Has Lungu Already Begun Solidifying Power Ahead of 2021?

News this morning that Felix Mutati has been demoted to Minister for Works and Supply has many wondering if President Lungu is attempted to further consolidate his grip on power by moving a prominent MMD member to such a trivial post. This argument is somewhat strengthened by recent spats between Lungu and former PF members Harry Kalaba and Chishimba Kambwiliw – both stalwarts of the Michael Sata Government.

The full cabinet shuffle update is below;

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has elevated Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe to the post of Minister of Finance, taking over from Hon. Felix Mutati who has been moved to Ministry of Works and Supply in the same capacity.

President Lungu has appointed Patriotic Front Parliamentary Chief Whip, Hon. Richard Musukwa as the new Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, taking over from Hon. Christopher Yaluma who becomes the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The PF Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Steven Chungu becomes the Chief Whip while Hon. Remember Chanda Mutale is the new Deputy Chief Whip.

The President has terminated the appointment of Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Hon. Lloyd Mulenga Kaziya and replaced him with the Minister of General Education, Hon. Dr. Dennis Wanchinga.

The Minister of Energy, Hon. David Mabumba moves to General Education in the same capacity. The Minister of Works and Supply Hon. Mathew Nkhuwa moves to Energy in the same capacity.

The Minister of Agriculture Hon. Dora Siliya has been transferred to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, taking over from Hon. Kampamba Mulenga who becomes Minister of Fisheries and Livestock replacing Hon. Michael Katambo who is the new Minister of Agriculture.

The Head of State has swapped Copperbelt Province Minister Bowman Lusambo with his Lusaka Province counterpart, Hon. Japhen Mwakalombe whilst Western Province Minister Hon. Nathaniel M Ubukwanu swaps with North-Western Province Minister Hon. Richard Kapita.

All the changes are with immediate effect.
Issued by:
Amos Chanda
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
(PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS)
STATE HOUSE