President Hakainde Hichilema has reportedly rewarded Michelo Chizombe, the petitioner in the case that disqualified former President Edgar Lungu from contesting future elections, with a diplomatic role in Zambia’s foreign service. Chizombe, who has completed diplomatic training at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS), is set to be deployed alongside other graduates, including notable members of the UPND Youth Wing.
The move has drawn significant attention, with questions arising over whether this appointment is a reward for Chizombe’s role in one of the most consequential legal battles in recent Zambian politics. Chizombe’s petition led to the Constitutional Court ruling that Lungu, having served two terms, was ineligible to run in future elections under constitutional provisions.
The ruling was seen as a landmark decision, effectively barring one of the ruling party’s most formidable political opponents. Now, with Chizombe’s diplomatic deployment imminent, the timing has fueled widespread speculation about its implications for governance, the judiciary, and Zambia’s foreign service appointments.
According to reports, Chizombe trained at ZIDIS alongside other high-profile UPND members, including Lusaka Youth Province figures such as Matomola Likwanya. This batch of trainees is said to be preparing for postings as Zambia bolsters its diplomatic presence under the new administration. However, the inclusion of individuals with close ties to the ruling party in this process has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting it as a sign of the growing influence of party politics in state institutions.
The case that propelled Chizombe into the spotlight was one of significant national interest. Lungu’s eligibility to run for office was contested on the basis of constitutional limits, and the Constitutional Court ruled that his previous terms in office disqualified him from seeking another term. While the ruling was celebrated by many as a reaffirmation of constitutionalism, others viewed it as a politically charged decision with far-reaching consequences for Zambia’s political landscape.
Chizombe’s subsequent diplomatic training and appointment have added a new layer to the story. For many, this move signals a recognition of his role in reshaping Zambia’s political terrain. His swift transition from petitioner to trainee diplomat has become a talking point, with speculation swirling about whether this was a strategic reward for his involvement in the case.
Meanwhile, the foreign service training program at ZIDIS has itself come under scrutiny, as questions emerge about its selection criteria and the inclusion of prominent UPND affiliates. While diplomatic training is standard for those entering the foreign service, the current cohort’s composition has attracted attention, given the political profiles of some trainees.
The deployment of Chizombe and his colleagues comes as Zambia seeks to enhance its diplomatic efforts globally. The government has highlighted the importance of strengthening international ties and leveraging diplomatic channels to foster economic growth and development. However, the perception of political appointments in the foreign service risks overshadowing these efforts.
As Chizombe prepares for his new role, the story continues to captivate Zambians. His journey from petitioner in a high-stakes legal battle to foreign service appointee marks a significant chapter in the unfolding political narrative of the Hichilema administration.
Aaron Mudenda.
Political Analyst.
Our peers appoint diplomats to represent their country’s interests abroad and maintain peaceful, PRODUCTIVE relationships with other nations. The countries have to engage with the foreign community, and negotiate agreements. They also are supposed to protect its citizens abroad.
In Zambia we appoint diplomats to reward them. Show me one diplomat that has done what I have just said above. They are basically on a five year long holiday abroad at our hard-earned tax expense. A pro-active media should have a chart indexing which diplomat has done what and who hasnt done anything. We the citizens need to know how our money is being wasted.
Apart from waiting for our President at the airport when he visits what do our diplomats do?
The main criteria that have to recognised is that the man has been trained and is qualified.
The other matters you are raising are superfluous.
Why do you people seek to create contentions when there should none.
No doubt you will have the usual semi-literates and ignorant ones writing nonsense in the comments.
Writing Nonsense or not It is ones perception and has the right to express such
Much like you are doing >>> Politics is a dirty game at the best of times
So the scales tips infavour of distrust
Plan B…….
Why do you people ask such silly questions:
“Why do you people seek to create contentions when there should be none.”
There shouldnt be contentions ka? In a case as clearly corrupt as this ka? Prima facie baba? Just because you are enjoying yourselves we shouldnt raise issues? Mr Fat Cat….On our taxes.
Prosecute and you will be rewarded!
In my opinion the young man has been put in a dangerous situation. It may be said that he was training for it could have been planned a long time ago. Unfortunately his safety and security will depend on how long Mr Hakainde Hichilema holds on to power.
All this gnashing of teeth because Chizombe won a petition.Isn’t Chizombe entitled to his own future whether a UPND supporter or not. Am also petitioning God to forgive you.
Let him go, he will be back in 2026.
Among cases to be investigated after change
Me thinks the youngman advocated for the people of Zambia. Partisan or not is immaterial. The point is even if he lost this case, he advocated for the voiceless. How many of you would have stood up fought people that we often just let walk all over us?
Chizombe all the best, hope you reach the stars.
For those that lost this case. A lesson that the destiny and wishes of this country dont lie in you, God has a bigger plan and vests in those whose views and hopes are biggers than the one person.
God Speed…
For his province you mean!
Bwafya sana
At an election campaign in Kawambwa a Upnd campaigner without shame tells the rally that it’s only HH who can release Nickson Chilangwa from prison and this can only happen if they vote for the Upnd candidate…..in short HH is controlling everything.
He is right……..
Presidential pardon in the event of a majority UPND GRZ…….
FWD2031
Spaka.Thats a smasher.Deja Foooool, zzzzzzzzz!!
These two nobupuba emobwaba plenty.
This one is just waffling nonsense……….
Every Government employes capable allies in strategic positions………
FWD2031.
Really sad but it’s short lived
This issue of rewarding cadres with diplomatic postings is one of the reasons we have very poor staffing levels and poor service at our missions abroad who instead of working as per diplomatic protocol are just waiting to enjoy their monthly paychecks and the benefits at staying abroad.
I have said the same thing in an earlier post but it has been axed by LT
Show me one Zambian diplomatic post that has brought any investment into Zambia. The entire office staff is in these postings to wait for HH’s visit to that country. And we pay them $90, 000 each per year for wasting our money!
Well deserved.
He helped reverse or correct one of the most flawed judgments ever pronounced in Zambia.
Of course Mr Chilangwa can be pardoned by HH. Ever heard of a President pardoning e.g. over 100 prisoners? It is called -Prerogative Mercy.
This doesn’t mean he is/was involved in jailing of Chilangwa.
In our 30year old democracy no president has ever pardoned an opposition member let alone MP
Despite the fact that we are a Christian nation.
We are supposed to forgive each other 70X70 times
You don’t understand….why would someone put a condition like if you don’t vote for us then the president will not pardon your tribesman? I’m not surprised by you people who even clap for load shedding.
HOW SHAMEFUL
SHAMELESS INDEED