Days after the US ambassador voiced worries about the “systematic theft” of medications provided to the southern African state, Zambia’s foreign minister issued a warning to diplomats not to meddle in the country’s internal affairs.
Mulambo Haimbe claimed that the “spirit of mutual respect” would be compromised by envoys’ “increasing tendency” to disregard diplomatic channels.
He did not give a name, but it was assumed that he was referring to Michael Gonzales, the US ambassador in Lusaka.
Gonzales announced at a news conference last week that the United States was reducing $50 million (£37 million) in health aid to Zambia due to the theft of life-saving drugs that the United States had sent to patients.
