by ARNOLD MULENGA
LUSAKA – THE strained relations between the United States (US) and Zambia looks likely a result of the African country strengthening its ties with China, US’ main rival in the global stage.
That could mean Zambia is caught up in the escalating geopolitical tensions, by solidifying political and economic ties with Asian global powerhouse.
The relationship between the US and Zambia deteriorated this week.
On Tuesday, the US Department of State announced that the country would require citizens from Zambia (and Malawi) to pay a $15 000 bond for a tourist or business visa.
The move aims to curb visa overstay, according to the department.
On Wednesday, the US issued a health alert to its citizens in Zambia, ordering the immediate withdrawal of all American government personnel from Kitwe and nearby areas affected by the Sino Metals mine tailings dam spill.
The Chinese corporation-owned firm took responsibility for the disaster, in February, when a tailings dam at its copper mine in northern Zambia, released around 50 million litres of acidic and highly toxic waste into the Kafue river ecosystem.
The contamination severely impacted aquatic life, water supplies and agricultural activities along the river, which serves as a critical water source for approximately 60 percent of Zambia’s population.
On Wednesday, the US said newly available information revealed the extent of hazardous and carcinogenic substances – including arsenic, cyanide, uranium, and other heavy metals – as well as the immediate and long-term health threats that exposure to these contaminants pose as long as they remain in the environment.
“Beyond contaminated water and soil, contaminants from the spilled mine tailings may also become airborne, posing a health threat if inhaled,” the US Embassy stated.
As a result, US personnel have been removed from Chambishi town, all areas along the Chambishi Stream and Mwambashi River to the Mwambashi-Kafue confluence point and Kitwe town.
US personnel have been ordered to avoid any travel to Kitwe Town that renders them dependent on drinking, or eating food cooked with, municipally available water.
“The US Embassy advises US citizens in the vicinity of the Sino Metals Leach Mine in Chambishi and downstream areas to Kitwe to take precautions against exposure to, and consumption of, heavy metal contaminated water or foods cooked with it.”
In a series of posts on its social media pages, the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of Zambia alleged geopolitics was at play.
“It is becoming clear that Zambia is paying dearly for its close relationship and upgrade in strategic partnership with China,” read one post.
“How many Zambians flock to the USA as compared to some countries?” another read, referring to the new visa regulations.
In another post, UPND accused US Ambassador, Michael Gonzales, of “gross misconduct.”
The envoy was accused of “taking on the job” of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Ministry of Green Economy, Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Water Resources as well as working with and funding a local newspaper to scandalize the government.
“Immediate action must be taken,” the ruling party appealed.
He is the second US ambassador to fall out with the host government. Daniel Lewis Foote, ambassador to Zambia in 2017-2020, was declared persona non grata and left the country after his anger at the conviction of two men who had consensual sex acts.
Then, Zambia was under the presidency of Edgar Lungu (now late) and the Patriotic Front (PF).
PF, defeated in 2021, appeared to mock UPND at the strained relations with the US.
These relations had started on a high when current President, Hakainde Hichilema, and UPND appeared to lean towards the US.
“We were made to believe that UPND had a very good relationship with the US, and come the 2021 election victory, it will be raining dollars on Zambians,” pf stated.
It added, “But the sad reality is that, for the first time in Zambia’s history since 1964, we have to deposit a down payment (bond) to get a visa.”
Commentators weighed in on the developments driving a wedge between Zambia and the US this week.
Buntele Bwangu said, “This has undertones of a ‘Cold War’ between USA vs China.”
“The moment you saw the USA ambassador at the launch of the News Diggers documentary, you knew the game at play.”
Bwangu’s comment is in reference to the alleged attendance by Gonzales at the launch of a documentary alleging misconduct by Chinese companies in Zambia.
Osp Kabagana noted, “This war is between two powerful countries. Zambia is only a playground.”
In a related development, Hichilema this week hosted Dr Walid Hassan, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who bade farewell following the completion of his tour of duty in Zambia.
Palestine and Israel are in a conflict that has divided the world.
“Zambia and the State of Palestine enjoy a long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and solidarity, a bond initiated by our founding leaders, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Yasser Arafat,” Hichilema said.
Relations under the administration of Hichilema and America began controversial in Zambia and Southern Africa when it appeared Hichilema was warming up to the US.
Critics argued Zambia was leaning to the US despite its history of imperialism and abandoning Zambia’s Pan Africanist stance.
In 2022, at the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution ES‑11/4), Zambia and the United States both voted in favor of the resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The same year, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the opening of an Office of Security Cooperation at the US Embassy in Zambia.
Lately, Hichilema’s government has been solidifying ties with China. In July, a UNDP delegation spent around a week in China to boost relations with the Communist Party of China (CPC).
– CAJ News
