The sudden dying of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu in South Africa final month has taken a twist, with claims rising that he was within the nation utilizing a Zimbabwean diplomatic passport.
Following Lungu’s dying and delayed burial, claims are that he might have been travelling below a diplomatic passport, presumably with the assistance of his long-time ally, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
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Given the long-standing relationship between Lungu and Mnangagwa, some observers have begun asking the uncomfortable query: Did Zimbabwe’s chief assist his ally by granting him particular journey privileges?
Zanu PF dismisses the diplomatic passport claims as ‘falsehoods’
Zanu PF has denied the claims within the strongest phrases.
Authorities spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted on X: “We want to categorically state that the late former Zambian President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu didn’t maintain a Zimbabwean passport or nationality. Any such ideas are simply mischievous falsehoods.”
A broader sample of passport abuse?
Journalists Hopewell Chin’ono and Maynard Manyowa have each highlighted issues across the alleged misuse of diplomatic passports in Zimbabwe.
Manyowa claims that South African officers are elevating issues concerning the excessive variety of purple passport holders they encounter.
Chin’ono says authorities are handing these paperwork to girlfriends, wives of political elites, and even radio presenters.
Zimbabwean officers have lengthy used diplomatic passports. The Gold Mafia documentary by Al Jazeera revealed how non secular determine Uebert Angel allegedly used it.
He allegedly used his diplomatic standing to smuggle gold in another country. Making the most of the immunity that comes with such passports.
Ought to regional our bodies step in to manage diplomatic passport abuse?
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