Zambia’s foreign minister quits amid financial scandal, defends himself

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia’s foreign minister quit Tuesday, rocked by a high-profile financial scandal.

Stanley Kakubo’s stepping down was announced by a State House spokesman in the capital Lusaka, who said that President Hakainde Hichilema had accepted the resignation.

“The President acknowledges the commendable work and leadership that honourable Kakubo has rendered to the government during his tenure as minister and implores him to continue to serve diligently in his capacity as Member of Parliament for Kapiri-Mposhi constituency,” said Clayson Hamasaka.

Earlier Tuesday, a local tabloid reported that Kakubo had “short-changed” some Chinese nationals in a mine financial transaction where he allegedly received $200,000 and a luxury Mercedes-Benz. Hichilema reportedly summoned Kakubo to explain his actions.

This was the second time Kakubo was linked to a financial scandal, as in April 2022 he was seen leaving a Chinese firm with a bag suspected to be containing cash, though later it was said to contain a new year’s calendar and diary.

After his resignation, Timothy Moono, a spokesman for the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission, said it had taken an interest in Kakubo’s reported transaction.

But on Facebook, Kakubo said he resigned over the “malicious” claims so the government would not be “distracted” from continuing to serve the public.

He said he would remain loyal to Hichilema and serve the people of Kapiri-Mposhi, while thanking the president, Cabinet ministers, and ministry staff for their support during his tenure.