Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed the entire board of the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) following allegations of corruption against its members, which they deny.
This move comes shortly after the resignation of Thom Shamakamba, the head of the ACC, who stepped down amid accusations of accepting kickbacks. Zambia’s Solicitor-General, Marshal Muchende, faces similar accusations. Both Shamakamba and Muchende have vehemently denied the claims.
Since assuming office three years ago, President Hichilema has been actively pursuing corruption cases involving officials from the previous administration. However, recent allegations suggest that ACC officials have been accepting bribes from politicians under investigation in exchange for amnesty.
The whistleblower, O’Brien Kaaba, a former ACC board member, has been outspoken about the issue. “According to press reports, the ACC has made legally senseless settlements, granting immunity to some of the most corrupt individuals, thereby shielding them from justice and accountability,” Kaaba wrote earlier this week. He criticized the continuation of “immunity deals” from the previous governing party, the Patriotic Front, under the current administration, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to fighting corruption.
Kaaba has called for comprehensive reforms within the ACC, asserting that the problem extends beyond the dismissed board members and pervades the entire institution. In response to his allegations, Marshal Muchende has sued Kaaba for defamation, a legal step that others implicated may also consider.
A statement from Zambia’s presidency emphasized that dissolving the board was necessary “to renew the Anti-Corruption Commission’s sacred mandate.” The announcement of Shamakamba’s resignation was also issued by State House, sparking speculation that he may have been dismissed rather than having resigned voluntarily.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges in Zambia’s battle against corruption, raising questions about the integrity of the very institutions tasked with eradicating graft.