Zambia: Minister Appointment Raises Bribery Allegations

Recently, whispers around Lusaka have turned into a roar that: Anthony Bwalya has been appointed as the new Minister of Information and Media. This unexpected comeback—given his turbulent past—is worthy of a spotlight. Bwalya’s rise began under Hakainde Hichilema, who appointed him Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations in August 2021. Gifted with a command of communication, Bwalya quickly became the voice of the presidency. Yet, behind this polished exterior, shadows lurked. In 2023, a scandal erupted when over US$600,000 mysteriously surfaced in an offshore account linked to him. Allegations swirled that this money was a bribe connected to a clandestine investment deal between Zambia’s government and a Saudi Arabian entity, a betrayal that struck at the heart of public trust. The fallout was swift: Hichilema dismissed Bwalya from his role at State House. However, rather than casting him out completely, the government discreetly assigned him as Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania, a diplomatic exile of sorts just next door. For many, this was the closing chapter of his political career. Yet Bwalya’s return as Minister of Information and Media challenges that narrative. This appointment, undeniably fitting given his expertise in communication. The unresolved allegations of corruption hang like a persistent shadow, raising questions about accountability in governance.- Given Mutinta