LUSAKA – Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Stanley Kakubo, has resigned from his position following allegations that he was captured on video receiving a stack of cash from a Chinese businessman.
The video, which surfaced on social media, showed two individuals counting neatly stacked US dollars and Zambian kwacha at a table, prompting widespread speculation about Kakubo’s involvement.
Kakubo did not deny his presence in the video but dismissed the claims as “malicious” and related to a business transaction between his private family business and a business partner.
In his resignation letter, Kakubo stated, “I have resigned as minister to ensure that the government is not distracted from its efforts to improve the lives of Zambians.”
He emphasized that he would continue to serve as a Member of Parliament.
The video led to questions on social media about the absence of a bank transfer and concerns regarding tax implications.
Unverified images of handwritten notes mentioning a $100,000 exchange between a Zambian and a Chinese mining company and another note referring to a total sum of $200,000 also circulated.
Kakubo, in his response, did not challenge the authenticity of the video or the handwritten notes but promised to provide accurate context in due course.
He said, “In due course, we will provide the accurate context surrounding the recent developments.”
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema accepted Kakubo’s resignation, acknowledging his commendable work and leadership.
This marks the second time Kakubo has faced controversy, as last year, he was accused of receiving a bribe from a Chinese-owned cement company.
He denied wrongdoing, and President Hichilema defended him, stating that he received a calendar and a diary.
Chinese companies are major investors in Zambia, with over 600 Chinese businesses investing more than $3 billion in the country, according to the Chinese embassy in 2022.
This resignation makes Kakubo the first minister to step down since President Hichilema assumed office in August 2021, pledging to fight corruption.
However, opposition figures accuse him of selectively targeting its members, a claim President Hichilema denies.
In response to Kakubo’s resignation, former President Edgar Lungu called for an investigation into the alleged corruption, emphasizing that no one should be considered exempt from scrutiny in the fight against corruption.
“If there are no sacred cows in Mr. Hichilema’s fight against corruption, Kakubo should be investigated and if need be prosecuted,” said Lungu.
