Lungu Denies Involvement in Tree Scandal

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has been entangled in a scandal involving the illegal logging and sale of rosewood trees, also known locally as mukula.

Lungu took to social media to defend himself against what he calls “fake news”, and that these misleading reports were polluting the country.

The President posted on Facebook saying, “I wish to state categorically that any talk of my involvement in the illegal trade of mukula is a complete falsehood which is aimed at trying to form a distasteful caricature of my administration and I, in the minds of Zambians”.

He further wrote that “fake news” could dissuade potential foreign investors and disrupt any gains made in the progress of Zambia’s development.

Reports have circulated linking Lungu and his daughter to the illegal sale of rosewood tree-logs, a rare and highly sought-after commodity with a huge demand in China.

At the 70th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, 80 countries came together to discuss the illegal trade of elephant ivory, rhino horn, pangolin and other endangered species subject to illegal trade.

It was here that the trade in African Rosewood, a particularly rare and endangered species of the tree was outlawed.