Lungu denies involvement in rosewood scandal

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has taken to Facebook to express concern over what he called "fake news", saying misleading media reports were polluting the country.

His comments come amid allegations linking him and his daughter to the illegal sale of the highly sought-after rosewood tree logs, locally known as mukula.

The investigation on the illegal trade of the mukula tree logs was carried out by the US-based Environmental Investigation Agency.

Zambians were told that there was a ban on trading #mukula. Yet behind the scenes, an elite group reportedly tied to #Zambia’s president, referred to as the #MukulaCartel, are illegally trading mukula for personal benefit. More here on this exclusive: https://t.co/vHsAT2KePf pic.twitter.com/ysMevlJAmr

— Environmental Investigation Agency U.S. (@EIAEnvironment) December 5, 2019

There have been further reports that some members of his cabinet have shared residential plots in a degazetted forest.

But Mr Lungu has denied the allegations, saying falsehoods in the media have the potential to endanger national peace, stability and unity.

”I wish to state categorically that any talk of my involvement in the illegal trade of mukula is a complete falsehood which is aimed at trying to form a distasteful caricature of my administration and I, in the minds of the Zambians.”

He added that "fake news" could discourage domestic and foreign direct investment, and in the end, disrupt or negate gains made on national development priorities.

Many Zambians are frustrated by the never-ending news of alleged corruption in the government amidst economic hardship.