Govt plans to sue Africa Confidential

The Zambian government says it will sue UK-based publication Africa Confidential for what it terms as a smear campaign against Zambia, which it blames for the country’s economic challenges.

AC has published a series of damaging articles detailing the misappropriation of funds in government ministries and departments. It has also alleged that the country is on the verge of losing strategic assets due to debt.

Chief government Spokesperson Dora Siliya told journalists at a press briefing in Lusaka today that the corruption allegations the international online publication has made against the Zambian government have contributed to some of the economic challenges the country is currently facing.

And speaking at the same occasion, State House spokesperson Amos Chanda has disclosed that President Edgar Lungu has sent ministry of General Education permanent secretary Henry Tukombe on administrative leave to pave way for investigations involving misappropriation of donor funds.

Meanwhile, Chanda has maintained that the firing of community development minister Emerine Kabanshi was administrative and not because of alleged corruption in her then ministery .