By Patson Chilemba
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says they are finding ways to bring back recalled diplomats back home, despite the several Covid-19 protocols and cancellation of flights.
Responding to a Daily Revelation press query on what the Ministry will do given that most of the international flights are being cancelled following the hysteria over the Omicron Covid-19 variant mainly driven by western countries against African nations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation permanent secretary in charge of administration Chembo Mbula states that the missions have continued to use available routes to get the diplomats back into the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation remains seized of developments relating to the emergent new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, as well as the new travel restrictions placed on countries including the Republic of Zambia. The Ministry wishes to state that Diplomats that are due to return from Missions, following their end of tour of duty, have continued to move as per stated deadlines while adhering to the International Health Guidelines such as undergoing Covid-19 tests, prior to departure from their host countries. Given that the travel restrictions are not imposed globally, our Missions have continued to use the available open routes to facilitate the movement of the officers,” stated Mbula. “On arrival in Lusaka, the Diplomats are expected to follow the protocols stipulated by the Government which may include quarantine. The Government of the Republic of Zambia continues to monitor the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic and implement measures in line with International Health Guidelines aimed at safeguarding all nationals, interventions which partly form the basis of decisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.”
