Zambian singer removed as gender violence spokesman

LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambia’s president revoked a popular singer’s position as ambassador against gender violence after the performer was accused of assaulting a woman.

President Edgar Lungu said Monday that Clifford Dimba could not fulfil his role as a spokesman against gender violence while he is on trial for the alleged assault. Lungu said he pardoned Dimba for a sexual assault conviction because he hoped the musician would campaign against gender violence.

Lungu also informed the United Nations of his decision. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on violence against women criticized Dimba’s pardon, saying it trivialized sexual violence in Zambia.

The performer, known to his fans as General Kanene, was released last July after serving a year of his 18-year sentence. He was arrested in October for allegedly assaulting a woman in a pub.

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