Zambia has called on the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to step in and resolve a diplomatic dispute with Zimbabwe. This follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent criticisms of Zambia’s foreign relations during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Mnangagwa accused Zambia of becoming a regional security threat due to its ties with Western countries, particularly the United States. He suggested that Zambia was supporting Western efforts to isolate Zimbabwe from its neighbors.
These comments have sparked tensions between the two countries. Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, addressed the issue in a statement, calling Mnangagwa’s remarks an “unwarranted attack on Zambia’s sovereignty.”
Haimbe emphasized that Zambia had reached out to regional bodies, including the AU and SADC, for urgent intervention. He stated, “We are part of a wider regional and continental family including SADC and the AU to whom we have already reached out for an intervention.”
Relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia, historically close, have deteriorated recently. Zambia provided significant support to Zimbabwe’s liberation movement during pre-colonial times, including military aid. Haimbe underscored Zambia’s commitment to maintaining peaceful and neighborly relations.
However, Mnangagwa’s comments have strained these relations. Haimbe noted that the remarks were inconsistent with the historically warm ties between the nations. Zambia seeks a decisive resolution to restore harmony.
Despite the tensions, Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s longstanding relations with Russia and its commitment to maintaining balanced ties with Western countries. He stressed that Zambia would not favor one nation over another.
The current diplomatic row follows accusations from Harare that Lusaka interfered in Zimbabwe’s electoral processes. This was after the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM) reported that Zimbabwe’s August 23 elections did not meet regional and international standards for free and fair elections. The report was chaired by Nevers Mumba, a former Zambian Vice President appointed by Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema in his capacity as the SADC Troika chair.
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party responded by attacking Mumba and accusing Hichilema and the United States of supporting opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. Conversely, Lusaka has accused Zanu PF of supporting opposition parties in Zambia.
The United States embassy recently denied Mnangagwa’s claims that Washington aimed to isolate Zimbabwe from its neighbors. Haimbe emphasized that Zambia remains open to fostering and deepening relations with like-minded nations for mutual benefit.
“Ours is to enhance economic diplomacy, peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond for the mutual benefit of our collective citizens,” Haimbe said. “However, notwithstanding, Zambia remains a sovereign state whose sovereignty must be respected and will be protected.”
As tensions persist, the call for AU and SADC intervention underscores the need for regional solidarity and diplomatic resolution.
Source: Newsday
