Zambian President cancels Kanene appointment


Zambian President Edgar Lungu has announced that he has with immediate effect withdrawn the appointment of musician Clifford Dimba popularly known General Kanene as an ambassador against gender-based violence.The President’s decision to revoke Kanene’s assignment has been taken in the light of a court case in which he faces charges of gender-based violence.In a letter addressed to the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Ms Janet Rogan, Lungu said the charges against Kanene make it untenable for him to execute the onerous task.General Kanene: His position now pulled.“It was my hope that Mr. Dimba would use pardon and his special skills as a musician to campaign against gender-based violence using his anecdotal experience. However, I regret that he faces before the courts of law allegations of gender-based violence. This does not cast him in a good light to move the campaign forward,” said Lungu.The president assured the UN of his unwavering personal commitment to the fight against gender-based violence in particular and the attainment of gender parity in general. President Lungu also assured his administration’s full support to the UN agenda to help create a fair society where men and women enjoy equal rights.Lungu also expressed gratitude to the UN Resident Coordinator for the confidence she has continued to show in him as a champion of the HE for SHE Campaign and as a promoter of gender equality.Kanene was jailed to 18 years in prison for raping a girl. However, President Lungu pardoned Kanene after he had served a year of his jail term and appointed him as ambassador against gender based violence.Last month, the UN condemned President Lungu for appointing General Kanene as ambassador against Gender Based Violence, saying it will affect the victim.