Zambia has called on the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in its diplomatic dispute with Zimbabwe following recent remarks by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Mnangagwa criticised Zambia’s relations with Western countries, particularly the United States, claiming Zambia was a regional security threat and subtly isolating Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa’s comments have heightened tensions between Zimbabwe and Zambia, leading to the issue being addressed in Zambia’s Parliament.
Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, condemned Mnangagwa’s remarks as an “unwarranted attack on Zambia’s sovereignty” and has sought urgent intervention from regional bodies.
Haimbe highlighted Zambia’s commitment to maintaining neighbourly and peaceful relations, rooted in historical support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. He stressed that Mnangagwa’s statements undermine the long-standing positive relationship between the two nations.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s intent to foster good relations with all nations, including Zimbabwe, Russia, and Western countries, without favouring one over the other.
He emphasised Zambia’s sovereignty and its commitment to economic diplomacy, peace, security, and regional stability.
Relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia have been strained since Harare accused Lusaka of interfering in electoral processes following a critical report by the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM).
Zanu PF officials have also accused Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema and the US of supporting Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa. Despite these challenges, Haimbe affirmed Zambia’s openness to deepening ties with like-minded nations for mutual benefit.