Vice President fired for insurbordination

Zambia's President Levy Mwanawasa has sacked his vice president, Nevers Mumba, for insubordination. Mwanawasa made the announcement at a news conference at State House in the capital, Lusaka, saying Mumba had breached an oath of allegiance when he failed to retract his recent allegations that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was harbouring individuals who were working against the Zambian government. Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja announced that Mumba's dismissal had been with immediate effect, adding that he would be replaced by Northern Province Minister Lupando Mwape.
Mwanawasa had admonished his deputy over the accusations, and apologised to the Congolese government. Mumba, however, refused to acknowledge that his comments were imprudent, much to the chagrin of Mwanawasa. "I am Mr Mumba's boss and I am entitled to some form of respect in line with the oath that ministers, including the vice president, take when I appoint them. Since he did not regret what he said, I regret that I appointed him and I have with immediate effect removed him from office," a local newspaper quoted Mwanawasa as saying. (The Times of Zambia, Ndola/The Post, Lusaka)