The United States has rejected Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allegations of establishing a military base in neighboring Zambia. The accusations surfaced during Mnangagwa’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, where he claimed Zambia, funded by the US, posed a security threat to Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa also labeled Zambia an American client-state intent on regional destabilization. However, in a virtual press briefing, US Africa Command’s General Michael Langley refuted these claims, calling them “false.”
Langley explained that the US’s security cooperation office operates from its embassy in Zambia. “There is no US base in Zambia, nor any plans to establish one. Our approach is Africa-led and US-enabled, fostering a deep partnership with Zambia,” he stated.
The African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Botswana, attended by Langley, focused on regional security challenges across Africa. The conference, held from June 24 to 26, provided a platform to discuss cooperation and security strategies.
Langley reiterated that there is no US military footprint in Zambia, despite increased security cooperation. “Our presence is limited to our security cooperation office within the embassy,” he emphasized.
Mnangagwa’s remarks have strained Zimbabwe-Zambia relations. Zambia has sought intervention from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union over what it calls “unwarranted attacks” by Mnangagwa.
During his June 6 meeting with Putin, Mnangagwa accused the US of consolidating power in Zambia through security and financial support. He claimed this strategy aimed to isolate Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has been under US sanctions since 2003 due to alleged human rights violations. In March, the US reviewed these sanctions, imposing new restrictions on Mnangagwa, his wife, and senior officials under the Global Magnitsky Act. This act allows the US to sanction foreign officials for human rights abuses, freeze their assets, and ban them from entering the US.
The US has accused Mnangagwa of protecting gold and diamond smugglers in Zimbabwe. He allegedly directed officials to facilitate the sale of these resources in illicit markets and accepted bribes for access to his office.
In April, Washington announced a partnership to enhance disaster response and security cooperation with Zambia. This move followed a contentious period after Zimbabwe’s 2023 disputed elections.
Relations between Lusaka and Harare have soured since the elections. A SADC election observer mission, led by Zambian opposition leader Nevers Mumba, produced a critical report, sparking a public spat between officials from both countries.
Despite these tensions, Zimbabwe is set to assume the SADC chairmanship at a summit in Harare this August. This leadership role may provide an opportunity for Zimbabwe to address regional issues and mend strained relations.
Langley’s dismissal of Mnangagwa’s claims highlights the US’s commitment to transparency in its African engagements. As the US continues to foster partnerships on the continent, clarity and cooperation remain pivotal.
Source: Newsday
