Audio By Carbonatix
Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has denied claims of bankrolling a Rwandan rebel leader who is facing trial for attacks in his country in 2018 that left scores dead.
Rebel leader, Callixte Nsabimana, told a Rwandan high court on Monday that President Lungu promised his National Liberation Front (FLN) some $1m (£796,000) to help topple the the Rwandan government, AFP news agency reports.
He said President Lungu made a down payment of $150,000 in support of rebel attacks, the French agency reports.
But in a statement on Tuesday, President Lungu's spokesman said the "allegations are false and must be treated with the contempt they deserve".
"The peoples of Zambia and Rwanda continue to enjoy strong and fraternal relations founded on mutual respect," presidential spokesman Isaac Chipampe said.
Mr Nsabimana is facing 17 charges, Rwandan news website The New Times reports. They include 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, the website adds.
Latest Stories
-
Calls grow for stronger oversight as free trade and lax regulation fuel fake medicines
18 minutes -
World Cup 2026: Tuchel keeps group stage opponents under wraps, shuns Ghana
33 minutes -
Volta Region received a significant share of Big Push road projects – Mahama
38 minutes -
Togbe Afede XIV lauds government’s $10bn ‘big push’ programme for boosting farm produce transport
2 hours -
FDA urges consumers to prioritise safety when purchasing products during festive season
2 hours -
President Mahama calls for single-digit interest rates on agricultural loans
2 hours -
President Mahama urges Ghanaians in formal jobs to take up farming
2 hours -
Farming interventions paying off, lifting incomes and food security, says Agric minister
2 hours -
Gov’t pledges science-backed interventions in agriculture, says Agric minister
3 hours -
Ghana unveils $3.4bn plan to accelerate national clean energy transition
3 hours -
Interior minister urges security agencies to maximise use of new NSB regional command in Ho
3 hours -
Photos: Ghana celebrates 41st National Farmers’ Day
3 hours -
2025 Farmer’s Day: Farmers demand a 2% interest rate on loans to boost farming activities
3 hours -
Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana calls for strong public-private partnerships to unlock finance and transform the sector
4 hours -
Lions celebrate International Volunteer Day with over decades of service and impact
4 hours