Outgoing US envoy’s remarks worry government

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has expressed concern over the remarks made by the outgoing United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, describing them as undiplomatic and contrary to established diplomatic norms. Mr Haimbe said Government takes serious exception to the Ambassador’s statements delivered during a farewell reception held on April 30, 2026, in Lusaka, stating that they undermine the spirit of mutual respect between sovereign nations. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, the Minister noted that the US envoy’s remarks contravene provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, particularly Articles 3 and 41, which outline the functions of diplomats and prohibit interference in the internal affairs of host countries.

“The assertions made by the outgoing Ambassador are deeply regrettable, undiplomatic, and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect that underpins relations between sovereign nations,” Mr Haimbe said. ZANIS reports that the Minister further expressed concern that the issues raised by the Ambassador were not formally communicated through diplomatic channels, but instead presented at a social event. “Such conduct reflects a lack of respect for the Receiving State and established diplomatic processes, which require formal engagement on matters of concern,” he stated.

Mr Haimbe clarified that Zambia’s relationship with the United States has never been centred on aid, but rather on shared values, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964. He emphasized that the longstanding partnership between the two nations has delivered tangible benefits and should not be reduced to a narrative based on dependency. The Minister said that contrary to claims of non-responsiveness, the US envoy had been granted multiple audiences with President Hakainde Hichilema and guided on diplomatic conduct by the Ministry on several occasions.

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Addressing concerns over the proposed US$2 billion Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mr Haimbe said that negotiations remain ongoing, with Zambia raising legitimate concerns over provisions relating to data sharing and citizen privacy. “The Zambian Government owes a duty to its citizens to safeguard their interests, and negotiations must reflect that responsibility rather than be misconstrued as inertia,” he said. He added that Government has also taken issue with attempts to link the Health MoU to the proposed critical minerals agreement, insisting that each framework must be considered independently and on its own merits.

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