President Hakainde Hichilema has taken the unprecedented step of firing the entire board of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The move, announced on July 20th, 2024, came after allegations of corruption surfaced against the very body tasked with rooting out graft in the nation.
The accusations, which the board vehemently denies, allege that they accepted bribes from politicians who were under investigation for corruption. The whistleblower, a former board member named O’Brien Kaaba, claims that the ACC has been engaging in “legally senseless settlements” that grant immunity to corrupt individuals, effectively shielding them from justice.
“Going by press reports, ACC, for example, has made legally senseless settlements immunising some of the most corrupt individuals, thereby shielding them from justice and accountability,” Kaaba wrote in a statement earlier this week. He further alleged that the same “immunity deals” used under the previous government, the Patriotic Front, are now being employed by the current administration, casting doubt on their commitment to fighting corruption.
Kaaba’s accusations have sparked a firestorm of controversy, with the former board members vehemently denying the allegations. However, the timing of the firings, coming just days after the resignation of ACC head Thom Shamakamba, has fuelled speculation that the allegations hold weight. Both Shamakamba and the country’s solicitor-general, Marshal Muchende, were accused of receiving kickbacks, allegations they have strongly refuted.
The allegations against the ACC board have raised serious questions about the integrity of Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts. The ACC, established to investigate and prosecute corruption, is now itself accused of engaging in corrupt practices. This development has left many questioning the effectiveness of the institution and its ability to effectively combat corruption within the country.
President Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 on a platform of fighting corruption, has been vocal in his commitment to cleaning up the political landscape. His administration has been actively investigating former government officials accused of graft, and the recent firings are seen as a testament to his zero-tolerance approach.
“Dissolving the board was necessary ‘to renew the Anti-Corruption Commission’s sacred mandate’,” stated a statement from the Zambian presidency. The statement announcing Shamakamba’s resignation was also issued by State House, leading some to speculate that he may have been pressured to step down.
The allegations against the ACC board and the subsequent firings have sent a clear message that President Hichilema is serious about tackling corruption, even within the ranks of his own government. However, the incident has also raised concerns about the potential for political interference in the fight against corruption.
The allegations against the ACC board are a stark reminder that corruption is a complex and pervasive issue that can infiltrate even the most well-intentioned institutions. The incident also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption, ensuring that all institutions are held to the highest standards.
The future of Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts remains uncertain. The firing of the entire ACC board has left a void in the fight against graft, and it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to effectively address the allegations and restore public confidence in the institution. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the battle against corruption is a constant struggle that requires vigilance and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
The recent events in Zambia have also raised concerns about the broader fight against corruption in the region. The incident underscores the need for strong institutions, independent oversight, and a commitment to transparency and accountability in order to effectively combat corruption and ensure good governance.
