Zambia on Monday rebuked outgoing US ambassador Michael Gonzales after he raised concerns about the country's anti-corruption efforts and structural issues tied to US support for the health sector at a farewell reception in Lusaka last week. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the remarks were deeply regrettable, undiplomatic and inconsistent with mutual respect. [1]
Haimbe said the comments were made at the farewell event and were not sent through official diplomatic channels. He said the lack of a formal complaint or demarche showed a lack of respect for Zambia and for diplomatic norms. [1]
"The Government of the Republic of Zambia therefore takes the greatest exception to the conduct of the outgoing ambassador. We call on all well meaning Zambian citizens and global partners to ignore the assertions made by the outgoing ambassador during the farewell event hosted in his honour," Haimbe said. [1]
The minister also rejected the ambassador’s portrayal of the relationship as aid-based. He said the Zambia-US partnership is rooted in strategic cooperation and equality of states. "This partnership has delivered tangible benefits for our two peoples from inception and cannot be characterized as aid based as suggested by the outgoing ambassador," Haimbe said. [1]
Haimbe said Zambia remained committed to strengthening governance, fighting corruption and delivering sustainable development in line with its national priorities. He also said the country remained open to constructive engagement while insisting on respect for its sovereignty, laws and institutions. [1]
The remarks followed a farewell reception for Gonzales in Lusaka last week, after which Haimbe publicly criticized the ambassador on Monday. [1]
