to refrain from visiting Mr Hichilema in prison, as the government claims there exists a court order preventing such visitation by members of the public. It should be noted that the Lungu administration even blocked Zambia’s founding father, President Kenneth Kaunda, from visiting Mr Hichilema in prison. It is a truly tragic collapse of a once stable democracy” (Democratic Alliance, 26.05.2017).

Therefore, the visit of solidarity were cut short, some say as short as an hour on the Zambian soil as the Opposition leader was not allowed to enter the Republic of Zambia. The certainty of the pressure arising of his presence must clearly been too profound for the judges and the authorities. Since they are clearly not powerful or seeing the strength of having foreigners questioning their trials and their justice system. I am sure the Zambian ruling regime and party would have wish the South African Opposition leader never planned his visit. Since they clearly has no problems with pinning Hichilema.

Certainly, people confess that South Africa has enough problems with the toll of a Zuma Administration, deep in a crisis of democratic deficit at this very moment. Still, the DA leader is obliged to visit and support fellow opposition leader. It shouldn’t be seen as vicious attempt or even trying to discredit the Zambian regime. That they have clearly been able to do on their own. As their words expressed through own party channels are vicious and blatant attempt of disrespecting the DA and Maimane. Seems like the Patriotic Front cannot get onlookers into their cases and have questions asked over their courts. If so, are they so democratic and right that the ruling regime of Zambia, cannot handle one-man travel into their country to be part of one trial?

That is how it will be perceived! That Maimane does to prove a point – sure, like no one else are trying to get political capital out of this. The only one losing right now is the Patriotic Front and their President Lungu. Who looks more like fools, than clever and sovereign? Not because they are not allowed to stop people from entering their borders and closing their gates. It is because they are already in an epic battle with forces beyond their shores. As the world is looking how they will act towards Hichilema.

Zambia has played the deck wrong and the cards are really stacking against them, as the political prisoner and opposition leader are under threat. That by the fear of losing control, as the Patriotic Front has to save their grace and attitude, as the ruling regime, clearly are losing their steps and cannot handle that a foreign leader question their courts. That is because their justice and their rule is overpowering. The Patriotic Front is ready by all means, expelling and trading shots. However, they do not win goodwill; neither does the current stalemate create possible positive leadership from the central government. Peace.