YALI Asks For Inquiry Into Privatisation

The Young African Leaders’ Initiative (YALI) has written to Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima asking her to open an inquiry into the sale of Zambia’s national assets which took place between 1992 and 1998.

The letter, which was made available to the media shortly after being sent, calls for a commission of inquiry to identify those who might have unduly benefited from the privatisation process and to establish whether such undue benefit constituted a criminal offence. 

It follows accusations against UPND president Hakainde Hichilema by former finance minister Edith Nawakwi that the opposition leader enriched himself during the sale of the Musi-o-Tunya Intercontinental Hotel, Rainbow Lodge and National Heritage Park. 

Mr Hichilema, who was chairman of the Privatisation Negotiation Team for the sale, vehemently denies the accusations and has sued Ms Nawakwi for defamation of character. 

A number of high-profile figures have since leapt to Mr Hichilema’s defence, including Bishop John Mambo, who called the process a political ‘witch hunt’.

Senior Chief Mukuni has also defended the UPND leader, terming the allegations “nothing more than Hon. Edith Nawakwi’s Judas style agreement to betray Hakainde Hichilema as a sacrifice for their [the PF’s] visionless party”.

The traditional leader called on Zambians to defend Mr Hichilema’s rights as a citizen not to suffer such humiliation and abuse. He also directed the government to focus on more pressing matters such as endemic corruption and the depreciation of the Kwacha.