Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) Jon Lomøy says he finds the recalling of US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote as strange.
Ambassador Foote left Zambia on Thursday after he was declared Persona Non Grata by the Zambian government.
In a tweet, Mr Lomøy who also served as Norway’s Ambassador to Zambia around the 90s said it is strange that Ambassador Foote could be recalled over his comments on same sex relationships in Zambia.
Mr. Lomøy served as Ambassador of Norway to Zambia from 1996 to 2000 and returned to Norad from 2001 to 2004 as Director of the Southern Africa Department.
Mr Lomøy himself faced expulsion from Zambia when then-President Frederick Chiluba declared that the envoy’s support for gay rights was against Zambia’s Christian values.
It was at a time when some local civil society groupings attempted to register an organization called Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender Persons Association (LEGATRA) which was to advocate for gay rights in Zambia.
“Strange to read about the American Ambassador to Zambia – 22 years after I was almost expelled from the same country because Norway supported the human rights of gay people,” Mr Lomøy wrote.
“Thanks to good Zambian friends who convinced Chiluba to not send me home,” he recounted.
In the same Tweet, Mr Lomøy denied advocating for gay fights in Zambia.
“We actually did not advocate anything, just supported a Zambian NGO that wanted to advocate. I still remember how president Kaunda was one of the few nuanced voices,” he said.
“The Zambian gay community has suffered silently, living as virtual outcasts in their own country. This cannot go on forever,” LEGATRA Programmes Manager Gershom Musonda said at the time.
Alfred Zulu, the then President of the human rights group Zambia Independent Monitoring Team, estimates there were more than 500 000 homosexuals in the country at the time.
President Chiluba repeatedly lashed out at the group, describing homosexuality as immoral and ungodly.”
Church leaders in Zambia condemned the Norwegian Embassy in Lusaka in late 1998 when it was revealed that the ambassador to Zambia had made a donation of $1,000 to fund a campaign enabling homomosexuals to fight for their rights.
Then Minister of Home Affairs Peter Machungwa instructed police to arrest anyone who attempts to register an association for homosexuals.
Then Registrar of Societies Herbert Nyendwa refused to register LEGATRA under any circumstances.
According to Zambian law, homosexuality is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
We are even embarrassed to comment on Foote’s unfortunate departure. It is indeed strange, because that case in Kapiri Mposhi has faced so many protest.
PF party is just going through so much depression, and in return Zanbians experienced the saddest year 2019.
You should stop drinking while posting. Your Akainde will be deported in 2021 by Zambians. We now know he supports these Legatra homos and African Gay Liberals.
Akainde Ichilema is a puppet who is friendly to the West. Akainde can do anything to enter State House. Last year Akainde attended some secret meetings in Europe with these gayism liberal networks and Canicius Banda caught him red handed in an unnatural act. Read the article by Canicius Banda.
@ Nostradamus you can stay there in US and support that nonsense but in Zambia we will never accept it.
It must not be strange since you were almost caught up in the drug net.
There is nothing weird about a Persona Non Grata.
Lomøy is history.
Foote is history.
You’ve been fighting this for a long time.
It is interesting to see how LEGATRA will navigate the provisions of the Law.
Indeed it is interesting to see how Registrar of societies will view this.
My take on this is to see pro Gay MPs and presidential candidates come out from their shells to push the gay agenda before 2021 as a litmus test. At this point everyone of those characters are afraid of Zambian’s wrath against same s3x s.h.a.g.g.e.r.e.r.s.
By the way the couple in the picture look live like homosex.
You are all voting me down??? -7 me? Why?.
The way you guys are treating me is same as some ambassadors are being treated by your PF.
I didn’t say I support gays, you gays ooh sorry you guys, knows that I don’t want to see those homos in Luapula, stay in Lusaka.
It is not just right to chase people just because they say something about gays.
I don’t support marijuana, but I can’t throw Sinkamba out of Zambia.
Mr Lomoy! There is nothing strange here. That’s just your wrong perception.It appears we have been getting leftovers ambassadorial personas in the past.
I quote Mr Lomoy { Former Ambassador} from his statement /tweet !!!!!
“We actually did not advocate anything, just supported a Zambian NGO that wanted to advocate. I still remember how president Kaunda was one of the few nuanced voices,” he said.
What is the difference here, Mr Lomoy?
If you supported a Zambian who was “advocating” Gay Fights, which basically means you +braced, +kept up, +backed or championed his (i) deals and (ii)schemes.
Which in short means, you supported Gay Fights.
If anything, Trump & VP Pence are two extremely homophobic people who have a dislike and condemination of homosexuals.
Trump has called Gay people dogs in the past. Not that its correct to call Gays dogs. Its wrong.
Trump does not want to be associated with the word Homosexual. He has fired people in the past from his companies who were found to be gay. He was sued and settled out of court. Vice President Pence is an extreme Right Wing Evangelical who believes Gay people belong to Hell.
This was “partly” why Foote was recalled by the State Dept. His life was not in danger in Zambia as reported in the USA Media.
I have said this before: Trump is the Unpredictable Volcano.
I would NOT be surprised to learn that Trump & Pence are actually saluting Lungu behind the doors on his stance about homosexuality in Zambia.
Why is it strange when we all can see its because of his support for homosexuals? What is strange about this? You are also explaining that this guy was nearly expelled by Chiluba for some thing similar yet you go on to promote the narrative that it’s strange . Poor reporting
GIBBERISH!
His government recalled him because he was inappropriately commenting on our internal matters. You tolerate Legatra and homos, we don’t. It’s simple. Get a life
Jon Lomoy has exposed himself. It’s foreign government agencies like his Norad which secretly established anti Zambian and anti African NGOs like LEGATRA. We now know some foreign governments orchestrate coup detas to replace nationalist leaders who are not puppets to the West.
We are proud of our humble leader who has refused to be corrupted by foreign agents who support what an animal can’t do. A male dog knows where to jump on the female. Next time these people can force us to normalize sex between man and animals.
Not surprised by his statement. Strange that he is surprised because he also faced the same consequences though he was spared. It just shows we as a society do not want gay rights whatsoever. Period.
Zambian’s have a right to have their own moral/social values and they should not be imposed by outsiders.Nothing strange in that.
Jon finds it strange because he is a gay rights sympathiser, like Foote. No surprise here. Next topic, please….
I remember when Edgar lungu deported father banganyola of Uganda,this president he is not humble just follow how he treats his opponate ,you can judge yourself.
“President Chiluba repeatedly lashed out at the group, describing homosexuality as immoral and ungodly.”
Good then.
The difference this time is that Ambassador Foote insulted corrupt politicians by equating them to homosexuals. Come to think of it, they are both criminals aren’t they? Actually, to steal wealth from poor citizens is actually worse in my opinion, even though I will not support homosexuality in any form.
@Junior JJ, Like HH who stole from the poor!
It’s not what he said but how he said it and the media platform he used. You don’t ignore diplomatic channels just because you think the country you are protesting about is too poor to react. The fact that he is making so much noise means this was a good decision. Foot himself is a criminal because it’s him and his masters that bring cash to hoodwink our politicians and if it doesn’t go their way, they put on the police hat and call out for corruption. This has been the US foreign policy for years and we always wonder why we never progress with development.
No NGO should lobby for homosexuality in Zambia.
Let ball bold aspiring opposition law makers and leaders unequivocally call for gay rights. Let them tell us that they want to go to parliament to push for the LGBTQ narrative.
Since the law says it is an unnatural act, let’s have everything start at Law period.
Pa Zed we enjoy marrying our beautiful ladies and having sex with them.
animals of the same (including humans) gender having sex it’s a taboo .Over other matters the West can easily impose on us and we can reason but on Homosexuality issues it’s a taboo in our society as Zambians.
“Diplomat #Daniel Foote said Zambia was risking “degradation of your own citizens rights.” The ambassador had angered the Zambian government after criticizing the #imprisonment of a same-sex couple.”
“Same-sex relationships are illegal in Zambia. In November, Foote spoke out against a verdict that handed couple Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba prison sentences for being in a same-sex relationship.”
Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba, the world hears your Mental anguish and going out on limb for you.
“In 2019, the administration of US President Donald Trump said it would lead a push to end laws criminalizing homosexual relationships around the world.”-DW
Nothing strange about requesting the recalling of a diplomat who breaches international protocol. Diplomats, even though have immunity , should realise that this immunity is not unfettered. Zambia has laws and s judicial system which should be respected. If mr Foote felt so personally involved with the two convicts better if he secretly funded their appeals rather than trying to belittle our legal system. All we say is great riddance. I would advise the Norwegian to be careful too in his comments. There is a reason norad is an NGO. KZ
Zambian laws if any are very stupid laws! You allow senseless thieves to lead your country
They should also recall the Donor aid. You cant have it both ways
How do you compare donor aid and an illegal activity. Are you saying it is right for donor aid to be cancelled and your relatives here to suffer all because of an illegal activity? If we start allowing illegal activities like homosexuality then what is there to stop racists, rapists and robbers from also demanding that they are let go for committing crimes? The law is sacrosanct and needs to be respected. The USA who claim to be superior human rights advocates still have laws that discriminate against people and have the death penalty in some states. Have we ever castigated them for not abiding by human rights which they claim to champion? Until the law changes, homosexuality is an illegal act in Zambia. If you don’t agree with the law of the land then you can move elsewhere even America…
@Happy and Independent, if you really show concern about the Zambian people then why do you allow the west and US to put tariffs and in some cases ban trade with the likes of Zambia? If in your respective countries your culture tolerate entering your house via the window rather than the door, that’s your own business. The president did state that if you attach your useless aid to your homo or pansexuality then please keep it to yourselves and keep away from our children. We’ve had enough of your diseases.
You can all bury your heads in the sand but gay people exist everywhere in the world, Zambia included. There shall come a time when they’ll be protected at law in Zambia. Remember none of you is this so called God to start judging others. I am pure zambian and heterosexual but DO NOT believe in your Christianity nonsense. Let your God punish these people if there’s even such a thing. Let them enjoy life after all they are not hurting anyone like the current government.
I’ve said that a thousand times
No one is God. The only people judging are those empowered by our constitution to do so in applying the laws of the land. Homosexuality is currently illegal in Zambia and we cannot give favoritism to one group of offenders. If we let homosexual convicts go Scot free it means we should also release all rapists and serial killers etc. Do you think that is good in the public’s interest and safety? I understand you might have some emotional attachment to gay people but we cannot attach emotions to the law. Kz
So what’s the logic? Gay people exist so we should bow to their demands ? Criminals also exist in Zambia do we then say we must just live with them?
Zambians should read this specific penal criminal code carefully.
It clearly states “As amended in 1933”. This law was inherited from the British and has nothing to do with Zambia being a Christian nation,christian morals or any nonsense like that.
Why is it that homosexuality was never criminalized many former French or Belgian colonies like Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger and Rwanda ?
Its because all sodomy laws in France were repealed in 1791 during the French Revolution.So the laws these African countries inherited don’t mention homosexuality.
Zambians should learn to read and not follow blindly.
Independent you appear to be an attractive oriental woman. However, your attitude to the law and respect for the rule of law leaves alot to be desired.
Respect for the rule of law in Zambia? By whom? Ministers? President?
Be objective instead of crapping in public
The last sentence says it all “According to Zambian law, homosexuality is a criminal offence….”
It is sad that my fellow Zambians are so scared of homosexuality. What do you think they will do you you? Do you think it is contagious? Are you so unsure of your own sexuality that you think they will seduce you into their beds? If you had any true faith in God then you would realise how pathetic your fears are, all the while supporting child marriages and rape. You are happy to take their taxes and their service, but never offer any rights.
Mr Banda, who told you that “child marriages and rape” are supported in Zambia?
It took them 400 years to abolish slavery
In Zambia there’s no space for homosexual, paragraph,go with your money let us starve and remain with our country
THORN IN THE FRESH,STOP ATTACKING HH,SORT OUT THE MESS THE PF CORRUPT THUGS HAVE STARTED WITH THE USA.YOUR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU WILL END UP LIKE MUGABE. KINDLY BE SOBER UP AND TELL YOUR CORRUPT PF MAROONS TO BRING BACK THE MONEY THEY HAVE STOLEN.
Imagine going to a homosexual country with strict rules on heterosexuals, would these guys accept us lobbying them to use the correct entrance in exchange for aid? imagine, hypothetically, speaking if we so happened to also dangle the fact that we would withhold sexually transmitted medicines if they did not cooperate? I actually believe this is a way these Europeans are trying to stop us from reproducing to reclaim our land.
NO ONE HAS SO FAR EXPLAINED AS TO WHY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH HAS ALLOWED THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONDOMS IN PRISONS.PLEASE MAY OUR MPS ASK THE MINISTER TO MAKE A MINISTERIAL STANCE WHEN PARLIAMENT RESUMES SEATING.SUNDAY CHANDA KINDLY SHADE MORE LIGHT AS YOU ARE KNOW TO BLOW TRUMPETS EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT NECESSARY.YOU WILL FIND CANTONS BEING DELIVERED FOR FREE.
Zambians trying to run away from facts, you have half a million homos who you cannot hide eventually you be forced to protect. The Christian tag is even making you more hypocritical, you have so called annointed men of God stealing, having sex with members. Let’s not mock God we claim to be Christians but don’t exhibit any Christian character
Can we all see how reporting twists facts? Foote was never declared personal non grata. It’s just the Americans who referred to Zambia s request for him to be recalled as being equivalent to that. But now in this report it is being stated as fact.
Ambassador Foote left Zambia on Thursday after he was declared Persona Non Grata by the Zambian government.
They make a great couple by the way. Zambians are jealous.
@Kaizer Zulu… is he the actual one or an impersonation?
Anyway to the point – I reiterate what I have stated here many a time. Zambia is now mostly a pagan nation – pretentious to sanctity and hypocritical. The so-called values and morals were eroded a long time ago. What we see are all forms of debased and deviant acts performed in majority by those of the heterosexual persuasion. Women and girls are abused, ra.ped and defiled everyday, even by relatives. How much of a clarion call have we heard over this? Yet, you stand on hill tops and open market places like the pharisees and proclaim holier than thou attitudes by condemning homosexuality that you hardly see or experience.
Could we please revert to resolving more serious matters.
What is a pagan nation?
@Kaizer Zulu… is he the actual one or an impersonation?
Anyway to the point – I reiterate what I have stated here many a time. Zambia is now mostly a pagan nation – pretentious to sanctity and hypocritical. The so-called values and morals were eroded a long time ago. What we see are all forms of debased and deviant acts performed in majority by those of the heterosexual persuasion. Women and girls are abused, ra.ped and defiled everyday, even by relatives. How much of a clarion call have we heard over this? Yet, you stand on hill tops and open market places like the pharisees and proclaim holier than thou attitudes by condemning homosexuality that you hardly see or experience.
Could we please revert to resolving more serious matters.
Daniel,well done and go well.I admired your ubuntu as i recalled you taking an HIV test in public in Bauleni. That was leadership because you didn’t need to do it at all,but you did it in solidarity with comrades with the virus.The straight talker that you are,ending AIDS was your passion.Bear in mind you have left numerous friends who cherish your efforts and America remains a good friend of numerous Zambians through you.Those who through stones at you quiet frankly are the real enemies of Zambia.
Gay people will have rights in Zambia! It may take 10 years, 50 years, even 1000 years, but they’ll eventually be allowed to be who they are, just like black people are now allowed to exist as human beings in the world.
Looks drunk