By CHARITY MOONGA –

GOVERNMENT has congratulated Elijah Banda, SC, on his election as the new President of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU).
Mr Banda was elected PALU president at the organisation’s triennial General Assembly and Conference held in Yaounde, Cameroun, from June 5 to June 7, 2014.
Chief Government spokesperson, Joseph Katema said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Banda’s election was confirmation that Zambia’s legal and governance system was held in high esteem on the continent.
“Mr Banda’s election as president of this high profile continental body of lawyers is well deserved and a source of immense pride and honour to the nation.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Zambia, I congratulate Mr Banda, in particular, the Law Association of Zambia and the legal fraternity at large, on this historic achievement,” Dr Katema said.
He conveyed Government’s deep-felt appreciation to member associations of PALU for the honour and privilege they had bestowed on Zambia through Mr Banda’s election.
Dr Katema was confident that given his experience, academic and professional credentials, Mr Banda and his new executive would steer PALU to greater heights during his three year term in office for the benefit of the continent.
The work of PALU includes among others, the promotion of the operation and observance of the rule of law and the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights.
PALU is also working with other stakeholders on the continent and beyond for purposes of promoting the rounded development of Africa and ensuring the independence of judges and the judiciary and of all lawyers and the legal profession generally.
The organisation is also promoting good governance and democracy in Africa and working for the total physical, economic and social development of the African continent as a whole.
Dr Katema said PALU’s objectives were commendable and consistent with the Zambian Government’s agenda in deepening Zambia’s democracy, the rule of law and good governance which were fundamental pre-requisites for sustainable development.