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The Zambian government has distanced itself from an alleged recent remarks made by Patriotic Front (PF) Mafinga Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga, purportedly accusing foreign diplomats of funding efforts to destabilise the government.
Though a PF lawmaker, Chabinga who claims to be the factional president of the main opposition party, is supposedly backing President Hakainde Hichilema’s 2026 political ambitions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, said the comments—allegedly made during a press conference held on Friday, May 2, 2025—had been widely circulated and caused significant concern.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Haimbe claimed that Chabinga’s views did not represent the official position, policy, or diplomatic posture of the Republic of Zambia.
“Zambia remains a sovereign state, fully committed to engaging constructively with development partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels, in accordance with our Foreign Policy,” Haimbe stated.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s adherence to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which governs the conduct of diplomats and underscores mutual respect between host and sending states.
Haimbe expressed the government’s appreciation for the vital role that diplomats continue to play in Zambia’s development and assured that their privileges and immunities would be fully protected.
“The government is committed to ensuring that diplomats operate in an environment free from fear, prejudice, or undue interference,” he said.
At the same time, he reminded diplomats of their obligation to respect local laws and refrain from interfering in Zambia’s internal affairs.
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Haimbe emphasized that matters involving the accreditation, engagement, and conduct of diplomats fall exclusively under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“No individual or political entity is authorized to speak or act on behalf of the government in these matters,” he said.
While acknowledging the importance of open political debate, Haimbe warned that irresponsible or inflammatory statements can undermine Zambia’s international relations.
He assured that the Ministry remained committed to fostering respectful, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationships with all nations.
Chabinga had alleged during the press briefing that some diplomats were backing former President Edgar Lungu’s so-called “Plan B” to destabilise the government.
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