ActionAid Zambia country director Nalucha Ziba says President Edgar Lungu’s decision to revoke the appointment of George Siame as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) board chairperson proves his commitment to protect the integrity of the institution.

The Lusaka High Court had previously ordered Siame, who was then Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) deputy commissioner, to pay K1 million fine as compensation for assaulting a fellow female employee, Roselyne Raelly.

And reacting to President Lungu’s move to revoke Siame’s appointment, Ziba said the decision was timely amidst the rising number of reported GBV cases.

“ActionAid Zambia welcomes the decision by the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, in revoking the recent appointment of the Financial Intelligence Centre Board Chairperson Mr George Chilengwe Siame. This is very commendable as it shows the President’s commitment to protect the integrity of the institution as well as upholding the gains registered in the fight against Gender Based Violence by revoking the appointment of a man who was reported to have assaulted a female Human Resource Manager, whilst he served as a senior commissioner at Zambia Revenue Authority in 2009. The President’s decision is timely, amidst the rising number of reported GBV cases,” stated Ziba in a press release issued Thursday.

“It is ActionAid Zambia’s sincere hope that the President continues on the same path and that consideration will be given to capable women when appointing the next FIC Board Chairperson as we seek to put more women in decision- making positions.”