Zambia has officially requested the intervention of the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in a growing diplomatic dispute with Zimbabwe. This action follows remarks made by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa that have been perceived as direct affronts to Zambia’s sovereignty. During a recent discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mnangagwa criticized Zambia’s affiliations with Western nations, notably the United States, labeling them as a regional security threat and seeking Russia’s support against what he claimed were Western schemes to isolate Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa’s comments have not only stirred controversy but have also escalated tensions, bringing the issue to the forefront of discussions in Zambia’s Parliament this week. Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made a ministerial statement expressing his government’s dismay over the remarks, which he described as an “unwarranted attack on Zambia’s sovereignty.”
In his plea for regional intervention, Haimbe highlighted the historical ties between Zambia and Zimbabwe, noting that the relationship dates back to the pre-colonial era when Zambia supported Zimbabwe’s liberation movement, providing sanctuary and military aid to Zimbabwean freedom fighters. “It is against this historical backdrop that we are committed to maintaining peaceful and neighborly relations,” Haimbe stated, emphasizing the depth of the bond between the two nations.
Despite the historical camaraderie, recent events have soured relations, particularly after Harare’s accusations against Lusaka of meddling in its electoral processes. These allegations arose following a report by the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM), chaired by former Zambian Vice President Nevers Mumba, which criticized Zimbabwe’s latest elections for not meeting regional and international standards for fairness.
The ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe has reacted sharply, not only attacking Mumba but also accusing Zambia’s current President, Hakainde Hichilema, and the United States of supporting opposition movements within Zimbabwe. Conversely, accusations have flown from Lusaka as well, with claims of Zimbabwean support for Zambian opposition parties, indicating a tit-for-tat political standoff between the neighboring countries.
In the wake of these allegations, the United States embassy in Zimbabwe denied any intentions of isolating Zimbabwe from its neighbors, further complicating the diplomatic narrative. Minister Haimbe reassured that Zambia is keen on fostering stronger ties with “like-minded nations” and emphasized the country’s ongoing commitment to economic diplomacy, regional peace, security, and stability for the mutual benefit of all involved.
Haimbe concluded his statement with a firm reminder of Zambia’s sovereignty, underscoring that it will be both respected and protected. He reiterated Zambia’s openness to dialogue and constructive engagement but remained resolute in defending the nation’s independence against any form of external infringement.
