US declares state of emergency in Virginia

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:55:30 +0000

Dear Editor,

When President Lungu invoked Article 31 and declared a threatened state of emergency, he became a subject of ridicule from many quarters especially the West which roundly proclaimed him a dictator.

At that time, France had just declared a full state of emergency for the sixth time to deal with terrorists who were threatening peace in that county but because it is a European country, all was quiet and well.

Well here is the news. The great US and mother of democracy has now declared a state of emergency in
Charlottesville in the State of Virginia ahead of a large march by white nationalists.

According to a BBC report, thousands of people are expected to join the “Unite the Right” rally against plans to remove a statue of a pro-slavery US civil war general. Violent clashes erupted between far-right groups and counter-protesters who have also gathered in the city.

The state of emergency allows local authorities to request additional resources if needed, the police department said.

Police have fired tear gas and pepper spray against demonstrators and said that arrests had been made after a declaration of unlawful assembly at Emancipation Park.

The far-right protesters are angry about the planned re-moval of a statue of Gen Robert E Lee from Charlottesville. Lee commanded the Confederate forces in the US Civil War of 1861-65.

In Eastern Province, where I hail from, we have a proverb which says: “ Chaona mzako chapita mawa chili paiwe” meaning you should not deride the misfortune that has be-fallen your friend or neighbour because tomorrow  the same calamity could land on you.

So what is this noise about our threatened state of emergency which is meant to stop terrorists from their evil activities?

For me, I think President Lungu should just declare a full state of emergency and ignore the insects making
little noises as if they are from another planet.

Jay Kabemba, LUSAKA