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
-
We’ll not engage in opaque and obscure deals when elected – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
2 mins -
Energy and Finance Ministries must provide funding to fix energy challenges – IES
9 mins -
Reintroduce Fiscal Responsibility Act to tackle election budget overrun – Osafo Marfo
10 mins -
Prioritise transparency, avoid suppressing the truth – Opoku-Agyemang advises EC
16 mins -
In times of setbacks, I won’t say I was only the driver’s mate – Naana Jane assures Mahama
17 mins -
Joselyn Dumas opens up on why single mothers struggle to find partners
20 mins -
Three damaged ECG pylons result in power outage for 9 Shama communities
22 mins -
Dual citizens eligible for Chief Justice, Chief Director, other positions – Supreme Court rules
1 hour -
SIGA urges increased financial support for SOEs
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo vows to enhance Ghana’s power supply
2 hours -
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
4 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
5 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
5 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
5 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
5 hours