AIPAC Demands Neutrality From Ambassadors



Think tank says diplomats and civil servants must stay out of partisan politics or resign

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24, Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called on Ambassador Andrew Banda and other serving ambassadors to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, insisting that diplomats and civil servants must remain politically neutral in accordance with the Constitution.

AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma expressed concern over what the organisation described as partisan remarks recently made by Ambassador Banda, arguing that ambassadors are career diplomats whose duty is to represent the Republic of Zambia rather than political parties.

Ngoma said ambassadors who openly campaign for political parties undermine the professionalism of the diplomatic service, compromise Zambia's international standing and weaken the country's foreign relations.

He further urged senior civil servants to respect the directive issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet, which requires civil servants wishing to participate in active politics to resign or face disciplinary action.

The organisation also criticised the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alleging a failure to take disciplinary action against ambassadors who have allegedly engaged in partisan political activities while remaining in office.

AIPAC warned that disregarding constitutional and administrative provisions could have legal consequences, citing previous court decisions that compelled former Cabinet ministers to repay public funds received after the dissolution of Parliament. Ngoma said the precedents demonstrate that public officials who ignore the law ultimately face accountability.

The think tank argued that allowing civil servants and ambassadors to participate openly in political campaigns undermines constitutional governance and institutional credibility. It further claimed that such conduct is unconstitutional and counterproductive because it risks eroding confidence among professionals and the corporate sector, thereby weakening the legitimacy of the President and the ruling party.

Ngoma said even countries with authoritarian systems do not permit serving ambassadors and civil servants to openly campaign for political parties, stressing that Zambia should uphold higher standards of professionalism in its public service and protect its diplomatic standing.

AIPAC maintained that any ambassador or civil servant wishing to actively campaign for a political party should first resign from public office before participating in partisan activities.

The organisation further warned that it would continue speaking out against what it described as violations of Article 186 of the Constitution, which requires the Civil Service to remain impartial and politically neutral.

Ngoma concluded by urging all public officials to uphold their loyalty to the Republic and the Constitution rather than partisan interests, warning that continued political involvement by serving diplomats and civil servants compromises Zambia's integrity and could weaken the country's democratic institutions and international standing.

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