REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LUSAKA -- The Zambian government on Thursday dismissed reports that former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was seeking asylum in Zambia.

There been reports on social media that the 93-year-old former Zimbabwean leader was contemplating seeking asylum in Zambia after his 37-year rule came to an end.

But Zambia's foreign minister Harry Kalaba said Mugabe has not approached the Zambian government to seek asylum, adding that the reports should be treated as mere speculation.

He said the Zambian government has not been approached by Mugabe or any of his representatives.

Other reports said the former Zimbabwean leader had wished to stay in Zimbabwe and not live in exile.

Meanwhile, Zambian President Edgar Lungu is expected in Zimbabwe on Friday to attend the inauguration of that country's new leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The foreign minister said Lungu's decision to attend the ceremony was aimed at further consolidating the relations between the two countries.

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