Update: Foreign Minister Haimbe says Government will answer Ian Khama "at an appropriate time" but is keeping to diplomacy

**Update:** Earlier coverage reported State House's Clayson Hamasaka accusing former Botswana president Ian Khama of sponsoring a militia in Zambia; what is new is the first public response from the Foreign Affairs Minister. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe has said Zambia is concerned about remarks made by former Botswana president Ian Khama about President Hakainde Hichilema, and that Government will respond in full at a later time. Mr Haimbe spoke to journalists at an airport on Thursday. "At an appropriate time, we will respond, but the Ministry is taking a diplomatic approach," he said. He added: "Certainly, we are concerned as Zambia and will continue with diplomatic efforts." He said the remarks were not what one would expect from a former head of state of another country. Mr Haimbe did not set out which remarks he was referring to and gave no date for the Government's reply. ## Background Mr Khama has kept up public criticism of Mr Hichilema since the August election, repeatedly calling him a dictator. On 2 November, State House's Clayson Hamasaka accused Mr Khama of sponsoring a militia group in Zambia. Mr Haimbe's comments place the matter on the diplomatic track. ## Why it matters Mr Haimbe's comments move a dispute that has so far been fought through public statements by officials onto the diplomatic track, the channel Zambia uses for its dealings with other governments. No step affecting Zambia's relations with Botswana was mentioned. ## What happens next Mr Haimbe said Government will respond at an appropriate time. No date, form or channel for that response has been given. Source: The Zambian Observer, 5 November 2026, about 18:57 (Africa/Lusaka). Original story: https://zambianobserver.com/haimbe-breaks-silence-on-ian-khamas-remarks-against-president-hichilema/