By 
State House has blamed internal sabotage and a lack of national unity for Zambia’s failed bid to secure the African Development Bank (AfDB) Vice Presidency, describing the loss as a national tragedy compounded by politicization and ethnic division.
In a statement issued Thursday, Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said Zambians had failed to rally behind Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, allowing narrow political interests to override a unified national agenda.
“West and North African countries continue to dominate key international positions, not because they are more capable, but because they understand the power of unity and national interest,” Hamasaka said.
He revealed that even while lobbying was underway to support Maimbo’s candidacy, some Zambians were allegedly working behind the scenes to derail those efforts.
“Even countries like the United States, despite their internal political differences, can set them aside when it comes to advancing national interests on the global stage,” he said. “In contrast, some of our own people are quick to side with external criticism against Zambia—not as activism, but as betrayal.”
Hamasaka urged the country to reflect on what it meant to stand for the flag and to unite for collective progress, warning that “opportunities will continue to pass us by” without such cohesion.
He singled out political analyst Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa for what he described as “gleeful” reactions to Maimbo’s loss and accused him of promoting ethnic biases and divisive rhetoric that harm national unity.
“There is absolutely no need for Dr. Sishuwa to appear gleeful over what is ultimately a loss for Zambia, regardless of how he views Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a distinguished Zambian of global repute,” Hamasaka said.
Tonse Alliance Blames UPND Diplomacy
In a contrasting statement, Tonse Alliance spokesperson and Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) President, Sean Tembo, attributed the loss to the UPND government’s poor diplomacy and misjudgment.
“Dr. Maimbo managed just 20 percent of the vote, while the Mauritanian candidate secured a commanding 76 percent,” Tembo noted.
He said that while Maimbo had strong academic credentials, he lacked the senior-level experience of his competitors—many of whom were former finance ministers or central bank governors.
Tembo also criticized the government’s failure to consolidate regional support, pointing to South Africa’s decision to field a rival candidate, which fragmented the Sub-Saharan vote.
“We believe Zambia would have stood a better chance had someone like former Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu been nominated,” he said.
Tembo called for broader consultation and inclusivity in future nominations for top international posts, regardless of political affiliations.
Sishuwa Points to Foreign Policy Failures
Sishuwa, in an earlier post, described Maimbo as “the latest victim of Zambia’s flawed foreign policy,” citing past failed bids by Chaloka Beyani (International Court of Justice) and Mubita Nawa (Interpol Secretary General).
He acknowledged Maimbo as a “terribly nice person” but noted his limited experience in government and continental institutions as a disadvantage.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments