Blunders: Sata apologises to Angola over ‘UNITA support’
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’
Go Social
you fools jst give sata chance to rule and lets see how he fares …..if u continue hh am sorry we will not give u a vote so stop being negative and contribute positively
concerned obsever - October 19, 2011
14:18
you fools jst give sata chance to rule and lets see how he fares …..if u continue hh am sorry we will not give u a vote so stop being negative and contribute positivly
concerned obsever - October 19, 2011
14:18
So it is bad to support opposing units in other severign countries? What about Sata’s support to the Malawi opposition? He has even single handedly given them broadcasting license to operate from chipata in zambia. All this in the absence of the so much talked about independent broadcasting authority which PF used to critise shikapwasha’s decisions. The Malawi shall then be able to send their hate messages from zambia to malawi listeners.
Historian - October 19, 2011
14:15
“The apology by Sata is likely to be analysed as admission that Zambia was interfering in Angola by supplying arms.”
What an idiot
“Sata described the MMD’s conduct against Angola during the civil war as greedy and fraudulent.”
Judas – back stabber – no loyalty to Zambia! Will say and do anything to make yourself look good! Beggar can’t development Zambia on your own!!
What a mouth. Digging his own grave and dragging the people of Zambia in it with him
“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.”
Kissing ass and then what happens when things go wrong when he opens his mouth. What underground deal is he making
Lord have mercy on us!
Warrior/Onbehalfof the poor people - October 19, 2011
14:13
Not sure a problem existed. MMD government officials have been going to Angola without too many difficulties for years since Savimbi’s death. In fact, bi-lateral relations are so good that Angolan Airlines flies directly from Lusaka to Luanda every week.
Suspect Sata must have been apologising in his own capacity as he knows that the Angolans know that he was privy to the decisions that were made to support Savimbi when Chiluba was in power.
Caught out trying to fool people again idiot. With the rate at which you are making screw ups, can’t see you lasting the full five years of your term. If you do not get impeached, I think the weight of your dishonesty will cause your heart problems to recur – with the inevitable consequence.
Crazyboy - October 19, 2011
14:11
A state secert revealed. Just like Chiluba revealed the tunnels.Westerners can’t do that no matter what it takes. The Americans will never never ever apologies for invading Iraq etc.
At that time, Zambia including other African states saw it right to support Savimbi. No need to apologies now.
Mafinga Province - October 19, 2011
14:11
Why kutolya muchila? anyway he knows what they were doing with his best friend FJT. Also ba Zamwatch are you sure it is eight million United States dollar refinery that Angola has built or $800m? If $8m then RB & Sons can build it from their money easy and so there is nothing great about it.
Jomie - October 19, 2011
14:08
Did they ask for this apology or what?
We will end up being asked to pay some reparations.
Fasa Engine - October 19, 2011
14:07
This is lunacy at its best how can a normal person say such a thing, in diplomacy you do not apologise, as doing so shows admitting a mistake. So it means Sata being number 3 and chief advisor to that regime is accepting that they were supplying arms, at times I respect those who say some tribes are never embarrassed, thats real. This chapter was not even suppose to be opened because these MMD guys of Sata and Chiluba were fundraising by supplying weapons to that rebel group. Sata should not even connect kaunda a man who brought peace to most of our neighbours and maintained it until Sata and Chiluba who had no agenda for the nation came in to destroy. That case was so hot that our Minister of defense then Chitalu Sampa another Bemba was almost sluped by the them Angolan minister of Defense in South Africa, and they had to hide him. To tell you the situation was so bad that Angola wanted to fight us. The same Chitalu Sampa was a relative to Sata and a father to miles sata’s right hand man, chitalu Sampa was also chairman for defense in the PF party before he died. Zambians we made a lot of mistakes and sorry that a man sata who served in that regime can review such a dirty scandle.
We really need to have a period of transition in zambia for incambants to teach new comers certain governemtn secrets how to handle them.
The diplomatic relations were just normalised by the coming of Mwanawasa, and now Sata is opening the old wounds, shame.
Imwiko - October 19, 2011
14:07
To make sense of this, you have to understand that Sata is a populist. He in this case wants to please the Angolan Government. And he lacks the education and intellect to self-evaluate. That apology is most likely to have been on a whim, unscripted and not discussed with his cabinet colleagues.
Nations do not just apologise like that.
Shi Katongo - October 19, 2011
14:06
Gwisho! What happened to shuting ones big mouth?
Mpo - October 19, 2011
14:04
Where are the advisors to the President on Foreign Affairs? I can’t believe the entire President making such a blunder. Apologising for what. At that time MMD Govt was being accused of supplying arms to UNITA Sata was Minister Wihthout Portfolio No. 3 and he was part of the administration.Zambia could have covertly been involved but that was not official policy.There could have been dubious individuals who could have been involved but officially the Govt denied the accusations. Even sending KK as a special envoy to Do Santos to apologise is very bad diplomacy coz the official position of Zambia then was to support UNITA as its operational base was in Zambia. That UNIP govt position on support for UNITA was a known fact at UN and then OAU.Zambia has been enjoying cordial relationship with Angola and at the death of Savimbi late President Levy Mwanawasa drove a point and that urged all warring parties in Angola to folster for PEACE. I dont know where we are going with our foreign policy. Its worrying that as citizens we are being told that the MMD Govt under FTJ was driving this country to war with Angola.At this rate things are being revealed I am afraid we are headed to hear more things we did not expect.Why can’t the PF govt start where the MMD left so that we can move forward as a nation. We dont want to go back early MMD days in power where each the leaders opened their mouths at any public platform it was KK and UNIP did this and that. Let us respect the deeds of the past regime we all agree they made mistakes and stopped listening and that is reason we voted PF into office to take this country in the right direction at the right speed with a listening ear.
MASTER'S VOICE - October 19, 2011
14:00
@Sam, it was Chiluba, Kavindele and Ben Mwila who were doing private arms deals with Savimbi. Remember the arms scandals of the MMD era? I doubt if the then MMD government appologized to the Angolans but I feel even a late appology is fine. We were almost getting a serious hiding when the Angolans gave us a “dyonko” of what to come when they bombed the ZESCO sub-station in Bauleni and the water pipeline from Kafue. Just that was enough to send shivers down our spines.
Chinyopilo - October 19, 2011
13:59
We told you that sata has no traceable eductation thus not fit to be a president but you insulted us.Now see for yourself. Shame. We expect more drama under sata and pf gvt.
kombwe - October 19, 2011
13:59
JOHANNESBURG, 15 February 1999 (IRIN) –
President Frederick Chiluba of Zambia has denied Angolan charges that Zambia had provided arms to the UNITA rebel movement, according to Zambian news reports at the weekend.
In an address to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting in Lusaka on Friday, Chiluba reiterated Zambian suggestions over the past two weeks that the UN and other international bodies investigate the Angolan claims.
“We do not have the capacity nor resources to prosecute a war with Angola,” he was quoted as saying. “We have sacrificed in the past for Angola’s independence and we do not want to throw that kind of peace to the winds.”
Zambia’s support for Angola dated back to the armed struggle against Portuguese colonialism, when many leaders of today’s governing MPLA enjoyed refuge in Zambia, Chiluba said.
“There is no justifiable cause for Zambia to assist rebel UNITA, the renegade recalcitrants,” Chiluba told the meeting which was chaired by South African Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo
Copawangu - October 19, 2011
13:59
The Post’s strategy of not covering HH is unsustainable. Even they are beginning to see this. HH is the most visible opposition leader today. If you dont cover him or UPND, then you are left to cover the Government. That means you are just like Times and Daily. Which is suicidal for a private newspaper.
Over the next few weeks you shall see the Post creep back to covering HH. Sales must be down.
Tusune!
Shi Katongo - October 19, 2011
13:58
@vonco, be realistic. You dont follow issues. From today, stop reading this paper. Me i dont read the post.
Willie Nsanda2 - October 19, 2011
13:54
Ni oils tulefyaya
Haabwanza - October 19, 2011
13:53
It is unwise and this proves that our President knew and was sure of this fate. I believe he knows what he is saying. It was not MMD since he was part and parcel of that move, no wonder he can apologies. It is him and the swam of his team. This move to me proves that the intention was true and they did in exchange of gold and diamonds of Angola. Had it been that Savimbi was alive, this could have been caused Zambia be sued to the international court for the fate caused by these selfish politicians. RB was not part of their mess. RB has his own mistakes Angola. For him to apologies, he knew and know that there could be some doubts in his Leadership since Santoshi is still ruling Angola. There are many things that are to be desired at this point in time through the president’s apology. No wonder Wamutarika is refusing to apologize for the past of President Sata’s claim.
Soleb - October 19, 2011
13:53
The Post! Mmembe finally feeling the tribal heat. HH’s statement covered in today’s post, even if in a negative light. Fasa Engine, bring the Mmambala Post down!
Shi Katongo - October 19, 2011
13:53
Bigge mwafaula, you shud have just forgoten about it. Where are the advisors
pac - October 19, 2011
13:48
MY VIEWS ARE THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SATA APOLOGISING TO THE ANGOLAN GOVT.DON’T CRITISES HIM. THE MAN IS RIGHT. HE SUPPORTED SAVIMBI WHEN HE WAS NO.3 IN THE CHILUBA GOVT & NOW HE IS APOLOGISING FOR THE SINS HE HAD COMMITTED. WHAT BLUNDER HAS HE MADE?
PLEASE BEAR WITH THE OLD SERPENT.
Tateyoyo - October 19, 2011
13:46
i think he is ok sometimes it works you look stupid to get what you want we all have done this ,it all about a cheaper source cause we have accused the former supplier of oil as with high uneconomic prices for the zambian economy.dnt just comment think and read between the line the course of eventy you dnt create war with an apology, he was third yes but did he have the last say? even those around mr sata now can have better ideas on issues but the head of state is the one who makes some of these decisions,
really zambian - October 19, 2011
13:45
Poor diplomatic relations by MCS, I dont know where he is taking us to.
Mwembwamwe - October 19, 2011
13:44
Vonco,
What kind of a democart are you?When the report is favourable to Sata,then it is democracy?Sata was number 3 in the power structure of MMD Government when the support was rendered to Savimbi.It is impossible that he did not know about it.You can not,and you will not,just SHUT UP EVERYONE WHO MAKES A CRITICISM of the “beloved dear PF leader”.All LEADERS BEGIN POPULIST.Wait till he touches what you treasure!!! If the citizens can not point out Sata’s wrongs now as he commits them,then,you will be training him to believe he is ALL KNOWING and he will NOT accept any advice in future when it comes.
Ed - October 19, 2011
13:43
Very sad day when a President makes such careless remarks. I am no RB supporter but I think MCS should be restrained in the things he says. He is not PF President, he is the President of Zambia. He needs to remember that he is not in opposition anymore and he must bear national interests first and PF politics second.
To just say something like that off the cuff is the height of irresponsibility. Incidentally, the Angolan war ended through FTJ’s efforts. The peace treaty is not called “Lusaka Peace Accord” for nothing.
We stand to gain nothing by him being so careless in his remarks. This man needs educating in foreign policy or we are all in trouble. There is a Zambia-Angola joint permanent commission where this could have been discussed. Away from the media.
Incidentally, what happens if UNITA wins elections in a few years? Think first Mr President. We all want you to succeed.
Peema - October 19, 2011
13:41
Another blunder-no diplomacy. Can someone please step in and stop this ……………before we are attacked.
GudZambian - October 19, 2011
13:38
This old man is not presidential material.The things he doing are quite embarasing sometimes.The other day he knelt down to kiss the hand of that British clergy man.Such behaviour is not befitting a head of state.Now he is apologising on behalf of zambians for the wrongs he and Chiluba committed against the Angolans but meanwhile he is distancing himself from blame.The man clearly can not represent us properly home and at international fora because even the way he talks does not potray the status of a head of state. Not that he was the best amongst the candidates!People just wanted change and also Bwezani did not do his homework properly.More blunders and comedy is stock for us and the world at large.Let us wait for the next movie as time unwinds.
Mbingu Wakanaka - October 19, 2011
13:37
We have a big problem at State House,.. This Satanawas giving first hand advise to Chiluba by that time. So it is true himself and chiluba were supplying arms to the Savimbi.
God help us from this Satana….
JCC - October 19, 2011
13:35
Fellow countrywomen and men,we have a problem at hand and if this statement turns out to be true, then we have a double portion of problems to sort out.
HE MC Sata is a very strong leader and i admire him for the many lonely decisions he has made all his life. May someobody kindly advise my beloved country that he now makes decisions not ofr his ego but rather for the good of all zambians.
Already Malawi is not happy with us, now Angola will be cautious with us. They have never forgotten our involvement in the UNITA-MPLA war and was no longer a priority but suddenly it will make headlines and Pres Dos SANTOS being another populist leader desperatley holding onto power will do everything possible to please his people.
If his frist lady and the people of Luena & Cuando provinces who were most agrieved with our actions cry foul, then Lord him us.
Bwana President let us step with caution. Learn from your foreign Affairs minister who so far has done a good job in that area.
So far so uummm……
former first lady - October 19, 2011
13:34
Miss-placed title “BLUNDERS”! Hows it a blunder to apologize? ZW = why not just report as it was! We need 100 more years to have credible Journalism. In short this site is somehow intended to demonise PF.
Donsa - October 19, 2011
13:32
bana nani, bring shinda pepa, the big baby has pooped again…eish!!
Matako Yanjoka! - October 19, 2011
13:32
Savimbi was in opposition then so why is okay to support Muluzi now who is also in opposition. Double standards
KK - October 19, 2011
13:28
nobody said it is wrong to apologise. but the issue at hand is that BA KATEKA MCS was national secretary. minister without protfolio when this was happening. so why today saying sorry MMD did this and that. WAS HE not MMD at that time. i really am regretting very fast having voted the way i did. My president is not showing direction and seriousness. just does what he finds ok to do today. awe mwe. ba lesa help.
solo - October 19, 2011
13:25
@Vonco, call for closure of the Post first, you biased minded person.
Bob - October 19, 2011
13:24
Oil from Angola YES american propaganda keep it!
Fuel shall be cheap
Haabwanza - October 19, 2011
13:23
I hope they won’t realise that it was Sata & chiluba who wronged them. If they do we are dead!!
Sam - October 19, 2011
13:21
thats good mr president, let us now build good relationships with our neighbours. you dont loose anything by apologising. you are a man of action and continue. let us also investigate these corrupt mmd guys including ka HH who is siding with thieves bcoz he benefited from the mmd government. remember the judiciary vehicle which was ferrying UPND cadres
citizen - October 19, 2011
13:20
If this story turns out to be true then God help Zambia!
Wanzelu - October 19, 2011
13:20
that my presido…keep it MCS. we will support you sir
PAULO MWANASAWASAWA - October 19, 2011
13:19
This is where you let “the sleeping dogs lie”. Their is something common between Chiluba and Sata. They ran the affairs of MMD with little of minmal consultation, Chiluba revealed the State House Tunnels and not to be outdone, Sata has revealed a secret which was already known but ignored. Angola will from now on view Zambia with suspicion.
Bob - October 19, 2011
13:19
ECONOMIC corporation with Angola is vital..our neiba has oil and sure we can benefit from them..apologising on behalf of MMD ..we need to link Angola thru our railway system..its a good step Mr President,,,we dont need to go to the middle east for oil when our good neiba has abundant reserves of oil..
Don corleone - October 19, 2011
13:18
This ka web site must be closed. i suppoted it but its nonsense. the new govt s tryin to fight coruption but it is critising it. Sata use force to close it. we want positive criticism not this is rubbish. we ont want people who are just greed. ask what do they want? War.
vonco - October 19, 2011
13:17
One day, it will b the next govt to apologise to malawi for the blunders sata is commiting in support of the opposition in malawi. Savimbi was in opposition jst like muluzi sata wants to support. Lets wait..
Willie Nsanda2 - October 19, 2011
13:16
monkey dominance
andrew jere - October 19, 2011
13:16
it is a wellcome move i think the head of state wants to start tolks on fuels so that we can have cheper fuel in zambia if thats the move then i will support it.
MWANAMUCHEDE - October 19, 2011
13:12
President Sata was a very senior Member in theMMD Government then, when this happened. The way he has put it is as if he was part and parcel of the system. He should have apologised on behalf of MMD he was part of than castigating it (MMD).
Lupila ka Nyambe - October 19, 2011
13:12
Weak presido
AP - October 19, 2011
13:11
so Sata today is condemning a move and policy he was part and parcel of? and he wants to paint it in a way to look like that is the same regime he has removed from power? is he forgetting that the MMD that has left power peacefully is the same one that has maintained good relations with Angola and Malawi unlike the MMD in which he was number 3, or the PF he is leading!
simeza - October 19, 2011
13:11
Is it a blunder to apologise? When is an apology in order? Should an apology just be in order when it is sought for by the injured? Why do we apologise? Why not ignore someone seeking an apology if they dont ask for it? Why cant we let any mistakes we made in the past to pass if those we committed them against have forgotten about them? Why care to apologise when you can get away without doing it. ABOVE IS A ZAMBIAN MIND. VERY CONFUSED ONE MIGHT SAY…
pj - October 19, 2011
13:07