In a dramatic move, Zambia’s President Hakinde Hichilema has dismissed the entire board of the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) following accusations of corruption against its members. This sweeping action follows the recent resignation of ACC head Thom Shamakamba amidst similar allegations, which he vehemently denies.
Background and Recent Developments
The dismissal of the ACC board comes just days after Thom Shamakamba and the country’s solicitor-general, Marshal Muchende, faced allegations of accepting kickbacks. Both officials have strongly denied the claims. This scandal marks a significant setback for President Hichilema’s administration, which has been investigating numerous officials from the previous government for corruption since he took office three years ago.
Explosive Allegations and Whistleblower’s Claims
The allegations against the ACC officials suggest that they accepted payments from politicians under investigation in exchange for amnesty. The whistleblower, former ACC board member O’Brien Kaaba, has been vocal about the issue, alleging that the ACC has made legally questionable settlements that protect some of the most corrupt individuals from justice.
“Going by press reports, ACC, for example, has made legally senseless settlements immunizing some of the most corrupt individuals, thereby shielding them from justice and accountability,” Kaaba stated earlier this week. He further claimed that these “immunity deals,” previously used by the former governing party, the Patriotic Front, are now being misused by the current government, indicating a systemic issue within the ACC.
Calls for Reform and Legal Repercussions
Kaaba has called for extensive reforms within the ACC, suggesting that corruption extends beyond the four dismissed board members and pervades the entire institution. In response to his accusations, Marshal Muchende has sued Kaaba for defamation, with potential for further legal actions from other figures implicated in the allegations.
Official Statements and Public Speculation
A statement from Zambia’s presidency described the dissolution of the board as a necessary step to “renew the Anti-Corruption Commission’s sacred mandate.” The announcement of Shamakamba’s resignation was also issued by State House, leading to speculation that he may have been forced to step down.
Implications and Future Directions
This development underscores the challenges President Hichilema faces in his anti-corruption crusade. The allegations and subsequent firing of the ACC board highlight the deep-seated issues within the institution tasked with combating graft in Zambia. As the government moves forward, significant reforms will be essential to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption efforts.
The firing of the ACC board and the controversy surrounding it illustrate the complexities and difficulties of rooting out corruption within high-level institutions. President Hichilema’s actions, though bold, may be just the beginning of a broader effort to clean up Zambia’s governance structures and reaffirm the commitment to transparency and accountability.