John Campbell

Africa in Transition

Campbell tracks political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Showing posts for "Zambia"

Zambian Vice President Says “the South Africans Are Very Backward”

by John Campbell
Zambia President Michael Chilufya Sata (3rd L) touches the African Nations Cup trophy with founding President Kenneth Kaunda (2nd R), Vice President Guy Scott (R) as members of the Zambia soccer team (back) and former President Rupiah Band (L) look on, during a ceremony at the State House in Lusaka February 14, 2012. (/Mackson Wasamunu/Courtesy Reuters). Zambia President Michael Chilufya Sata (3rd L) touches the African Nations Cup trophy with founding President Kenneth Kaunda (2nd R), Vice President Guy Scott (R) as members of the Zambia soccer team (back) and former President Rupiah Band (L) look on, during a ceremony at the State House in Lusaka February 14, 2012. (/Mackson Wasamunu/Courtesy Reuters).

South Africa is much larger and more developed than its neighbors in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Economically, it dominates the entire region. Apartheid South Africa regularly intervened militarily outside its borders during the struggle against the African National Congress and other liberation movements, thereby highlighting their neighbors’ weaknesses. A consequence of South Africa’s disproportionate power and influence is that it is often resented by other Southern African nations. Occasionally this breaks out into the open. Read more »

Zambia’s Populist President

by John Campbell
Zambia's President Michael Sata (R) arrives with Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza ahead of the upcoming African National Congress (ANC) centenary celebration in Bloemfontein January 7, 2012. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Courtesy Reuters) Zambia's President Michael Sata (R) arrives with Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza ahead of the upcoming African National Congress (ANC) centenary celebration in Bloemfontein January 7, 2012. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Courtesy Reuters)

Zambia’s president Michael Sata gave a January 22 interview to London’s the Telegraph newspaper that is worth reading. This interview is the first Sata has given to the international media. (The Telegraph is often regarded as the more conservative of the UK’s quality newspapers with a national circulation.) Read more »