Zambia President Fires Entire Anti-Corruption Board For Being Corrupt

In Summary

• President Hakinde Hichilema fired the entire ACC board amid corruption allegations.
• ACC head Thom Shamakamba and solicitor-general Marshal Muchende, both accused of taking kickbacks, deny the allegations.
• O’Brien Kaaba, a former ACC board member, alleges systemic corruption and calls for institutional reform.
• The presidency's statement highlights the need to renew the ACC's mandate and suggests broader corruption within the organization.

Lusaka, Zambia- Zambian President Hakinde Hichilema has dismissed the entire board of the country's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) after they were accused of corruption, allegations they deny.

This move follows the resignation of ACC head Thom Shamakamba, who, along with the country's solicitor-general Marshal Muchende, faced accusations of accepting kickbacks. Both men vehemently deny the charges.

Since taking office three years ago, President Hichilema's administration has been probing former government officials for corruption.

However, recent accusations suggest that ACC officials themselves have been accepting payments from politicians under investigation in exchange for immunity.

The whistleblower, former ACC board member O’Brien Kaaba, claimed that the ACC made deals to protect corrupt individuals, mirroring practices under the previous government. He argued that the corruption extends beyond the dismissed board members, indicating a need for widespread institutional reform.

Mr. Kaaba has been sued for defamation by Mr. Muchende, and further legal actions may follow.

The Zambian presidency stated that dissolving the board was necessary to renew the ACC's mandate. Speculation surrounds Mr. Shamakamba's resignation, with some suggesting he was fired.