ZAMBIA CAN EXTRADITE LAWBREAKERS FROM UK, US AND OTHER COUNTRIES – HAIMBE
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe says Zambians living abroad are not beyond the reach of the law, as the country has extradition and mutual legal assistance arrangements with several foreign nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Speaking in the National Assembly yesterday, Mr Haimbe said Zambia has established legal cooperation frameworks with various countries to facilitate the return of individuals wanted to answer criminal charges.
He was responding to Mongu East Member of Parliament Mubita Nawa, who sought clarification on the measures available to bring Zambians accused of breaking the law back home to face justice.
Mr Haimbe explained that the arrangements, some of which predate the current administration, are reciprocal and allow cooperating countries to assist one another in enforcing their respective laws.
He emphasised that national borders do not automatically shield individuals from legal accountability, adding that the agreements are intended to safeguard Zambia’s sovereignty while respecting that of its international partners.
The Minister further explained that Zambians who violate the country’s laws while residing abroad may be subject to extradition or other lawful procedures, depending on the applicable agreements and legal requirements.
His remarks come amid ongoing political debates involving some Zambians living outside the country, including former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba, political commentator Lillian Mutambo, former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda and historian Sishuwa Sishuwa.
However, the Minister did not identify any of these individuals as subjects of extradition proceedings.
Mr Haimbe maintained that Zambia’s international legal cooperation arrangements ensure that individuals accused of criminal offences cannot automatically escape accountability simply by crossing international borders.