By Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered all the recalled diplomats to return to Zambia no later than November 12, 2021, or they will not be paid foreign service allowances.
In a circular to all the heads and acting heads of Zambian missions abroad dated October 22, 2021 and shared with Daily Revelation, the circular stated that any recalled diplomat who shall not comply with the directive shall not be eligible to receive any foreign service allowances and may forfeit entitlement for transportation of their personal effects.
Normally recalled diplomats are given three months within which to wind up their tours of duty.
The circular also dismisses the claim by President Hakainde Hichilema that some fired senior government officials included other names on the list of recalls, by stating that all the recalls between August 20, 2021 and September 28, 2021 remain valid.
Recently dismissed Foreign Affairs permanent secretary (administration) Dr Ronald Simwinga dismissed the President’s claim in an interview with Daily Revelation, arguing that all the recalls were authorised by the head of state.
“SUBJECT: STAFF RECALLS I refer to the above subject matter. Kindly be informed that all recalls which were effected/reminded between 20th August and 28th September 2021 remain valid, and as such the affected Diplomats must ensure to comply as follows: i) Those who already submitted quotations to headquarters should ensure that they wind up their respective tours of duty and must return to Zambia no later than Friday 5th November, 2021,” stated acting Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Isabelle Lemba. “ii) Those who have not yet submitted quotations for transportation of their personal effects must ensure that quotations are submitted to Headquarters no later than Friday, 29th October, 2021 and return to Zambia no later than 12th November, 2021.
“Kindly be further advised that any recalled Diplomat who shall not comply with the above directives shall not be eligible to receive any Foreign Service Allowances and may forfeit entitlement for transportation of their personal effects. please be advised accordingly.”
