AIPAC Demands Transparency on Prolonged Probes into Ministers, Senior Officials

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (5 February 2026)

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has raised alarm over what it describes as prolonged silence by investigative agencies on corruption probes involving Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma said it has been 17 months since the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) publicly announced investigations into senior officials, yet no updates have been provided to the public or Zambia’s cooperating partners.

Ngoma warned that the lack of communication has created uncertainty and undermined confidence in institutions mandated to uphold integrity and accountability.

“The absence of clarity has created a troubling vacuum that weakens public trust and raises serious questions about institutional credibility,” Ngoma said.

AIPAC argued that prolonged investigations without public updates harm both the accused and the justice system. According to the policy think tank, officials who may be innocent remain under sustained suspicion, while those who could be culpable continue operating without consequence.

The organisation said this situation damages confidence in governance systems and sends a dangerous message that corruption at the highest levels can be tolerated.

AIPAC noted that the issue is particularly critical as Zambia heads into an election year, when public confidence in leadership and institutions is essential.

The organisation further cautioned that silence from both the ACC and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) risks damaging Zambia’s international standing and eroding the trust of cooperating partners who support the country’s development programmes.

Ngoma said cooperating partners require assurance that their support is not being undermined by corruption and mismanagement.

AIPAC reminded the leadership of the ACC and DEC that their appointments were meant to strengthen President Hakainde Hichilema’s anti-corruption agenda, particularly in tackling long-standing grand corruption.

The organisation warned that failure to act decisively could justify leadership changes within the investigative bodies.

Ngoma referenced President Hichilema’s own admission that some individuals tasked with fighting corruption may be shielding corrupt actors, describing the revelation as deeply troubling.

AIPAC called for the immediate conclusion of investigations involving Cabinet ministers and senior officials, and for findings to be disclosed transparently.

“The Zambian people deserve clarity, justice, and decisive action,” the statement said, adding that only openness can rebuild public trust and reassure cooperating partners of Zambia’s commitment to accountability.

The organisation urged the ACC and DEC to demonstrate independence, urgency, and integrity, warning that continued silence threatens governance, institutional strength, and national development.