Group demands transparent discourse of claims made by U.S ambassador against Zambian govt

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on the Government to provide a full, immediate, and transparent account of actions taken in response to out-going US Ambassador Michael Gonzales’ allegations of theft and diversion of public medical supplies. NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beauty Katebe, raised concern over the recent public exchange between the Zambian Government and Gonzales, concerning matters of national importance. Katebe affirmed Government’s position, as articulated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, that Zambia was a sovereign State with established and respected diplomatic channels for engaging all cooperating partners.

She noted Government’s response to a statement by the outgoing US Envoy, which suggested that certain health-sector support may have been linked to negotiations involving Zambia’s critical mineral resources. “These remarks have brought to public attention concerns about the use of aid as leverage in accessing national assets. We firmly uphold the principle of Zambian sovereignty and the protection of our national resources,” Katebe said.

She expressed concern over any arrangement that appeared to link essential health financing to the surrender or exploitation of Zambia’s natural wealth. Katebe emphasized that international cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and partnership, not conditionalities that undermined national autonomy or exert undue pressure on a sovereign people. Katebe stated that Zambia must not be subjected to external interference in its legal, cultural, or policy frameworks.

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“That said, NGOCC recognises that the concerns raised by the outgoing Envoy touch on long-standing issues that have been widely discussed but inadequately addressed,” she said. Katebe said Gonzales’ remarks had revived serious allegations that demanded transparency and accountability from those entrusted with public office. She stressed the need to ensure that the sovereignty was not invoked to shield corruption or neglect matters that endangered public health.

“Specifically, we demand that the Government provide a comprehensive public update on investigations into the alleged diversion and sale of state medical supplies, including any pharmacy networks implicated,” Katebe said. Katebe wants the government to publicly outline and implement time-bound reforms to secure the medical supply chain, strengthening oversight, traceability, and internal controls. “Uphold the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act by safeguarding those who report corruption and prioritising action on the substance of credible allegations,” she demanded.

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