Maimbo a victim of misguided Foreign policy – Dr Sishuwa

NATION REPORTER

DR SISHUWA Sishuwa has wondered how all recent nominees for international positions are coming from the same regions as if other Zambians from other regions were not qualified.

Dr Sishuwa has questioned the transparency and fairness of the selection process for international nominations, urging the government to adopt a more inclusive and merit-based approach instead of focusing on regions.

Dr Sishuwa said it started with Chaloka Beyani, from Southern Province, then Mubita Nawa, Shebo Nalishebo, from Western Province and now Samuel Maimbo from either Southern Provinces. “I am quite uneasy that the candidates floated by Zambia for international positions seem to come from just one part of the country,” he said, noting that most of them are either relatives or close associates of influential figures within the government. Does it mean there are no qualified Zambians from other provinces? Or is proximity to power the main qualification?”

Dr Sishuwa has described Zambia’s recent diplomatic setbacks as a reflection of the country’s flawed foreign policy, citing the failed bid of Dr Maimbo for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency as the latest example.

Dr Sishuwa argued that Dr Maimbo’s unsuccessful candidacy followed a troubling pattern, which previously saw Zambian nominees such as Chaloka Beyani and Mubita Nawa fail in their quests for high-profile international roles, including positions at the International Court of Justice and Interpol respectively.

“To be sure, Maimbo, a terribly nice person had his own weaknesses,” Dr Sishuwa said. “He lacked the kind of experience in government and African institutions that his competitors possessed. His long tenure at the World Bank left him vulnerable to criticism, especially from those who see the AfDB as needing independence from Western influence.”

Despite Zambia’s failed bid to the AfDB top job, Dr Sishuwa maintained that Dr Maimbo remained a viable and respectable candidate.

However, he asserted that Zambia’s own diplomatic reputation may have worked against Dr Maimnbo.

“His main weakness was also his strength: backing from Zambia, whose current leadership is not favourably looked upon in many quarters outside Zambia,” he said.

Dr Sishuwa also raised concerns about regional imbalances in the nomination of candidates for international roles.