International donors, including the United States, have withheld funding for Zambia’s fight against corruption, citing concerns about transparency and accountability within President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. At the heart of the issue is the absence of a substantive Director General and an active Board of Commissioners for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which donors have demanded be addressed promptly.
Background on the Funding Withdrawal
This decision comes in the wake of significant upheaval within the ACC. In July 2023, President Hichilema dismissed the entire ACC board following allegations of corruption within the organization. Former board member O’Brien Kaaba accused the ACC’s management of accepting bribes, granting immunity to individuals implicated in corruption cases, and failing to take action on serious allegations.
The fallout has led to a perception among donors that Zambia’s fight against corruption is undermined by insufficient institutional independence and a lack of robust leadership within the ACC.
Key Concerns Raised by Donors
- Transparency: Donors have criticized the government for opaque handling of corruption cases and allocation of resources for anti-corruption initiatives.
- Accountability: There is a growing demand for demonstrable actions against those implicated in corruption, regardless of political affiliations.
- Independence of Anti-Corruption Institutions: Donors insist that institutions like the ACC operate free from governmental interference to restore credibility and effectiveness.
Donor Expectations
To restore funding, donors have made it clear that Zambia’s government must:
- Appoint a substantive Director General and reconstitute the ACC Board of Commissioners.
- Ensure that corruption cases are prosecuted without bias or political influence.
- Strengthen the independence of the ACC and other oversight bodies.
Implications for Zambia
The withholding of funding could have serious implications for Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts, which rely heavily on donor support. Furthermore, the development underscores the challenges President Hichilema faces in balancing governance reforms with maintaining donor confidence.
Government’s Next Steps
To address these concerns, the Zambian government must demonstrate a commitment to reform. This includes implementing clear measures to restore transparency, enforcing accountability for corrupt practices, and rebuilding trust in the ACC and other institutions.
A Crucial Moment for Zambia
As donor confidence wanes, Zambia stands at a crossroads. The response of President Hichilema’s administration will determine whether the country can regain international support in its fight against corruption and restore public faith in its institutions.
For now, the withheld funding serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and institutional independence in good governance.
