Zambia's public sector staff face mass retirements
Tens of thousands of workers worry as the government removes senior officials from key agencies.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Zambian public servants are facing a wave of dismissals and forced retirements that has shaken confidence in government jobs. The changes affect police officers, health officials, and environmental managers. Many workers now fear for their positions after the August 2026 general election.
Godfrey Chilabi, a former police public relations officer, was retired in October. He confirmed his exit to local media. "Yes, I have been retired in national interest. I can't give any reason, but know I'm in retirement," he said. His case is part of a wider trend across several institutions. Charity Munganga, a deputy inspector general in the police service, was also dismissed. The entire staff of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency was let go following a government audit. At the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, senior directors were placed on administrative leave.
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment stated on October 20 that these directors will be assessed for competence and performance. A final decision on their reinstatement or separation will follow. Opposition lawmakers questioned the government in Parliament over these moves. Andrew Nguvu, a governance commentator, argued that transparency is missing. He said the government should explain the reasons for retiring specific civil servants. "If at all, there are legitimate reasons for retiring any particular civil servant, then obviously the government should clearly explain [these reasons]," Nguvu told DW.
Stephen Kampyongo, an opposition lawmaker, raised the issue during a session on October 17. He asked what assurances the government was giving to public servants working in fear. He also asked what was being done to prevent those retired from becoming destitute. Vice President Mutale Nalumango responded for the government. She rejected claims of a political purge. She described the process as lawful under section 39 of the Public Service Pensions Act.
Nalumango acknowledged that some staff are being lost. "It is unfortunate that a life was lost, but maybe it is an issue that public servants/public service workers must brace themselves for," she told Parliament. Critics see this as a sign that more changes may come. Gilbert Liswaniso, the national youth chairperson for the ruling United Party for National Development, said governments prefer to work with people who share their vision. "Every political party [that] comes to power, has to flush out! [It] has to work with the people aligned with the vision of that political party!" he said.
Civil rights activist David Chishimba noted that the Constitution restricts public officers from participating in partisan politics while in office. He added that civil servants serve Zambia, not a party, the president, or a campaign. Nguvu said the current climate is unsettling for workers facing high living costs and debt. He warned that the decisions lack clear explanations and may destroy institutional memory. The Zambia Council of Activists has called on the government to publish the names and evidence of those facing dismissal. The group also asked for every case to be submitted to due process.
The government maintains that the realignment is necessary. The opposition argues that the ruling party opposed such retirements when it was in the minority. The debate continues as the government assesses the remaining staff in affected agencies.
