Zambia's Former President Denies Plundering National Economy

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, July 15, 2002

Zambia's Former President Denies Plundering National Economy

Zambia's former president Frederick Chiluba Sunday denied claims that he had plundered the country's economy, saying all he did during his ten-year mandate was for thegood of the country.

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Zambia's former president FrederickChiluba Sunday denied claims that he had plundered the country's economy, saying all he did during his ten-year mandate was for thegood of the country.

Speaking at a press conference at his Lusaka residence, Chilubaaccused his successor Levy Mwanawasa of committing serious security indiscretions by revealing details about the operational account in London of Zambia Security and Intelligence Service.

Chiluba also trashed all charges leveled against him last Thursday by Mwanawasa, saying these do not constitute a basis for the removal of his immunity by parliament.

"My fellow countrymen, I am very scared. I am very afraid. As Ihave already indicated the charges constituting for the removal ofmy immunity are but a travesty. They are, however, an indicator ofthe slowly degenerating record of human rights observance," Chiluba said.

He described the charges as a "mere figment of the imagination," saying that he is not scared of his immunity being lifted so long a similar action can be taken against Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda and the incumbent Mwanawasa.

He also refuted claims that his administration had "stolen" 57 truckloads of fuel imported from South Africa two years ago, saying no truck was ever lost.

He explained the fuel in question was loaned" to Zimbabwe, which was suffering a critical fuel shortage at the time.

On charges that he had used the special branch account to give money to members of his immediate family, Chiluba reacted by pointing an accusing finger at Mwanawasa's alleged misdeeds duringthe past six months in office.

He cited one instance when the first lady Maureen Mwanawasa wasallegedly given 700 million kwacha (about 155,555 US dollars) fromthe national treasury for a trip to New York in the United States.

"I have endeavored to respond to points from number one to the last in order not to make noise but to avail the people of Zambia the truth. Ididn't steal this money and in all this I have said you have not established that I put my hand in there at all," he said.

The question of whether to remove Chiluba's immunity as former president is expected to feature prominent Tuesday when the National Assembly, the country's parliament, resumes normal sittings.

Under the Zambian law, a former head of state is in principle protected from criminal prosecution or arrest.

However, Chiluba violated this principle by arresting Kaunda, the country's first president, on trumped-up charges. The former president was detained for four months in a prison in Kabwe, 200 km north of Lusaka.

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