Latest news with #MulamboHaimbe
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Zambia warns diplomats after US reveals 'systematic' aid theft
Zambia's foreign minister has warned diplomats against interfering in the country's affairs, days after the US ambassador raised concerns about the "systematic theft" of drugs donated to the southern African state. Mulambo Haimbe said there was an "increasing tendency" by envoys to ignore diplomatic channels, and this could undermine the "spirit of mutual respect". He did not name anyone, but his comments were seen as being directed at the US ambassador to Lusaka, Michael Gonzales. Last week, Gonzales called a press conference to announce that the US was cutting $50m (£37m) of health aid to Zambia because of the theft of life-saving medications that the US had provided for patients. He added that he had decided to go public after holding more than 30 fruitless meetings with senior Zambian officials. In his response, Haimbe said that addressing the government through the media amounted to interference and was in breach of diplomatic conventions. "We remain open to addressing any matters of concern through appropriate diplomatic channels," the minister added. Last week, the US embassy said it had presented its findings of the alleged corruption to Zambian officials in April last year, and had offered help to stop further theft and to bring the culprits to justice. However, no action was taken by the Zambian authorities, it added. On Monday, Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu said that a forensic audit on the alleged theft had been completed and handed over to security agencies for further action. About 75 people have been arrested in a countrywide crackdown that saw more than 400 health facilities raided over the alleged scam, he said. "There will be no sacred cows in this pursuit," Mwiimbu added. Gonzales said that an inspection carried out by US officials at more than 2,000 pharmacies last year had found that most were selling drugs and medical supplies donated by the US. Zambia's Health Minister Elijah Muchima earlier said the problem of theft predated the current government, which took office in 2021. Muchima also said several Zambian officials had been sacked following the thefts identified by the US, and that "an advanced digital stock tracking system" had been set up to monitor the supply of medicines. The cut in US assistance, expected to take effect next year, would affect drugs to treat malaria, HIV and TB. But the health minister has reassured Zambians that there were sufficient stocks of all drugs so there was "no immediate risk of shortages". Gonzales said the recent US measure was separate to the foreign aid freeze announced by President Donald Trump in January. The freeze has affected health programmes across Africa, including shipments of critical medical supplies, among them HIV drugs. In March, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema said Trump had "slapped us on both cheeks", saying it was time for his country to strengthen its treasury to procure its own medicines. The US accounts for about a third of public health spending in Zambia, according to the US embassy. Bitcoin in the bush - the crypto mine in remote Zambia 'My son is a drug addict, please help' - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo 'My wife fears sex, I fear death' - impacts of the USAID freeze Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Zambia warns diplomats after US reveals 'systematic' aid theft
Zambia's foreign minister has warned diplomats against interfering in the country's affairs, days after the US ambassador raised concerns about the "systematic theft" of drugs donated to the southern African state. Mulambo Haimbe said there was an "increasing tendency" by envoys to ignore diplomatic channels, and this could undermine the "spirit of mutual respect". He did not name anyone, but his comments were seen as being directed at the US ambassador to Lusaka, Michael Gonzales. Last week, Gonzales called a press conference to announce that the US was cutting $50m (£37m) of health aid to Zambia because of the theft of life-saving medications that the US had provided for patients. He added that he had decided to go public after holding more than 30 fruitless meetings with senior Zambian officials. In his response, Haimbe said that addressing the government through the media amounted to interference and was in breach of diplomatic conventions. "We remain open to addressing any matters of concern through appropriate diplomatic channels," the minister added. Last week, the US embassy said it had presented its findings of the alleged corruption to Zambian officials in April last year, and had offered help to stop further theft and to bring the culprits to justice. However, no action was taken by the Zambian authorities, it added. On Monday, Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu said that a forensic audit on the alleged theft had been completed and handed over to security agencies for further action. About 75 people have been arrested in a countrywide crackdown that saw more than 400 health facilities raided over the alleged scam, he said. "There will be no sacred cows in this pursuit," Mwiimbu added. Gonzales said that an inspection carried out by US officials at more than 2,000 pharmacies last year had found that most were selling drugs and medical supplies donated by the US. Zambia's Health Minister Elijah Muchima earlier said the problem of theft predated the current government, which took office in 2021. Muchima also said several Zambian officials had been sacked following the thefts identified by the US, and that "an advanced digital stock tracking system" had been set up to monitor the supply of medicines. The cut in US assistance, expected to take effect next year, would affect drugs to treat malaria, HIV and TB. But the health minister has reassured Zambians that there were sufficient stocks of all drugs so there was "no immediate risk of shortages". Gonzales said the recent US measure was separate to the foreign aid freeze announced by President Donald Trump in January. The freeze has affected health programmes across Africa, including shipments of critical medical supplies, among them HIV drugs. In March, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema said Trump had "slapped us on both cheeks", saying it was time for his country to strengthen its treasury to procure its own medicines. The US accounts for about a third of public health spending in Zambia, according to the US embassy. Bitcoin in the bush - the crypto mine in remote Zambia 'My son is a drug addict, please help' - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo 'My wife fears sex, I fear death' - impacts of the USAID freeze Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Zambia warns envoys after US ambassador reveals 'systemic theft' of medical aid
Zambia's foreign minister has warned diplomats against interfering in the country's affairs, days after the US ambassador raised concerns about the "systematic theft" of drugs donated to the southern African state. Mulambo Haimbe said there was an "increasing tendency" by envoys to ignore diplomatic channels, and this could undermine the "spirit of mutual respect".He did not name anyone, but his comments were seen as being directed at the US ambassador to Lusaka, Michael Gonzales. Last week, Gonzales called a press conference to announce that the US was cutting $50m (£37m) of health aid to Zambia because of the theft of life-saving medications that the US had provided for patients. He added that he had decided to go public after holding more than 30 fruitless meetings with senior Zambian officials. In his response, Haimbe said that addressing the government through the media amounted to interference and was in breach of diplomatic conventions."We remain open to addressing any matters of concern through appropriate diplomatic channels," the minister added. Last week, the US embassy said it had presented its findings of the alleged corruption to Zambian officials in April last year, and had offered help to stop further theft and to bring the culprits to justice. However, no action was taken by the Zambian authorities, it Monday, Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu said that a forensic audit on the alleged theft had been completed and handed over to security agencies for further action. About 75 people have been arrested in a countrywide crackdown that saw more than 400 health facilities raided over the alleged scam, he said. "There will be no sacred cows in this pursuit," Mwiimbu added. Gonzales said that an inspection carried out by US officials at more than 2,000 pharmacies last year had found that most were selling drugs and medical supplies donated by the Health Minister Elijah Muchima earlier said the problem of theft predated the current government, which took office in also said several Zambian officials had been sacked following the thefts identified by the US, and that "an advanced digital stock tracking system" had been set up to monitor the supply of cut in US assistance, expected to take effect next year, would affect drugs to treat malaria, HIV and the health minister has reassured Zambians that there were sufficient stocks of all drugs so there was "no immediate risk of shortages".Gonzales said the recent US measure was separate to the foreign aid freeze announced by President Donald Trump in freeze has affected health programmes across Africa, including shipments of critical medical supplies, among them HIV March, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema said Trump had "slapped us on both cheeks", saying it was time for his country to strengthen its treasury to procure its own US accounts for about a third of public health spending in Zambia, according to the US embassy. You may also be interested in: Bitcoin in the bush - the crypto mine in remote Zambia'My son is a drug addict, please help' - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo'My wife fears sex, I fear death' - impacts of the USAID freeze Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
European Union and Zambia Partnership Dialogue marks the 50 years of strong and committed partnership
The Partnership Dialogue meeting between the European Union and the Republic of Zambia took place in Lusaka on 16 April 2025. The dialogue was co-chaired by Ms Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa of the European External Action Service, together with Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Heads of Mission of the European Union, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy and Sweden, as well as non-resident Heads of Mission of Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Poland and Spain took part in the dialogue. The European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships was represented by Hors-Classe Adviser Henrik Hololei. Partnership dialogue is a yearly formal high-level engagement where the EU and Zambia discuss strategic priorities of their partnership. 'Africa is high on our agenda. In the current geopolitical context, partnerships grounded in shared values and interests are more important than ever. The European Union and Zambia are natural partners – committed to democratic governance, peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development, and a rules-based international order ', stated Rita Laranjinha. This year marks the 25th anniversary of partnership between the EU and the African Union and 50 years of EU cooperation with Zambia, a key partner in Southern Africa. The Partnership Dialogue covered a broad range of issues. Partners discussed the rapidly evolving geopolitical context and exchanged views on global challenges, from peace and security to climate change and environmental protection. Partners confirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and exchanged views on reforms of multilateral institutions. Significant part of the Partnership Dialogue was dedicated to governance and human rights, legislative and electoral reforms and the role of civil society. Regional security was prominent in the discussion. The EU reconfirmed its strong relations with the region, including the recent EU-SADC Ministerial meeting and the long-standing support to COMESA with almost EUR €100 million to develop circular economy, trade in services, digital policies with a focus on intra-regional trade competitiveness and markets access. Discussion focused also on business enabling environment and necessary reforms to facilitate foreign investment and local entrepreneurship. The EU and Zambia celebrate 50 years of strong partnership, with a positive agenda contributing to Zambia's sustainable and inclusive growth, green transition, human development and social resilience. The European Union is Zambia's first development partner. Collectively, as Team Europe, the EU and Member States provide around 140 million EUR annually in grants. Through its Global Gateway Strategy, the European Union mobilises investment from private sector and European financing institutions. In the period of 2021-2027, the EU provides over EUR 500 million in grants, with EUR 153 million earmarked for 2025-2027 to support sectors of energy, water, transport, raw materials value chains, as well as education and access to justice. 'Global Gateway represents a shift in the EU strategic approach to partnerships. We are offering quality investment in areas where both the EU and Zambia share interest to work together. Investments that enhance local value addition, benefit local communities, create quality jobs, promote highest environmental, social and governance standards', explained Henrik Hololei. EU and Zambia have concluded Strategic partnerships on Critical Raw Materials, on the development of the Lobito Corridor and on Forestry. EU invests in development of economic activity around strategic corridors, from agriculture and support to start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises, circular economy, to local value chains related to critical raw materials. Education, skills development and governance are key elements of EU support. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA.
