Lungu cracks whip on foreign missions

President Edgar Lungu, Vice-President Inonge Wina, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba (r) and Zambia’s Ambassador to France Humphrey Chibanda (l) during the swearing -In-Ceremony at State House on May 4,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

Republican President Edgar Lungu has called for an end to reckless spending by Zambia’s foreign missions.

The latest Auditor General’s report has cited eleven foreign missions for various financial irregularities.

Speaking when he swore-in Emmanuel Mwamba as Zambia’s High Commission to South Africa and Humphrey Chibanda as Zambia’s envoy to France this morning, President Lungu says he has been studying the Auditor General’s report hence his call for an end to reckless spending in foreign missions.

And President Lungu has urged the two envoys to ensure that they bring to the country the best development.

He has further urged the duo to ensure they only bring development which they are convinced is good for the country.

President Lungu has also reminded Zambian diplomats to always remember that the world sees Zambia through them and their conduct should be exceptional.

Speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn-in, Zambia’s Ambassador to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba says the concern raised by President Lungu on reckless spending requires urgent attention by ensuring funds are prudently utilized.

Mr. Mwamba says there is need for people in foreign missions to ensure they follow the guidelines and use the resources as per requirement.

And Zambia’s Ambassador to France Humphrey Chibanda says his priority is to safeguard the resources and ensure that the worries of the Head of State over reckless spending are looked into.

Mr. Chibanda says he will try by all means to sit down with relevant authorities and get the advice on how best the resources can be used prudently.