President Edgar Lungu has with immediate effect withdrawn the appointment of musician Clifford Dimba alias ‘General Kanene’ as an ambassador against gender- based violence.

According to Lusaka Times, the President’s decision to revoke Mr. Dimba’s assignment has been taken in the light of the court case that he faces on allegations of gender-based violence.

In a letter addressed to the UN Resident Coordinator Ms Janet Rogan, the Head of State stated that the allegations against Mr. Dimba makes it untenable for him to execute this onerous task.

‘’ It was my hope that Mr. Dimba would use pardon and his special skills as a musician to campaign against gender-based violence using his anecdotal experience. However, I regret that he faces before the courts of law allegations of gender-based violence. This does not cast him in a good light to move the campaign forward’’.

The President assured the UN of his unwavering personal commitment to the fight against gender-based violence in particular and the attainment of gender parity in general. He also assured of his administration’s full support to the United Nations agenda to help create a fair society where men and women enjoy equal rights.

Kanene was pardoned from prison last year where he was serving a 14-year jail sentence for allegedly defiling a teenage boy.