Zambian Government Blasts US$10 Billion 'Externalisation' Claims by Presidential Hopeful
Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media has refuted allegations of illicit financial outflows, calling them false and misleading. Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana warned against misinformation on social media and affirmed the government's commitment to transparency and the rule of law, especially ahead of the August General Election.
Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media, through its Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, has vehemently refuted recent allegations regarding illicit financial outflows from the country. Mr. Kawana categorically described these claims as false, baseless, and intentionally designed to mislead the public. The allegations, initially made by Mr. Mundubile during a campaign rally held in Kasama, suggested that a staggering sum of US$10 billion had exited Zambia through illicit channels, with a notable absence of arrests related to these purported activities.
In his official statement, Mr. Kawana issued a stern warning against the proliferation of misinformation, particularly across social media platforms. He emphasized that Zambia possesses a robust legal framework specifically designed to address instances of false information, digital misconduct, and economic sabotage. This legal infrastructure is in place to safeguard the nation's integrity and economic stability.
Furthermore, Mr. Kawana highlighted that law enforcement agencies throughout Zambia are maintaining a heightened state of alert, especially in anticipation of the upcoming August General Election. He made it clear that these agencies are prepared to take decisive action against any individual or group found to be in violation of the country's laws, reinforcing the government's commitment to maintaining order and justice.
Reaffirming the government's core principles, Mr. Kawana reiterated its unwavering commitment to economic transparency, national stability, and the steadfast upholding of the rule of law. He concluded by strongly advising citizens to disregard any false information circulating online, urging them to rely on credible sources and to avoid contributing to the spread of unverified claims.