Minister Resigns In Zambia Over President’s Failure To Tackle Corruption

Zambia’s Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba has announced his resignation from government, over President Lungu’s failure to tackle corruption.

In a post on his Facebook page, Kalaba said he could not continue in government and watch those expected to end corruption in the forefront of looting public resources.

“I have just dropped my resignation letter as Foreign Affairs Minister with President Edgar Lungu – a position I have cherished and held for over 4 years. I have taken my decision to resign as Foreign Affairs Minister with a heavy heart but quite succinctly with a clear and resolved mind.” Kalaba said.

Presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda however said that State House had not yet received the resignation letter.

He becomes the third minister to leave President Edgar Lungu’s government after the firing of two other ministers.

Last year Lungu fired Minister of National Development planning and Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Corporation.

Kalaba is seen as a potential PF candidate in an election set for 2021, but analysts say his chances of winning the PF nomination may stall if Lungu wins a court battle allowing him to run for a third term.

Lungu has expressed his interest in running again for presidency, earning the constitutional court judges not to stop him.