Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Under Fire as President Dissolves Board

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has dissolved the board of the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), sparking concerns about his commitment to fighting corruption. The move comes just days after a board member, Dr O’Brien Kaaba, alleged that the commission had been captured by corrupt elements in government.

The ACC’s management team, led by Thom Shamakamba, had been accused of not moving forward with cases, including those involving corruption claims against some of Hichilema’s legal team. Shamakamba resigned on 17 July, and the board was dissolved on 18 July.

Some observers believe Hichilema’s motive for dissolving the board was to avoid investigating graft claims against senior government officials. This raises questions about his commitment to fighting corruption, which he pledged when he took office in 2021.

The current upset started with the Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) 2023 trends report, which revealed a rise in corruption and the plunder of national resources under Hichilema’s government. Instead of outlining a containment strategy, the government rationalized the findings, suggesting a lack of commitment.

The president’s failure to move against senior officials accused of graft has also raised concerns. His Solicitor General, Marshal Muchende, has been accused of taking a US$500 000 bribe from a former provisional liquidator. Despite credible organizations calling for Muchende’s dismissal or resignation, Hichilema has remained silent.

The ACC board’s dissolution compounds suggestions that Muchende is being protected from the law. Former ACC Chairperson Musa Mwenye hinted at this, saying the state had frustrated ACC efforts to investigate government officials over the past three years.

Data from the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that Zambia has performed just above sub-Saharan Africa’s average, ranking in the top third among its continental peers. However, this is a low ranking that reflects the spread of corruption in the country.

The unfolding saga between the ACC board and Shamakamba, as well as other recent scandals, undermines the gains made in the past three years and diminishes Hichilema’s credibility as a committed anti-graft champion.

This is a defining moment in Hichilema’s presidency. To prevent the UPND’s ‘new dawn’ from slowly turning into ‘hours of darkness’, he must pursue a process that builds integrity rather than questions it.