By Isaac Mwanza
I have read a couple of media reports confirming that the United States Government has recalled its Ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote, following the recent demarche issued by the Zambian Government. This demarche followed his comments on the jailing of a gay couple, for the offence of homosexuality, an act contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
First, let me say there has been a great deal of excitement from supporters of the opposition political parties, mainly the United Party for National Development (UPND), over the differences between the Zambian Government and Ambassador Foote. Additionally, these supporters have yearned, in anticipation that the differences should lead to strained relations between the Trump and Lungu administration.
For the Zambian opposition, such strained relations and any cut of aid would certainly work to their own political advantage. The majority of Zambians who are beneficiaries of such US aid, especially around HIV/AIDS, would suffer and blame it on President Edgar Lungu.
The suffering of Zambians, it is assumed, would give the opposition a clear ticket to winning 2021 elections. The current economic turbulence the country is facing, coupled with loadsheddding due to non-availability of sufficient water for power generation, is good enough for our opposition parties to make political capital.
Most of our current opposition leaders would rather pray that the existing economic situation remained the same if that would contribute to their assuming power in 2021.
If the US had by any chance decided to cut aid to Zambia, especially around healthcare where people’s lives would directly be affected, this would have been a bonus for Zambia’s main opposition parties and their news media outlets.
However, as an ardent follower of US politics, I know the US does not use emotions to make decisions.
Many closer friends know that in US politics, I am more inclined to supporting the Democrats because of their humane approach in many matters such war – one area that distinguishes the Democrats from the Republicans. Besides, it is the Democrats under President Obama who made me become a Mandela Fellow and UVA Presidential Precinct Alumni.
Nevertheless, I fully endorsed the election of Donald Trump in the last US election, and I don’t regret that he won that election over Hillary Clinton, an iron lady whom we shared an auditorium during her visit to Zambia.
Now, American leaders and key decision-makers at the US State Department are largely different from our local African politics. In our local politics, when you disagree with each other, those with “power” (in whatever form) would use such to fix opponents and reduce them to zero. That is not how Americans make key decisions affecting its peoples or other human race abroad.
The above explains why President is now in problems and battling an impeachment inquiry. Donald Trump is alleged to have taken advantage of the “economic” power in withholding and tying military aid to Ukraine in exchange for his political battles against the Democratic Presidential aspirant Joe Biden.
Many American politicians and decision-makers frowned on that act by the President to use aid as a weapon to fight personal political battles.
The same can be said about the current situation involving US Ambassador Foote and the Zambian Government. No doubt, Ambassador Foote strongly feels against the jailing of the gay couple because the laws of his country are different from our laws and he himself may have a more tolerant view on the free and open practice of homosexuality, an act forbidden by Zambian laws.
The United States, too, has its own law which are in conflict with the Zambian laws. For example, many Americans would consider it absurd to advocate for outlawing polygamy which would see American men have more than one wife. Of course, there may be a few Americans and activists who would support legalizing polygamy among consenting adults within the US just as we have some Zambians who advocate for decriminalization of homosexuality.
The question is, what difference would it make if the Trump administration tied or even cut aid to any African country based on an individual taste or wanting to impose an American – way of life in comparison to precondition which Trump is alleged to have made in Ukraine?
Let’s put this clear once more. The Trump administration policy on LGBTQ is not wholly complete as it was with the Democrats. From the time President Trump was elected, the administration has not pursued the full-tolerance policy of LGBTQ as did the Democrats. Trump himself has gone up to the US Supreme Court to champion discrimination of gays and lesbians from serving in the military. Does President Trump think being gay is a human right such as education and life are?
While America generally pursues a more tolerance policy of LGBTQ, established patterns reveal that Americans are reluctant to imposing their way of life on other countries, just as other countries are expected to respect the preferences of Americans on such matters as polygamy and homosexuality.
The Republicans, despite carrying a general public perception that they are war-mongers, have nevertheless done much more for Africa than the Democrats. Not even the first Black President Barak Obama could match the record of the Republicans in supporting Africa inspire of his African roots.
It was under former Republican President George W. Bush Junior, the extremist, that Africa received more aid towards the fight against HIV/AID pandemic.
While I am of the view that countries such as USA and China who render billions in aid and loans are entitled to air their views, that should only be done within the confines of acceptable diplomatic channels. I don’t know what would happen to the Zambian Ambassador to USA if he decided to make public comments in favour of the impeachment of President Trump. Guess he would not only be recalled but expelled the following day.
To conclude, one of the reasons why foreign dignitaries are required to use proper diplomatic channels to make their views known is for their own good, the good of both the sending and receiving country.
No respected diplomat would want to being viewed as “descending into the internal political arena” in order to influence internal politics and electoral outcomes.
Zambia is at a point where, from the first day after an election to the next elections, parties are politicking. And any public comments from diplomats which appear to be siding with either the opposition or ruling party, are viewed as representing the views of the sending country or its support to that party.
Worse, when u have a country where some parties have, for more 20 years, remained in opposition, anyone who issues remarks which gives them leverage in political campaigns is seen as a darling. Sadly, many of our opposition political leaders have reached a stage where they would want to see ordinary Zambians suffer from sanctions if that becomes part of their means to power.
In Zimbabwe, it was the main opposition political parties and its aligned civil society organisations who worked with International Community to bring sanctions by cutting aid. We know who ended up suffering. The then Zimbabwe’s opposition leaders did not care at all on the effects of those sanctions because, to them, the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans was a means needed to gain public approval and get elected into power. This must never be allowed to happen in any other parts of Africa.
Compliments of the Season and Prosperous 2020!
The Author is Governance and Legal Activist and a Mandela Washington Fellow
The best to do is to leave it to those directly involved to comment. Diplomatic relations aren’t local politics where everyone comment as they wish. In the West when they describe relations as decayed they mean it’s worse. Foote said US -Zambia relations have decayed, it’s a matter that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not about Foote as an individual. Let’s just wait for what happens next than writing useless articles as if you sit in the US Foreign Office
@Ayatollah,
Yes, I agree that this is a very useless article by useful idyoti Isaac Mwanza.
Why was he keen on having special treatment as it relates knocking at red brick door?
H² is simply haphazard. He’s run short of political ideas.
The tribal homosex buffoon is hiper bizzarely unpatriotic and merciless.
Foote is simply corrupt.
Absolutely right. Isaac Mwanza is a fully fledged PF Cadre practicing Waki ni Wako in supporting PF.
You cannot compare the local political issue of Trump and Bidden being driven by the Democrats to the Human rights issue for Gays and Lesbians that is not only nonsensical but foolhardy and foolish.
Lungu, like Mugabe, is playing a nationalistic card to protect his personal interest of overstating in power. We dont want that being done in our names. PF and Lungu in particular has destroyed our economy and we dont want him inflicting more suffering on our people on unnecessary war with the USA, a country that had helped us without conditions. Wake up you idyot, Mwanza!
Interesting how they slither away from the remarks on corruption—absolutely no mention! Could it be the distinguished ambassador struck too close to home as far as Lungu is concerned?
What Christmas to remember, if your have electricity in your neighborhood, say I , if you don’t have say Nay, it seems the Nays have it. Fellow Zambians do not fall for campaign messages like this one from mwanza, because you should never allow such characters to drive you into more loadshedding even during festive periods like Christmas.
What a disgrace to the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Makes me wonder if the selection committee of the fellowship has PF carders.
Nation is divided between those who dont support homosexuality led by PF and those who support homosexuality led by UPND. So its clear which side Western diplomats would take
At least u were not brainwashed by the Mandela Washing Fellowship to support homosexuality. That has been essence of the program to brainwash young African peoples to accept things such as gayism. At least we proud of you
Ayatollah you have cleanly missed the point because of your affiliation and that is typical with your lot.
The article would have served a better understanding had the author not thrown in some aspects of being partisan! American politics have their own flaws maybe because there are too many lawyers and some with law inclination its all not that rosy as portrayed and in some ways no different from developing countries especially African!
Angela,your reply would have been more persuasive without the “idyoti” adjective . By the way, the correct Anglo-Saxon spelling for this word is “*****”.
The US will next send a black diplomat to Zambia to appeal to our ‘culture’. They now know that we don’t like white people pontificating to us Africans.
Isaac Mwanza,
Dont fool people by peddling a one-sided partisan interpretation of the reasons why the PF government requested the US government to recall Ambassador Foote. The main reason PF government doesnt want Ambassador Foote in Zambia is that he has challenged the PF Government to deal with massive corruption and misuse of public resources by PF leaders and government officials. Ofcourse these are the same issues affecting the citizens and some opposition parties.
By the way, who has made you an advisor to the US Government to give an article about how Americans make key decisions. Please dont waste people’s time on non issues.
Is corruption a Zambian way of life? What do you have to say about Ambassador Foote’s demand that the PF government takes serious measures to…
I do not see anything wrong with the opinion of the writer. We might as well read between the lines to learn from his point of view. The issue is that Foote came a little too emotional on the case that his diplomatic intelligence became questionable. He should have followed the right channels instead of going the way of the press conference. When did you ever see happen, and which ambassador for which diplomatic relation?
He lacks objectivity, why refer to the so-called Western sanctions in relation to UPND and MDC, unfortunately he is behind time.
Former South African president Thabo Mbeki’s visit to the country this week was a Sadc-initiated mission to nudge political parties into negotiation as the regional bloc realises that Zimbabwe’s problems were caused more by a political crisis than the so-called Western sanctions, it has emerged.
Mbeki flew into the country on Monday before holding meetings with various political stakeholders, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as well as several other politicians and civil society leaders.
The meetings were meant to enable Mbeki to acquaint himself with the crisis in Zimbabwe while laying the groundwork for…
Continue
… laying the groundwork for negotiations.
Sources revealed Mbeki’s visit came after behind-the-scenes discussions among Sadc leaders, lobbying by the MDC and frustration within the regional grouping caused by Mnangagwa’s failure to turn around the country’s political and economic fortunes, despite promising to do so when he rose to power through a military coup in November 2017.
Officials revealed Sadc leaders had come to the conclusion that dialogue was unavoidable if Zimbabwe is to get out of the economic and political doldrums it finds itself in.
Because of its influence in the region, South Africa has taken the lead in helping Zimbabwe find a lasting solution.
Officials revealed Sadc leaders had come to the conclusion that dialogue was unavoidable if Zimbabwe is to…
If Foote was emotional I wonder how lungu was when he decided to react. I guess lungu was emotional too. PF always good at reaction and not action.
I do not see anything wrong with the opinion of the writer. We might as well read between the lines to learn from his point of view. The issue is that Foote came a little too emotional on the case that his diplomatic intelligence became questionable. He should have followed the right channels instead of going the way of the press conference. When did you ever see that happen, and which ambassador for which diplomatic relation? Let’s learn to read between the lines! Patriotism is paramount!
Isaac Mwanza is a fully fledged PF Cadre practicing Wako ni Wako in supporting PF.
You cannot compare the local political issue of Trump and Bidden being driven by the Democrats to the Human rights issue for Gays and Lesbians that is not only nonsensical but outrightly foolish.
Lungu, like Mugabe, is playing a nationalistic card to protect his personal interest of overstating in power. We dont want that being done in our names.
PF and Lungu in particular have already destroyed our economy and we dont want them inflicting more suffering on our people on an unnecessary war with the USA, a country that had helped us without conditions.
Zambia can never win that war in any case!
Mwansa is objective. No bitter like others
Ba Isaac Mwanza has articulated a rare and balanced view in the area of international diplomacy. This is commendable. Zambian journalists should pick a leaf from South African journalists who are displaying professionalism this field. One South African journalist who has impressed me in analyzing political trends in that country is Samkele Maseko who worked for eNCA Television Company and is due to migrate to South African Broadcasting Corporation for his distaste of racialism brewed by Anthony Pillay at eNCA. The US Secretary of State should offer refresher courses for its Ambassadors. Henry Kissinger can help.
That’s how a healthy human being created with health mind must use his/ her brain rather than being clapping for people insulting you. We are equal before God but certain people want to be doormats for the whites to step on. No guys, we must behave and tell off these whites who have enslaved Africans for decades.
Spot on Mwanza. I call this patriotism to one’s country. Usually that is missing in UPND leader Hakainde. You can’t always thrive by seeing misery among Zambians. Hakainde is always happy when Zambians are complaining
Whereas the writer is entitled to his opinion, I however do not agree with him when he brings in the oposition UPND. This is between PF and Foote. What the Americans decide to do next has nothing to do with UPND. Why would the PF do something that would lead ti the advantage of the opposition….you may ask ? Please keep you nuisense to yourself and PF….thank you
No, you numbskull!! It’s not between PF and Foote. PF is a GRZ voted in by Zambians which you have to respect, just like the writer respects Americans voting for Trump. PF is not a rogue organisation that has come to destroy Zambia. Foote broke international rules and any GRZ, be it UNIP or MMD would have objected to his conduct. It is not a “PF” problem. If it were personal as you put it, Americans wouldn’t have recalled Foote.
Iwe chikopo citizen. It is your mess so don’t include everyone in it. Clean it up yourself. Its a pity that because of ma fontini monga iwe, we all have to suffer with you. I***t.
I believe the author has a balanced opinion but I disagree with him on bringing the UPND into this madness. Gay issues are between PF and Ambassador Foote. As a party, we ve clearly said it we would never decriminalise gay when in power. I would ve given author 100% but I give him 80 for his bad mannered in mentioning UPND
Mine is on opposition parties that want to gain political millage or fallout. A well meaning politician should be patriotic to his country and support a just cause. Its not always being in a position of criticizing government even on issues they are doing fine. I like the way prime TV does it. Once the government scores or performs well they are on record giving credit where it is due. At the same time they come out very strong on any government failures and bad governance. Our politicians should learn to be objective and offer alternatives that can work not wishing disaster to happen for them to ride on the bandwagon. But this spirit is also exhibited by those in the corridors of power. This must change for our democratic good.
Life is interesting. Americans are good people generally but this idea of wanting it all your way and getting into State House everyday because you have $500 million is just absurd. You cannot tie aid to how many visits you make to State House.
HEY Mr MWANZA Lets call a spade by its right name “a spade” and not a big SPOON. You seem to have TOTALY misunderstood the Statement by Ambassador Foote you only picked and twisted what pleases you and who ever you support. Mr Mwanza can you show the world where Foote said Zambians should practice homosexuality in exchange for Aid? You have chosen not to say a word about corrupt leaders stealing public funds and no action is taken. For Foote to have said what he said I am sure his government has the evidence. Where ever these corrupt leaders are hiding stolen money the Americans know and time of reckoning is coming soon.
I genuinely felt sorry for Ambassador Foote and thought he made a normal mistake in showing outrage at something that shocked him compared to what is the norm in his country. But my feelings changed when I read that he was now threatening Zambia with sanctions and accusing it of hypocrisy in its stance on homosexuality when talk of corruption in comparison are not addressed with the same zeal. Please know that we hate the culture of corruption but it is not comparable to the abominable act of homosexuality. It was then that I prayed to God that this man must go and be replaced by someone better as the Psalm says. In the US there are closet homosexuals who marry and even have children and if this is the case with the Ambassador we don’t judge and we will pray for mercy and compassion for…
….. for mercy and compassion for him. Let him remember that it is the practice of homosexuality that we abhor not the homosexual himself. So we want to say we love you Mr Foote, you have been our favorite USA Ambassador for decades. We just hate what you said and the threats that backed them up. Go in peace and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
LT why dont you post all the comments sent if you want balanced views. This article by Isaac Mwanza is nothing but a one sided partisan view. He avoids to inform people the real reason why the PF Government doesnt want Ambassador Foote in Zambia. He tries to impose his myopic view on how Americans make decisions. He is trying to bring the opposition into a fight between Ambassador Foote and the PF government over the massive corruption which Ambassador Foote has asked the PF government to address.
Ati muli ulimbana na USA uko? Careful how you choose your battle foes. I think Trump is not amused. Wait a while. Its good ECL has a new advisor.
Yes, EL needed an astute political advisor much earlier. It can’t be speculated as to why he picked an “outsider” Zumani for the big job.
Yes, EL needed an astute political advisor much earlier. It can’t be speculated as to why he picked an “outsider” Zumani for the big job.
Mwanza is one such brilliant mind Zambia has, his intellectual capacity and exposition is amazing. Problem is that HH and UPND dont miss in this from his articles. Maybe 1 day, HH should pick fine and call him to explain things otherwise great article.
Don’t involve upnd in your bad behavior
In terms of diplomatic articulation, Mwanza is spot on. A little misgivings on linking UPND to fights between PF and Foote. As Zambians we commonly agreed we dont support homosexuality except for NGOs who depend on homosexual funding for survival. So take away UPND in this article, all is nice
Lets just make this clear, Trump is not losing any sleep because of strained relations with a corrupt nation that is broke.
Again, this article must be read with open minds and hearts. Brings out very good points in terms of international diplomacy. What would Trump care about when its withdrawing an Ambassador from an African country? In fact, I would be surprised if he replaced him quickly.
Somebody says Foote should have followed the process. Is intimidating judges that if you don’t allow me to stand in 2021 following a process. Is refusing to leave office for speaker as a President when there is an petition following process. Is Police giving themselves powers that they do not have to give permits to opposition political parties that want have to meetings process. I suggest you shurrup. The author is a full time cadre and thinks sharing a forum with Hillary Clinton is arriving. What a Lost soul this miserable author
Trump has nothing to do withdrawal of ambassadors. This is handled by the state department. Trump will only sign what the state department will give him to sign. American systems are different, they have career diplomats there, not cader diplomats. Mike Pompeo who is the secretary of state will look at the merits and demerits of the case. Trump has nothing to do with this small matter which the Zambian government is crying foul even misrepresenting what foote said. And Foote never supported homosexuality. And for Foote knows his limits as a career diplomat, but for Americans when something does not make sense they voice out, this is not the first time globally.
When PF was in opposition. An american ambassador attended its convention without fuss RB’s MMD. What dud Lunngu do to tje Cuban ambassador who graced a socialist party function? Lungu,s PF is toxic and dangerous to our democracy. We need to to deal with it now. Tell your relatives in northern, luapula and muchiga provinces . They don’t have WiFi!
UPND and Zimbabwe MDC tactics are insane in that they feel running to International Community earns them quick entry into State House. Elections are won in the ballot and not from international lobbying. I love fact the author, with American experience, is not scared to say it as it is. Thats value of having gone on US programs that broadens one’s thinking.
Youthful MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has chided his political rival Emmerson Mnangagwa for “feeding the fish instead of feeding hungry people.”
Chamisa, qouted by Newsday, said he was going to the holidays with a heavy heart thinking about the suffering masses.
He said : “Any serious and credible leader’s core business is the well-being and interest of the people they lead. On that score, I walk into the Christmas holiday depressed, challenged and burdened because my thoughts, mind and conscience are with the people of Zimbabwe who are suffering.
They are suffering because we have deprived them of happiness and merrymaking.
They are without cash, without fuel, without electricity, without water and even without freedom
I wish I could have the luxury of feeding my fish at the farm with…
This piece of writing is very incoherent as it has no introduction and conclusion. I have a hard time trying to locate the thesis of statement. This is a statement that tells the reader about what to expect in the body. The points in the body are jumbled up. The author talks about Zimbabwe in his conclusion, yet this is not found in the body. The purpose of the conclusion is to provide a summary of the points raised in the body or a recapitulation of the contents. In short, this piece is poorly written. It ties the body to the introduction.
Those with ears must listen. UPND no meam wello well for Zambia. Same WhatsApp group with MDC. No Zambian can take our main opposition seriously. However, its true American decision makers are not jokers as Zambians who want US to cut aid to settle scores. Me no vote for UPND till they change their behavior
What a stupid article!
I’M NOT POLITICAL CARDER NEITHER DO I GET A PIECE OF CAKE FROM PF OR ANY POLITICAL PARTY, THIS ISSUE OF THE US AMBASSADOR FOOTE SHOULD NOT BE COMMENTED ON AS IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR PARTY CHITENGE REGALIA. PLEASE ,WE ZAMBIANS HAVE A PROBLEM WE DO NOT FOR SEE TROUBLE.SILLY AND PROVOCATIVE COMMENTS ON THE USA AMBASSADOR WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR COUNTRY ZAMBIA AND THE REASON BEING THAT THE FIRST PERSON REACTED FOOLISHLY. WE SHOULD FOR NOW KEEP QUITE AND WAIT FOR THE OUTCOME.
“…I don’t know what would happen to the Zambian Ambassador to USA if he decided to make public comments in favour of the impeachment of President Trump….”
Knowing trump the bussiness man, if Zambia supported the USA to the tune of $500 million of tax payers money pa, like the USA does zambia , I think the americans would be begging Zambian ambassodor to comment more…….
What a load of crap in this article. If ambassador Foote is said to have been emotional then lungu too was emotional in demanding the ambassador be recalled. PF stooges try hard to make Lungu a demigod when in actual sense the man is pretty useless. We don’t have a people’s government in Zambia it’s only for the PF party alone.
What I noticed is the frustration thats gripped with UPND F.O.O.L.S. Tongas think they can hold whole country hostage coz of HH. U guys dont deserve power, u got no sense of patriotism to yo own country. That privatizer will sell this country to devil when given power. Twakana
OHOO,THE PF HAVE BEEN CAUGHT OFFSIDE OR IS RED CARD!THE AUTHOR IS BRINGING IN UPND PARTY IN AN ISSUE WHICH DOES NOT INVOLVE THEM.EVEN IF YOU WANT TO SCORE SYMPATHY TO THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE AS PF TIME IS RUNNING OUT AS THE HARM IS ALREADY DONE BY YOUR PARTY.DID HH FORCE THAT ……TO SPEAK ILL OF THE USA AMBASSADOR. THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE IS FUELING TENSION ON THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TO REACT.
IT WAS PRESIDENT ROBERT MUGABE’S ARROGANCE THAT LEAD TO THE SANCTIONS TO BE IMPOSED ON ZIMBABWE NOT THE MDC PARTY AS THIS PF AUTHOR SAYING ~ WE MIGHT AS ZAMBIANS FACE THE SIMILAR SITUATION BECAUSE OF THE PF AND CHAGWA LUNGU.
Ba Isaac Mwanza muli bapuba ba guy. You are indeed a chancer not an intelligent author of a stupid one sided article. In your own mind Isaac, why didn’t you mention corruption which is so rampant as a main topic and not homosexuality which in itself is irrelevant to the Zambian people. You are busy stating that you are fellow of Mandela Washington Foundation. How come you are not affected by the homos in the USA where you are based. Do you find homosexuality affecting how you should live and how think and how you can arrive at writing such a biased article….??? Let me tell you one thing, I have lived in North America for over 25 years and nothing of the sort affects me no way and never. Why because that’s not who I am.
Using such rhetoric is tantamount to bad behaviour and is a…
InzaghiFMC Cont’D
Using such rhetoric is tantamount to bad behaviour and is a danger to good governance and the democratic process in our country. Foote is right to criticize government where necessary. Now if you had tackled corruption, I could have given you 120% backing but you are stupid PF cadre with no sympathy for the majority poor. ECL and PF must GO in 2021 whether you like it or not. Write all nonsense you want the current opinion of the many well meaning Zambians is that PF has lamentably failed to run a good and prosperous country like Zambia.
People must stop expressing their views under the influence of the festival period. It’s easy to be misunderstood during this period.