PETER SINKAMBA CRITICIZES GOVT OVER RESPONSE TO OUTGOING U.S ENVOY GOVERNANCE CONCERNS
By Raphael Mulenga
Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has criticized government’s response to remarks made by outgoing United States Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales on governance concerns, describing the reaction as unfortunate
Mr. Sinkamba says the issues raised by the outgoing envoy are not new, noting that they are based on audit reports and findings that have been in the public domain for several years, particularly within the health sector where concerns over financial management and accountability have been highlighted.
He argues that instead of addressing the substance of the concerns, government focused its response on the diplomat, despite his experience and understanding of governance issues raised during his tenure.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Sinkamba has further noted that government had previously indicated it would take corrective measures and close gaps identified in the audit reports, but little progress appears to have been made since those assurances were given.
He has since urged authorities to prioritize implementing the recommendations contained in the reports, warning that continued inaction could erode public confidence in governance systems and accountability institutions.
On Monday, May 4th, Foreign Affairs And International Cooperation Minister Mulambo said the remarks by the outgoing envoy were undiplomatic and delusional.
PHOENIX NEWS
Government, through its chief diplomat, noted the remarks by outgoing Ambassador Michael Gonzales, whose comments reflect personal irritation rather than diplomatic professionalism, and Zambia should not be lectured by an envoy whose tenure is ending.The issues he cited come from government audit reports—reports which are published, acknowledged, and gradually addressed through established institutions. Sinkamba should know that reform is a process, not something triggered by a departing diplomat seeking a final headline.
You can challenge the government to answer to the Zambian people, not to individuals who mistake their posting for supervisory authority. Haimbe should be commended for not responding to undiplomatic outbursts of a lunatic on the way out the door.
The government, through its chief diplomat, commented on the remarks by outgoing Ambassador Michael Gonzales, whose comments seem to reflect personal irritation rather than diplomatic professionalism, and Zambia should not be lectured by an envoy whose term is ending. The issues Gonzalez mentioned, I assume, stem from government audit reports—reports that are published, acknowledged, and gradually addressed through established institutions. Sinkamba should understand that reform is a process, not something triggered by a departing diplomat seeking a final headline.
You can challenge the government to answer to the Zambian people, not to individuals who mistake their posting for supervisory authority. Haimbe should be commended for not responding to the undiplomatic outbursts of a lunatic on the way out the door.
By-and-large, the itemized allegations highlight the rot of our society that embraces uubomba mwibala, alya MWIBALA virus. The same Sinkamba is known to defend the pilfering politicians, in the wolf cry of political persecution. You and your friends are ganging up to remove the president for doing the work. You are shameless!