Zambian leader names full cabinet

Zambian President Edgar Lungu attends the opening ceremony of the 24th Ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, January 30, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

LUSAKA - Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday named his full cabinet and promised that he will not hesitate to remove any of his ministers for not performing.

Lungu, who won last month's presidential election, has retained most of the ministers appointed by his predecessor late President Michael Sata and also included members of the opposition in his cabinet.

"I demand nothing but excellence from all my colleagues because we are in a hurry to deliver. We do not have the luxury of time before the next election," he said during the announcement of his full cabinet at State House.

Lungu said he will continue as defense minister until further notice.

The Zambian leader has brought in two lawmakers from the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) into his government, saying he wanted an inclusive government by appointing Michael Kaingu as education minister and Vincent Mwale as youth and sports minister.

Among those who have bounced back includes Chishimba Kambwili who has been moved from the Ministry of Sports and Youth to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting while education minister John Phiri has been transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

Christopher Yaluma has retained his position as Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development as well as Yamfwa Mukanga who has retained his position as Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda has bounced back as Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Last month, the Zambian president appointed part of his cabinet in which he named Inonge Wina as the country's first female vice- president.