Zambian ministers pledge allegiance amid cabinet-crumbling speculation

LUSAKA, Jan. 9 — Zambian ministers on Monday pledged allegiance to President Edgar Lungu that they will stand with him.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga said contrary to social media reports that the cabinet was crumbling, the ministers have resolved to remain loyal to the Zambian leader.  Last week, Harry Kalaba resigned as foreign affairs minister citing failure to fight corruption, fueling speculation that more ministers were expected to follow suit.

Mulenga, also chief government spokesperson, told reporters after a cabinet meeting that the ministers reassured Lungu of their loyalty and faith in his administration.  “Unlike speculations on social media that cabinet is crumbling and more ministers are to resign, cabinet is not crumbling, it is not true as we are standing by his excellence,” she said.

Lungu on Monday appointed Joe Malanji, a Member of Parliament for the governing party Patriotic Front (PF) and a business executive, as the new foreign minister.  He also appointed Alexander Chiteme, another ruling party lawmaker as new national development planning minister, replacing Lucky Mulusa who was fired.  The president has also challenged members of the PF who were not ready to serve under him to leave the party. – XINHUA