Zambia's leader: Corruption fight is political

The government of President Edgar Lungu has been accused of misappropriating aid funds

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of having designs to dislodge him from power, according to a state-owned newspaper.

"I have told you that the fight against corruption is anchored on politics. Those fighting corruption are only trying to get rid of government and those doing well," the state-owned Times of Zambia newspaper quotes him as saying.

"They know where corruption is and where it is rampant but they do not want to go there. All they want is to get rid of me and my government."

Mr Lungu's government has been accused of corruption, with some of his ministers summoned by the anti-corruption commission for questioning.

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya was last month charged with four counts of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. He pleaded not guilty.

Mr Lungu's sentiments are unlikely to sit well with anti-corruption campaigners.

The UK in 2018 froze aid to Zambia after $4.3m (£3.3m) meant for poor families went missing.

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President Edgar Lungu

Zambia