Zambia denies facilitating Rwanda terror group

Lusaka. The Zambian government on Tuesday refuted claims by Rwandan terror suspect Callixte Nsabimana, a member of the National Liberation Forces (FLN), that it allowed his organisation “space to operate.”

Mr Nsabimana was quoted accusing Zambian President Edgar Lungu of facilitating them in their quest to overthrow the Rwandan government, Rwandan local media reported.

However, Zambia State House has refuted reports that Mr Lungu allegedly provided financial resources. 

“Allegations in the local and international media of the alleged submission made to Rwanda's High Court for International and Cross-border Crimes must be treated with the contempt they deserve,” said a statement from President Lungu’s spokesman Isaac Chipampe.

“The allegations are unequivocally false.”

The statement added that Zambia and Rwanda continue to enjoy strong relations founded on mutual respect and a common purpose based on shared values and principles.

Mr Nsabimana, appearing on Monday at the High Court in the Special Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes sitting in Nyanza District, is facing 17 charges including terrorism and treason.

The alleged crimes were committed when he was the spokesperson of the FLN, an armed terrorist organisation founded by the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD), a political organisation founded by Paul Rusesabagina, among others.

Media reports said that “it is not the first time Nsabimana, who was arrested and deported to Rwanda in April 2019, has accused Zambia of facilitating him and others to co-ordinate their activities.”