Press Release statement
AMBASSADORS MUST REMAIN NEUTRAL AND AT THEIR STATIONS. CIVIL SERVANTS CANNOT ENGAGE IN PARTISAN POLITICS.
15th July, 2026 – Lusaka, Zambia
As Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) We would like to express our grave concerns over the recent partisan remarks made by Ambassador Andrew Banda. We remind Mr. Banda that ambassadors worldwide are civil servants and career diplomats, mandated to serve their nations with neutrality and professionalism. When they openly campaign for political parties, they undermine the foundations of international relations and compromise the integrity of diplomatic service.
We further advise senior civil servants to show respect to the Secretary to Cabinet, whose directive is clear: civil servants who involve themselves in active politics must resign or face disciplinary action. It is troubling that this directive is being undermined, and we are equally concerned that the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs is failing to discipline ambassadors who openly engage in partisan politics without resigning from their stations. Such disregard for authority weakens institutional credibility and erodes constitutional order.
History has shown that the law eventually catches up with those who disregard it remember the case of former Cabinet Ministers were compelled by the courts to repay money unlawfully received after the dissolution of Parliament. These precedents demonstrate that civil servants and ambassadors who involve themselves in partisan politics risk facing similar consequences.
Such behavior is unconstitutional and counterproductive. By engaging in partisan politics, ambassadors and civil servants inadvertently decampaign their own President through the corporate vote. Once a candidate loses legitimacy in the eyes of the corporate sector, the political party itself should be deeply concerned. Respect for the constitution and adherence to foreign relations policy are the bedrock of Zambia’s credibility in the global arena
Even in countries with authoritarian tendencies, ambassadors and civil servants are not permitted to openly campaign for political parties or involve themselves in partisan politics. Zambia’s diplomatic standing is weakened by individuals who lack a proper grasp of their roles and responsibilities.
We therefore advise Ambassador Andrew Banda and others who wish to participate in campaigns to resign from the Civil Service and join partisan politics openly. However, we will not sit idly by as they violate Article 186 of the Constitution of Zambia, which clearly mandates that civil servants must remain neutral and non-partisan.
Ambassadors and civil servants who campaign for political parties compromise Zambia’s integrity and risk pushing the country toward classification as a failed state. Loyalty must be to the Republic and its constitution, not partisan interests.
Issued & Signed by:
Solomon Ngoma
Executive Director
They are not Civil servants. They serve at the behest of the Head of state just like ma DCs. This is why when there is a change of Government they are recalled. Below them just like in the civil service are Career diplomats. Follow what happens in the US in the UK the rest of the world where elective office exists and change of government happens routinely.