Writer deported for insulting Zambian president

LUSAKA, Zambia (Reuters) -- Zambia said it has ordered a controversial British writer to leave the country for insulting President Levy Mwanawasa and calling two of his ministers "baboons."

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Home Affairs permanent secretary Peter Mumba said Roy Clarke, a satirical writer for the privately owned daily Post newspaper, was told to leave Zambia.

Clarke, who writes a column known as the "The Spectator," referred to Mwanawasa as a "foolish elephant" and two ministers as "baboons" when Mwanawasa visited a game reserve.

"Yes, he will be deported to Britain," Mumba told Reuters. "We will buy a ticket for him on British Airways because he cannot continue to live with people he thinks are baboons."

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