Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe has called on all Zambian citizens and global partners to ignore the assertions made by outgoing United States Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales during the farewell event hosted in his honour.
Among the assertion on April 30th 2026, the Outgoing ambassador to the US alleged that not a single notable person has been arrested nor a single notable prosecution has even begun on systematic and nationwide theft of U.S. provided medicines in Zambia.
Mr Gonzales also accused the Zambian Government ignoring calls from US, questions unanswered, meetings cancelled, leaving them without even opportunities to speak, much less engage in substantive deliberations on the 2 billion Health MOU.
In his response, Mr Haimbe notes that Mr Gonzales’ statements are deeply regrettable, undiplomatic, and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect that underpins relations between sovereign nations.
Mr Haimbe has further clarified that, contrary to the statements by Mr Gonzales, the relationship between Zambia and the US is not, nor has it been, centred on aid.
He adds that, contrary to the outgoing ambassador’s allegations of non-responsiveness on the part of Zambia’s government, Mr. Gonzales was in fact accorded the utmost decorum at the highest level and granted audience with the President of Zambia on multiple occasions.
He has added that, in terms of the proposed MoU under which the US graciously offered support of up to US$2 billion over the next five years, the US and Zambia are yet to agree on certain terms of the proposed draft MoU.
Mr Haimbe notes that the Zambian Government owes a duty to the people of Zambia to protect their interests at all times, in the same way that the US Government must protect its citizens.
He says the stalled negotiations on the Health MoU are a consequence of the inclusion of terms that the Zambian Government considers unacceptable, such as those relating to the sharing of data in violation of citizens’ right to privacy.
The Foreign Affairs Minister has added that the proposed critical minerals agreement and associated framework must reflect the will and aspirations of the people of Zambia.
Mr Haimbe has noted that Zambia remains an independent nation whose sovereignty, laws, and regulations must be respected.
Meanwhile, Mr Haimbe has noted that as Mr Gonzales’ tenure comes to an end, the Government is confident that his departure presents a unique opportunity for US-Zambia relations to once again blossom and grow to their full potential.
He has assured that Zambia remains committed to the US as a cherished and important friend and partner in development.
By Best Jere
