SACCORD hails President Lungu

Republican President Edgar Lungu has been commended for finally relinquishing the portfolio of Defense Minister.

The Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), which had earlier recommended that President Lungu appoints a suitably qualified person to occupy the position, is pleased the President has eased his burden by relinquishing the position.

SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says his organization welcomes this development because unlike the President who cannot be questioned, Mr Richwell Siamunene who has been appointed to the position will be held accountable.

Mr. Cheembe has tells Qfm News that this is particularly that in a Democracy like Zambia, there is need for transparency and accountability from all Cabinet Ministers.

He states that SACCORD therefore finds the appointment of Mr. Siamunene who was Deputy Minister of works and supply before his elevation to be a move in the right direction.

Mr. Cheembe notes that his organization believes that by appointing a substantive person to the position of Defence Minister, President Lungu will now effectively execute his duties as Head of State.

He says this means the focus now is for the nation to start assessing how the new Defence Minister will be transparent and accountable to the people of Zambia.