Lusaka, May 13, 2025 — Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, has cautioned foreign diplomats against overstepping their bounds, in what is widely seen as a rebuke directed at U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales, following Washington’s decision to cut $50 million in health aid over alleged theft of donated medicines.
Speaking on the matter, Haimbe said there was an “increasing tendency” by some envoys to bypass formal diplomatic channels, warning that such actions undermined mutual respect between nations.
“We remain open to addressing any matters of concern through appropriate diplomatic channels,” Haimbe said, without naming the U.S. ambassador directly.
The controversy follows a press conference last week by Ambassador Gonzales, where he alleged “systematic theft” of U.S.-donated medical supplies across Zambia, prompting the aid cut. Gonzales said the decision came after over 30 unsuccessful meetings with Zambian officials.
The U.S. embassy stated that it flagged the issue as far back as April 2024, offering assistance to prevent future thefts and ensure accountability. However, Zambian authorities allegedly took no action until recently.
Zambia’s Response and Crackdown
Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu confirmed on Monday that a forensic audit into the drug theft had been completed and handed to security agencies for further investigations. He announced the arrest of 75 individuals and raids on more than 400 health facilities in a nationwide operation.
“There will be no sacred cows in this pursuit,” Mwiimbu assured.
U.S. officials reported that inspections at over 2,000 pharmacies revealed many were illegally selling U.S.-donated drugs. Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged the theft issue but emphasized it predated the current government, which assumed power in 2021.
Muchima also said some officials had been dismissed and that an advanced digital tracking system was being implemented to monitor medical stock flow.
Despite the aid cut—which impacts malaria, HIV, and TB medication supplies—Muchima reassured the public that Zambia currently had sufficient drug stocks, eliminating immediate shortage risks.
Broader Implications
Ambassador Gonzales clarified that this recent aid cut was unrelated to a wider foreign aid freeze imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January, which also disrupted shipments of vital medical supplies across Africa.
President Hakainde Hichilema, reacting to the Trump-era cuts in March, lamented that Zambia had been “slapped on both cheeks”, and emphasized the need for local financing mechanisms to secure essential medicines.
The U.S. government currently accounts for about one-third of Zambia’s public health spending, making the aid suspension a significant blow to the country’s health infrastructure.
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