We Will Wage A War On Corruption – HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that his government plans to wage a war on corruption in a bid to enhance transparency within the country.

Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the first session of the 13th National Assembly on Friday, President Hichilema stated that his government plans to introduce special stolen assets recovery mechanisms as well as specific courts for corruption and economic crimes.

“Our administration abhors corruption. We have a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in all its forms,” President Hichilema opened.

In order to decrease the levels of corruption within the country, the President stated that his government would “increase the benefits of being honest and the cost of being corrupt.”

Starting within the government itself, the newly appointed President stated that his administration “commits itself to immediately stop excessive public expenditure as a way of halting further accumulation of debt.” He added that he hopes to engage with creditors to restructure the country’s debt and subsequently restore sustainability.

Hakainde Hichilema’s focus on corruption follows on from years of corrupt activities under the former Patriotic Front government. Corrupt activities under President Lungu varied from excessive bribes to facilitate the illegal trade of mukula wood, to $16.5 million-worth of misappropriated government funds.