Kalaba censures ‘undiplomtic’ Hichilema
By Thandizo Banda
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema breached diplomatic etiquette when he publicly revealed his private conversations with some foreign heads of state, Citizen First party president Harry Kalaba has said.
“I wish to register my deep concern and utter disappointment over the recent public conduct of President Hakainde Hichilema, which constitutes a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and a disturbing interference in matters that are still active before our courts of law,” Kalaba said.
“During his recent address at a United Party for National Development (UPND) mobilisation event at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Hichilema made public revelations about private conversations he has had with several heads of state, notably the President of Turkey, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa and the newly elected President of Malawi, His Excellency Peter Mutharika,” Kalaba, a former foreign Affairs minister, said.
He was concerned about Hichilema’s admission that he had engaged President Erdoğan to facilitate the coming of witnesses to Zambia in a case involving former minister of foreign ffairs Joseph Malanji – a matter that is still active before the courts, with the State having expressed its intention to appeal and Malanji’s retaining his right to do so as well.
‘This statement is not only ill-advised, but it is also a direct violation of the principle of separation of powers and judicial independence. The President’s remarks amount to undue influence and political interference in a case that is under judicial consideration. Such actions risk undermining public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of our justice system,” Kalaba said.
He observed that Hichilema’s decision to publicly disclose private and sensitive diplomatic conversations without prior consent or mutual understanding from the other heads of state was a serious omission reflecting a worrying disregard for diplomatic norms and international protocol.
He said it was unfortunate that Hichilema continued to mishandle international relations, risking Zambia’s diplomatic isolation.
Kalaba advised President Hichilema to exercise statesmanship and maturity in his public communications.
