Sata picks close ally as defence minister

Zambia's President Michael Sata addressing the press at State House in Lusaka on April 30, 2012. President Sata on December 24, 2013 picked a long time ally, Mr Edgar Lungu, as his new defence minister following the shock resignation of Geoffrey Mwamba. PHOTO | AFP

By  NATION CORRESPONDENT

What you need to know:

  • Mr Edgar Lungu, a lawyer, is one of President Sata’s closest ally and confidante since his opposition days

LUSAKA

Zambian President Michael Sata on Tuesday picked a long time ally, Mr Edgar Lungu, as his new defence minister following the shock resignation of Geoffrey Mwamba.

Zambia’s former Defence minister Mr Mwamba resigned following a chieftaincy row, saying he could not sacrifice family over “political expediency”.

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Mr Lungu, a lawyer, is one of President Sata’s closest ally and confidante since his opposition days.

Prior to his resignation, Mr Mwamba told journalists his decision comes in the wake of a government standoff with the Paramount Chief Chiti Mukulu, Henry Sosala, of the Bemba speaking people north of the country.

President Michael Sata,76, also hails from Bembaland.

The President has also elevated Dr Ngosa Simbyakula to the position of Home Affairs Minister.

Mr Lungu was Home Affairs Minister prior to his appointment while Dr Simbyakula was Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Justice.

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