Zambia President, Edgar Lungu
Cuban Ambassador ‘backs’ opposition, gets sacked by Zambia
Government of Zambia has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Cuban ambassador Nelson Pages Vilas to leave the country.
President’s spokesman, Amos Chanda said ambassador Nelson Pages Vilas spoke at the party’s launch on Saturday.
Reuters said Mr Vilas angered the government after attending the launch of opposition Socialist Party, headed by Fred M’membe, a journalist-turned-politician.
Mr Vilas was photographed at the launch event, something the government argues is against diplomatic etiquette.
President Edgar Lungu on Sunday ordered the ambassador be recalled for engaging in political activities in Zambia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji confirmed Mr Vilas was summoned to a meeting with ministry where he expressed remorse.
But while remaining optimistic that Zambia’s relations with Cuba will remain strong, Mr Malanji said the ambassador had been given seven days to leave the country.
But while remaining optimistic that Zambia’s relations with Cuba will remain strong, Mr Malanji said the ambassador had been given seven days to leave the country.
Political tensions were rekindled in Zambia last month when the country’s main opposition party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), filed a motion seeking to impeach President Edgar Lungu over accusations of breaching the constitution.
The UPND challenged Lungu’s 2016 election victory in court, alleging fraud, arguing that that obliged him to hand over power to parliament’s speaker until the court considered its petition.
Lungu has denied electoral fraud.
He directed that the Cuban ambassador be recalled “for behavior unbecoming of a diplomat,” Chanda told a media briefing, adding that diplomatic ties with Cuba would be retained.