Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has blocked debate on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial remarks about Zambia. Mnangagwa made these comments during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mnangagwa met Putin at Konstantinovsky Palace before the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. During the meeting, he criticized Zambia’s relations with Western countries. His aides claimed the remarks were off the record. Mnangagwa accused Zambia of being a regional security threat due to its close ties with the United States, particularly regarding the alleged establishment of the US Africa Command in Lusaka.
The Zanu PF leader argued that Zambia’s actions aimed to isolate Zimbabwe from its neighbors. He cited military relations between Washington and Lusaka as troubling. Mnangagwa also sought defense and food security support from Putin. Critics say these comments could worsen Zimbabwe’s already strained relations with Zambia, a situation that has been tense since Mnangagwa assumed office after a 2017 coup.
The issue was brought up in Parliament on Tuesday. Mudenda, however, blocked the debate, stating that foreign relations fall under the Executive’s purview. “Foreign affairs, in terms of bilateral or regional relations, is for the Executive to handle,” Mudenda said. He emphasized that matters of diplomacy are managed at the Executive level and are not open for legislative debate.
Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators raised concerns, suggesting that unchecked statements from the Executive could damage Zimbabwe’s relations with neighboring countries. Zanu PF supporters defended Mnangagwa, while critics and political analysts condemned his remarks.
The ruling Zanu PF party has accused Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and the United States of supporting former opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. In retaliation, Lusaka has accused Zanu PF of backing opposition parties in Zambia. These mutual accusations have only heightened tensions between the two nations.
On Monday, the United States embassy in Harare dismissed claims that Washington is plotting to isolate Zimbabwe. Elaine French, the US charge d’affaires in Harare, stated that the US provides significant bilateral assistance to Zimbabwe. Since independence in 1980, the US has given more than $5 billion in aid to Zimbabwe. Despite this, Zanu PF activists accuse the US of using sanctions to punish Zimbabwean leaders.
The blocked debate highlights the sensitive nature of foreign relations in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. As tensions continue, both internal and external diplomatic efforts will be crucial in maintaining regional stability.
Source: Newsday
