In response to the U.S. ambassador's remarks about corruption in aid distribution, Zambia's government emphasizes diplomatic protocol and ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Zambia Issues Warning to Diplomats Over US Concerns of Aid Misappropriation
Zambia Issues Warning to Diplomats Over US Concerns of Aid Misappropriation
Zambia's foreign minister cautions envoys against public criticism after US highlights serious issues of drug theft.
Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe has issued a stern warning to foreign diplomats, urging them to refrain from public commentary on the nation's internal matters. This statement comes in the wake of U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales highlighting rampant corruption involving the misappropriation of essential medical supplies donated to Zambia.
Ambassador Gonzales recently disclosed that the U.S. would be cutting $50 million in healthcare aid to Zambia due to ongoing theft of life-saving medications. His criticism stems from over 30 unsuccessful meetings with Zambian officials regarding the alleged theft and the lack of action on previous findings presented to the Zambian government in April of last year.
Haimbe lamented an "increasing tendency" among diplomats to bypass traditional diplomatic channels and instead engage with the media, contending that such actions could jeopardize bilateral respect. In his comments, he did not explicitly name Gonzales but his statements were clearly aimed at addressing the U.S. ambassador's recent press conference.
Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu later announced that a forensic audit regarding the alleged theft was completed and that over 75 individuals have been arrested amid a nationwide crackdown that targeted over 400 healthcare facilities implicated in the scandal.
U.S. and Zambian health officials previously discussed measures to rectify the situation, including implementing an advanced digital tracking system for pharmaceuticals. Despite the looming cuts in U.S. aid, Zambia's Health Minister Elijah Muchima assured the public that there are sufficient drug supplies to mitigate immediate shortages, although the cut could affect treatment for diseases like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis in the future.
This controversy follows a broader context, as Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema reflected on the challenges faced during aid freezes initiated under the Trump administration, which have considerably impacted health programs across Africa. The U.S. embassy notes that American aid constitutes about one-third of Zambia's public healthcare funding.
