Lungu Expels Cuban Ambassador For Attending Opposition Event

In the latest demonstration of his tendency toward authoritarian rule  President Edgar Lungu has expelled the Cuban Ambassador accredited to Zambia.

His crime? On Saturday the Cuban Ambassador to Zambia Nelson Pages Vilas, graced the launch of the Socialist Party in Zambia.

In what he described as a Revolutionary greetings, the Ambassador said his government was wishing the Socialist Party in Zambia all the best.But President Lungu said Ambassador Pages-Vilas has breached diplomatic ethics, practice and standards by his action.

President Lungu was speaking through his Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda when he addressed the media at Taj Pamodzi Hotel.

Although it is cerainly unusual protocol for a diplomat, to expel the Ambassador has been viewed by many as an overreaction. 

Veteran Politician and Diplomat Vernon Mwaanga has described as extreme, the expulsion of Cuban Ambassador to Zambia Nelson Pages Vilas.

In a statement, Mr. Mwaanga said when he first heard about the expulsion, he took it as a 1st April Fools Day joke.