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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called on ambassadors and senior civil servants to remain neutral and at their stations, warning that partisan political activity undermined Zambia’s diplomatic and constitutional order.
AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, expressed concern over recent partisan remarks made by Zambia’s Ambassador to South Korea, Andrew Banda who openly declared that he had come back to campaign for President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Ngoma stated that ambassadors worldwide were civil servants and career diplomats mandated to serve with neutrality and professionalism.
“When they openly campaign for political parties, they undermine the foundations of international relations and compromise the integrity of diplomatic service,” he said.
Ngoma also referenced a directive from the Secretary to Cabinet which stated that civil servants who involved themselves in active politics must resign or face disciplinary action.
He said it was troubling that the directive was being undermined, and expressed concern that the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs was failing to discipline ambassadors who engaged in partisan politics without resigning.
Ngoma cited past legal precedents, noting that former Cabinet Ministers were compelled by the courts to repay money unlawfully received after the dissolution of Parliament.
He warned that civil servants and ambassadors who engaged in partisan politics risked similar consequences.
“Such conduct is unconstitutional and counterproductive and can decampaign the President through the corporate vote. Respect for the constitution and adherence to foreign relations policy are key to Zambia’s credibility globally,” Ngoma said.
He further noted that even in countries with authoritarian tendencies, ambassadors and civil servants were not permitted to openly campaign for political parties.
“We therefore advise Ambassador Andrew Banda and others who wish to participate in campaigns to resign from the Civil Service and join partisan politics openly,” he stated.
Ngoma stated that AIPAC would not sit idly by as public officers violated Article 186 of the Constitution of Zambia, which clearly mandated that civil servants should remain neutral and non-partisan.
He warned that ambassadors and civil servants who campaigned for political parties compromised Zambia’s integrity and risked pushing the country toward classification as a failed state, adding that loyalty should be to the Republic and its constitution, not partisan interests.
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