Blunders: Sata apologises to Angola over ‘UNITA support’

October 19, 2011 | Filed under: More News | Posted by:

Late UNITA leader Savimbi kept Angola busy for decades

President Michael Sata has apologised to Angola over what he called ‘the decision by the former ruling party MMD to side with the late former rebel leader Jonas Savimbi during the civil war in that country.’

During the regime of late Fredrick Chiluba, Angola almost attacked Zambia accusing it of supplying arms to the then rebel movement UNITA.

War was only avoided after the intervention of then South African president Nelson Mandela, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, King Mswati and Namibia’ Sam Nujoma.

Zambia, under Chiluba dismissed the allegations. The allegations were never proved though the relations with the two countries became severely restrained. Michael Sata was then minister without portfolio, number three in government.

The relationships between the two countries has however been repaired and Angola never made any more accusations. Zambia continued sheltedring refugees in Zambia as testimony of good relations.

But President Sata today said he found it necessary  to send fFirst Republican President Kenneth Kaunda to apologise on behalf of Zambia to the Angolan government for the MMD government’s treacherous behaviour.

The apology by Sata is likely to be analysed as admission that Zambia was interfering in Angola by supplying arms.

Sata described the MMD’s conduct against Angola during the civil war as greedy and fraudulent.

The President was speaking at State House Wednesday morning when he received letters of credence from Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Angola to Zambia Balbina Malheiro Silva.

President Sata says it is a shame that Zambia is not benefiting from the eight million United States dollar refinery that Angola has built.

He also says the Patriotic Front-PF government looks forward to opening up more trade links with Angola.

Earlier, Ambassador Silva reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Zambia.

 

210 Responses to Blunders: Sata apologises to Angola over ‘UNITA support’

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  1. does it mean that if sata was in government then its a shame to apologize! that makes it even more necessary to do so. Its a good move that we have begun that process, imagine that we do not have any international roads to Angola and Mozambique, thats a shame and this should be the sarting point. I put my signature on that apology coz even Enock Kavindele benefited from that since he was an inlaw to Zavimbi. We were involved in the death of many people there, Angola knew it perfetely well that we helped the rebels, they never directly asked for an apology but it is necesary to issue one, that was a crime against our brothers and sisters there. Unless you are such a heartless person, if we were wrong as a nation we need to apologise as a nation. dont be heartless like the Dog writers of this paper who have shallow views of things

    ck - October 25, 2011
    10:54

  2. Zuma should also apologize to MCS for confiscating his cool cash $27,000 bucks, it must be returned within 60 days remaing

    DODO - October 25, 2011
    09:47

  3. All those seeing blunders in Sata’s move are idiots who don’t know anything about everything. You can go to hell with your Choma village headman and carry along Nyama Soya.

    Ng'ani Ng'ani - October 24, 2011
    17:50

  4. mulekenifye umwine naishiba efyo alechita

    john chiti - October 24, 2011
    12:33

  5. Imwe who are supporting Sata, u r all wrong just like your president! he was in Government that time, he also took the decision to aid Savimbi if at all that took place, as presidnet he shud av consulted before harping like a nine year old! that statement simply means that Zambia truly aided Savimbi! it is a breach and a blow to National Security! Watch this man before he sale us al! empeach the old chap before he makes Zambia an animal farm.

    vox Populi - October 24, 2011
    01:21

  6. The lesson here is never to get involved in other nations internal affairs

    Justice - October 23, 2011
    19:07

  7. leave sata alone

    kesha - October 23, 2011
    11:00

  8. BA REASON: have senses you think sata is speaking from wthout?
    we shilu we wait when u start having constipation because there will be so much money in your pocket ukala fwilwa no kunya

    dr christine kaseba - October 22, 2011
    22:50

  9. good, maybe we will have better relations with angola now

    Airtime Sakala - October 22, 2011
    16:44

  10. On a lighter note…’umona.. ba savimbi, just had a closer look at the pic, maybe he got shot coz there was no where to hide that honker!!!

    reason - October 22, 2011
    11:43

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