This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has been accused of supporting a Rwandan rebel leader, Callixte Nsabimana, who is on trial for his role in deadly attacks in Rwanda in 2018.
According to AFP, Nsabimana claimed in a Rwandan high court that President Lungu promised his National Liberation Front (FLN) $1m to help topple the Rwandan government. He also alleged that President Lungu made a down payment of $150,000 in support of rebel attacks.
However, President Lungu's spokesman, Isaac Chipampe, has denied these allegations, stating that they are 'false and must be treated with the contempt they deserve.'
The peoples of Zambia and Rwanda enjoy strong and fraternal relations, founded on mutual respect, Chipampe added.
Nsabimana is facing 17 charges, including formation of an illegal militia group, taking part in terrorist activities, killing, kidnapping, and denying and undermining the 1994 genocide. He has pleaded guilty to all charges.
