Millers accused of conspiracy

Zambian President Frederick Chiluba allegedly accused millers on Monday of "conspiring" against the government by overcharging for the country's staple maize meal, reports said. He was quoted as saying that attempts by millers to stop cheap maize meal imports was an underhanded move intended to accentuate an already critical food shortage problem. "In Zambia food is politics," Chiluba said. "Maize in Zambia can create a huge problem for anyone, especially for politicians. Without maize or (maize) meal instability would be generated." Zambian millers were quoted as denying Chiluba's accusations, saying they wanted the government to address the issue of maize imports which could force them into bankruptcy. Zambian reports said on Tuesday that the government had temporarily stopped maize meal exports to prevent millers from increasing local prices by exporting maize before satisfying local demands. Zambia, which experienced crop failure during the last farming season, is expected to experience a maize deficit of approximately 200,000 mt this year, according to government estimates. Prices of maize meal have shot up in August from an average of 16,000 kwacha (US $4.30) to about 25,000 kwacha (US $6.75) per 25 kg bag.