Zambia Issues Diplomatic Warning Following US Aid Theft Allegations

Zambia's foreign minister, Mulambo Haimbe, has warned international diplomats about a breach of protocol after the US ambassador publicly highlighted issues regarding the alleged theft of medical aid in the country.

Zambia's foreign minister Mulambo Haimbe issued a warning to diplomats, advising them to refrain from using media channels to address governmental issues following recent claims by the US ambassador, Michael Gonzales, regarding "systematic theft" of health aid. Haimbe emphasized that using the press for such matters could undermine diplomatic norms and highlighted the need for appropriate channels of communication. His remarks followed Gonzales's announcement of a $50 million reduction in health aid intended for Zambia due to ongoing issues concerning the misappropriation of vital medical supplies.

Ambassador Gonzales claimed that his public disclosure followed numerous unproductive meetings with Zambian officials, where they allegedly did not address the concerns over missing medical supplies. The US had previously communicated findings related to corruption to Zambian authorities, and while many arrests have been made as part of a crackdown, including 75 individuals, there remains public skepticism about the effectiveness of these actions.

Zambia's Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged that the issue of drug theft began earlier than the current administration, adding that corrective measures, such as the establishment of a digital tracking system for medical supplies, have been instituted. He insisted that despite the US cutting aid—which primarily supports crucial health programs targeting malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis—Zambia has sufficient stockpiles to avert imminent shortages.

The ramifications of this diplomatic dispute extend beyond immediate health impacts; they encompass broader concerns about international relations and aid dependency. The US represents nearly a third of Zambia's public health expenditure, making this rift potentially significant for future health initiatives within the nation. The matter also recalls past tensions, notably during Trump's administration, suggesting a complex environment where international diplomatic relations are tightly interwoven with local governance issues.