Zambia’s Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Allegations of Corruption

Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Stanley Kakubo, has stepped down following allegations of a controversial transaction captured in a video where he was seen receiving cash from an unidentified source.

Mr Kakubo, though not disputing his appearance in the video, emphasised that he faced what he called “unfounded accusations” regarding a business interaction involving his family’s private enterprise and an ongoing partnership. He resigned from his ministerial position to prevent any disruption to government operations and maintain focus on improving Zambians’ welfare.

The video depicted two individuals counting a substantial amount of money, arousing speculation, particularly on social media. While unverified images of handwritten notes suggesting monetary transactions surfaced online, Mr Kakubo’s resignation letter did not contest the authenticity of these materials.

Acknowledging his decision, President Hakainde Hichilema recognised Kakubo’s past contributions and accepted his resignation.

This incident marks the second time Mr Kakubo has faced public scrutiny. Previously, he faced accusations linked to a business encounter at a Chinese-owned cement company, which he denied. Chinese investment in Zambia has been significant, with over 600 Chinese businesses investing more than $3bn in the country, as stated by the Chinese embassy in 2022.

President Hichilema, who assumed office in August 2021, had pledged to tackle corruption. However, accusations of bias have been levelled against his government by the opposition, contesting the fairness of its actions.

Former President Edgar Lungu, while not presuming guilt, called for an investigation into Mr Kakubo’s conduct, highlighting the importance of impartiality in addressing corruption issues.