Zambian leader accuses veteran diplomat of tarnishing country's image

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday accused one of the country's veteran politicians of tarnishing the image of Zambia to the outside world.

Lungu said the government was aware that Vernon Mwaanga had been on an international campaign aimed at discrediting the country and that he has so far been to different countries misrepresenting the country following the arrest of main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

The Zambian leader, who was speaking at the State House when he swore in new ambassadors, has since challenged the veteran politician to talk to him if he was man enough over the various issues happening in the country instead of tarnishing the image of the country to the outside world.

He said the veteran politician and diplomat has been telling other countries that the country was on fire and that democracy and the rule of law have died.

Zambian diplomats accredited to different countries should be on alert and ensure that they portrayed the country's image correctly, Lungu said.

Mwaanga, who has served under four different presidents since the 1960s, said Lungu should have first verified his information before issuing any statements, according to Radio Phoenix.

Zambia has witnessed heightened political tension following the arrest of the leading opposition leader who has been charged with treason. Endit