The Zambian government has sought to strike a reconciliation tone after US Ambassador Daniel Foote threatened that Washington may review its cooperation with Zambia as the gay rights row deepened.

Earlier on Monday, Mr. Foote in a rare press conference explosively revealed that Zambia and US relations are decaying and are now strained.

But the Zambian government says it still considers the US government as a friend.

Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya says the long-standing cordial relations between Zambia and the US has always been considered a partnership between friends.

“Any difference of opinion on any matter has always been expected to be admirably resolver including agreeing to disagree,” Ms Siliya said.

Earlier, Ms Siliya has maintained that homosexuality is Illegal in Zambia and that  Government stands by the Zambian people who have said no to homosexuality even though the latest Constitution review process.

Ms Siliya said that as President Edgar Lungu told SKY FM in an interview standing firm against the Order of Nature does not make Zambians uncivilised.

According to a tweet, Ms Siliya who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister, said Zambians Love their God and until Zambians change homosexuality is illegal.

Yesterday, President Edgar Lungu said Zambia will not be forced to legalise homosexuality for fear of losing Aid.

President Lungu said that it will be wrong to tie aid to the introduction of homosexuality in Zambia because the country has traditions and values which should be respected, adding that American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote went too far by insulting the collective wisdom of the Zambian people in the manner he commented on the issue.

Below is the latest Government statement on the issue

A Consortium of Civil Society Organisations says it remains deeply concerned about the country’s debt situation which continues to inhibit Government expenditure, and subsequently negatively affects citizens’ livelihoods.

The Consortium comprises the Consumer Unity and Trust Society, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, Action Aid Zambia, Oxfam, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, Caritas, Transparency International Zambia Development Finance Associates and the Alliance for Community Action.

They said Zambia’s economy and its citizens are struggling, and the national debt is at the heart of the issue. As civil society, we applaud discussions about re-engagement with the International Monetary Fund.
The CSOs note that the IMF could offer valuable concessional finance which would ease the current liquidity crisis and relieve pressure on the economy.

They said they, however, note with concern a seeming lack of substantial progress in agreeing on a support package given that discussions with the IMF on a bailout package are dependent on our debt reaching a sustainable level.

The CSOs said with or without the IMF, however, tough action on debt cannot be avoided for much longer. The government needs to take urgent and deliberate action to put the economy back on track, starting with a restructuring of Zambia’s infrastructure projects, an improved public financial legislative framework and a revised and comprehensive plan to manage debt.

“We are of the view that Zambia’s debt situation remains the primary cause of Zambia’s struggling economy. While indeed the effects of climate change on the energy and the agriculture sector have negatively affected growth this year, it is not the primary cause of Zambia’s economic situation”, they added.

They noted that over the past ten years Zambia’s debt has increased at untenable levels and as such we find ourselves in a situation of high risk of debt distress. Currently, our debt to GDP ratio stands at 78 percent and according to the IMF, this is projected to reach 92 percent by the end of the year.
The CSO’s noted that this level of debt has weakened the kwacha, constrained growth and limited government’s ability to respond to the external shock of climate change.

They added that due to Zambia’s high debt levels, ordinary citizens are increasingly experiencing a high cost of living, driven in part by the weakening kwacha, high fees and taxes, and reduced job opportunities, combined with low investor confidence, arrears and a high tax burden on business.
Further, the CSO’s said because of the debt, government’s spending on social sectors has been adversely affected negatively impacting citizen’s access to social services such as access to quality health and education.

They noted that the reduced expenditure in the social sectors is without doubt adversely affecting the most vulnerable in our society, especially women and children. While Government has taken some steps including the release of quarterly updates by the Ministry of Finance, announcements of the proposed slowdown in contraction of infrastructure projects and the abandonment of the sales tax, the measures are currently insufficient to put the economy back on course, particularly given the recent indications of further borrowing for various infrastructure projects.

“In May this year, the President convened an extraordinary Cabinet meeting on Zambia’s economic challenges, which recognized the scale of the problem and made positive commitments to addressing debt. What it is required at this point, however, is the political will to implement the measures which will lead Zambia on the path of economic recovery, set debt on a downward path and reduce domestic arrears”, they said in a statement.

They said with the Ministry of Finance’s plan to restructure the infrastructure project portfolio to be discussed at Cabinet, we urge the government to demonstrate the necessary commitment to kickstart Zambia’s economic recovery and outline a key strategy with quantifiable milestones on how they intend to achieve this goal.

“Government needs to put in place long-term measures to generate confidence in Zambia’s economy which will have dividends in stabilizing the kwacha, reducing the price of borrowing and providing a route to refinancing the country’s long-term debt obligations. To do this, Zambia needs to firstly introduce legislation to improve debt management”, they said.

They said this includes, revising the Loans and Guarantees Act and the Public Procurement Act, as well as enacting the Planning and Budgeting Bill adding that these pieces of legislation will increase accountability, transparency and budget integrity while curbing the mismanagement of public finances and reducing wastage.

The CSO’s noted that one major concern on the part of civil society is the proposed revision within the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 10 of 2019 that seeks to remove parliamentary oversight on the contraction of debt.

“Debt transparency enables borrowers and lenders to effectively evaluate the sustainability of public debt and monitor emerging risks. Recent cases of hidden debt, notably Mozambique, demonstrate the adverse social, economic, and political consequences borrowers can face. Secondly, the Government needs to develop credible long-term plans to manage debt. This process starts with a revised Mid-Term Debt Strategy which addresses how the government plans to manage upcoming debt repayments. It should be complemented by a refinancing strategy for Zambia’s Eurobonds to restore public confidence that the government has the means to manage its debt in 2022 and beyond”, they added

They said this planning should be backed up not only by restructuring infrastructure spending but by also by outlining quantifiable and measurable austerity measures to reduce the national budget percentage of the wage bill in order to protect productive and poverty-alleviating expenditure.

“In order to do this, there is the need for deliberate measures to ring-fence social sector budget allocations if the country has to achieve its plan to reduce poverty and vulnerability as outlined in Pillar 2 of the Seventh National Development Plan. Civil society call for urgent action to mitigate the impact of debt on the economy and citizens”, they added.

“Ultimately, the IMF is well placed to support the Government to relieve this pressure, but we welcome any move to address debt and put the economy back on track. This week’s decision to approve and publish plans to restructure infrastructure projects would be a vital first step in demonstrating commitment – and delivering for citizens”, they added.

United States Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote says the relationship between Zambia and the US is decaying and strained.

And Ambassador Foote has threatened that the US will withhold aid to Zambia if the bilateral relationship does not improve.

Addressing an explosive press conference Monday Morning, Ambassador Foote pulled no punches and described Foreugn Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji as unappreciative and arrogant.

He said says it is time to stop the facade that his country enjoys warm relations with Zambia because they are strained.

Ambassador Foote said it was time to advocate for truth and openness in Zambia and if no one is going to do it, he would, no matter the consequences.

He charged that Zambia’s current government expects diplomats to be complaint whilst keeping open pockets.

“In my two years here in your wonderful country, I have tried to improve the US, Zambia partnership with minimal success. Let us stop the facade that our governments have enjoyed warm and cordial relations. The Current Government of Zambia wants foreign diplomats to be compliant; with open pocketbooks and closed mouths,” said Ambassador Foote.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Foote says he will not attend World Aids Day celebrations tomorrow because he has received threats against his life following his comments on homosexuality.

Ambassador Foote said he was shocked by the amount of venom and hate directed at him and his country in the name of a “Christian nation”.

Below is the full statement issued by Ambassador Foote

Press Statement from U.S. Ambassador Daniel L. Foote

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA — Let us first acknowledge World AIDS Day, which we will celebrate tomorrow in Zambia.

We highlighted this year’s theme, “Communities make the difference,” last week in Mandevu, with a huge, wonderful, and exceptionally welcoming group from Lusaka’s largest constituency, as we opened a clinic in the market.

Many thanks to the PF supporters, who professionally and kindly provided security for me, showing the benefit of these young men when they’re not being sent on political errands.

The American people have provided more than $4 billion in HIV/AIDS support in the last 15 years. Working closely with the Ministry of Health, we currently have well over 1 million Zambians on life-changing anti-retroviral medicine, touching close to half of the families in the country. By knowing your HIV status and being on treatment, which prevents transmission, the only difference between HIV-negative and HIV-positive today is the medicine.

Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination remain as our biggest mutual challenges in eradicating the AIDS epidemic. Discriminatory and homophobic laws, under the false flags of Christianity and culture, continue to kill innocent Zambians, many of whom were born with the virus. Your citizens are terrified of being outed as HIV-positive, because of the inaccurate and archaic associations between HIV and homosexuality.

Lamentably, I will be unable to attend tomorrow’s AIDS Day events because of threats made against me, via various media, over my comments on the harsh sentencing of homosexuals.

My job as U.S. Ambassador is to promote the interests, values, and ideals of the United States. Zambia is one of the largest per-capita recipients of U.S. assistance in the world, at $500 million each year. In these countries where we contribute resources, this includes partnering in areas of mutual interest, and holding the recipient government accountable for its responsibilities under this partnership.

The U.S. government is far from perfect, and we always welcome feedback, including from Zambia through your embassy in Washington.

If we didn’t, we might not have changed our repugnant laws allowing slavery and other human rights contraventions, historical misdeeds for which I passionately apologize.
I highly appreciate the exceptional welcome and friendship extended by Zambia’s wonderful people throughout my two years here, and I have nothing but the highest respect for your citizens.

I read with interest Honorable Minister Malanji’s reaction to my opinion regarding the harsh sentencing of a homosexual couple, and the hundreds of other comments made by Zambian citizens on social media.

I was shocked at the venom and hate directed at me and my country, largely in the name of “Christian” values, by a small minority of Zambians. I thought, perhaps incorrectly, that Christianity meant trying to live like our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am not qualified to sermonize, but I cannot imagine Jesus would have used bestiality comparisons or referred to his fellow human beings as “dogs,” or “worse than animals;” allusions made repeatedly by your countrymen and women about homosexuals. Targeting and marginalizing minorities, especially homosexuals, has been a warning signal of future atrocities by governments in many countries. In my heart, I know that real Zambian values don’t merit your country’s inclusion on that list, ever.

I agree that this this issue is completely up to Zambians to decide. You are blessed with a diversity of Christian denominations, and while I understand that many are not Catholic, let me cite Pope Francis. He has repeatedly spoken about the need for his Church to welcome and love all people, regardless of sexual orientation. In 2016, the Pope said, “When a person arrives before Jesus, Jesus certainly will not say, ‘Go away because you are homosexual.’”
While I am not here to litigate our bilateral disagreements point by point, I would like to share the U.S. perspective directly, before it’s filtered through Zambia’s state-controlled media.

I agree that we should be working to improve critical issues like food insecurity and the electricity shortage, but Americans can’t do it alone, without cooperation from your government. The U.S. brought energy experts to work with Zambian ministries for over two years, and we jointly developed a plan to reform the sector and ensure better electricity delivery to the people. This plan has been dormant for over a year, because of domestic politics. We’ve seen the awful impact of the drought, and I expect to imminently announce additional American help for those most affected by hunger.

In my two years, I have strived to improve the U.S.-Zambia partnership, with minimal success. Let us stop the façade that our governments enjoy “warm and cordial” relations. The current government of Zambia wants foreign diplomats to be compliant, with open pocketbooks and closed mouths.

Minister Malanji reminded me that I have “always been granted audience to the Ministry and the Government of Zambia.” That is not the case. With few exceptions, the U.S. President’s personal representative to Zambia—me—has been relegated to meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Permanent Secretary level. Despite $500 million in annual American, debt-free support to the Zambian people, I have been granted exclusive bilateral audience with the President only five times in two years, usually with delays of months upon my request, and little action of mutual interest has been taken by State House. Last week, we rearranged my schedule—and I’m somewhat busy administering a half-a-billion dollars in annual programs here—to meet with the President on Friday. On Friday, State House told me to come Saturday, a day already filled with rescheduled meetings. That’s not mutual respect. Both the American taxpayers, and Zambian citizens, deserve a privileged, two-way partnership, not a one-way donation that works out to $200 million per meeting with the Head of State.

The Foreign Minister accused me of interfering with Zambia’s internal affairs, as he has done each time any foreign diplomat accredited to Zambia offers an opinion different to that of the current Zambian government, and of “questioning the Zambian constitution.” I just re-read Zambia’s entire constitution, which I believe is an admirable document, and there is no reference to “having sex against the order of nature,” or of homosexuality for that matter. Your constitution does declare, however, to uphold “a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion; the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every person;” to “respect the diversity of the different communities of Zambia;” and to “promote and protect the rights and freedoms of a person.” It is up to Zambian citizens and the courts to decide if your laws correspond to your constitution, but your constitution itself provides every person the right to freedom and expression of conscience and belief. I expressed my belief about a law and a harsh sentencing I don’t agree with. I didn’t interfere in internal affairs.

When considering the status of Zambia’s “very independent” judiciary, I note the President’s strong, recurring statements in July through yesterday rejecting homosexual rights and “gayism.” I wonder if that could have any impact on the courts. Again, this is a matter for the Zambian people to decide, but the Zambian people deserve transparency and truth.

Regarding the Minister’s denials over my comments about government officials stealing millions of dollars in public funds, the government always requests “evidence” of such misdeeds. Is that really the role of the international community? In recent history, numerous donor partners have carried out investigations, with the cooperation of the Zambian government, concluding that many millions of dollars have been misappropriated in the Ministries of Community Development and Social Welfare, Education, and Health. In most cases, the Zambian government assumed responsibility and quietly made restitution to the donating organizations from public funds. However, like the lack of public information made available on Zambia’s debt acquired over the past few years, the government has chosen not to share this vital data with its citizens, nor have we seen assertive corruption prosecutions. If this happened with funds from a handful of donors in a few ministries, what could be happening on a broader basis?
Hundreds, maybe thousands, of Zambian citizens have expressed despair to me about sharing conflicting opinions, fearing intimidation, imprisonment, physical assault, closure of media houses, etc.; examples of which are well documented in recent years. These dissenting opinions are certainly not shared by state-controlled media such as ZNBC, Zambia Daily Mail, and Times of Zambia. It’s time to advocate for a real voice for all Zambians and uphold a person’s right to freedom of conscience and belief.

I have consistently pledged that it’s not my place to tell Zambia what to do, but that I would always be honest and frank. The exceptional yearly assistance from American to Zambian citizens, and the constitution of Zambia, should enable all of us to express our opinions without acrimonious accusations or actions. I hope the government of Zambia commits to improve its decaying relationship with the United States, but that is a decision for it to make.

Green Party President Peter Sinkamba says the American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has a beef with the PF Government which has nothing to do with the jailing by Lusaka High Court of two Kapiri Mposhi homosexuals.

The Green Party leader says the United States has some of most stringent sentences for sexual offences in the world which by far cannot be comparable to the 15 years imposed on the two homosexuals.

“Take for instance the case of sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein who liked young women. In 2008, prosecutors forged a deal with whereby he avoided federal charges – which could have seen him face life in prison – and instead received an 18-month prison sentence, during which he was able to go on work-release to his office for 12 hours a day, six days a week. He was released on probation after 13 months. Last month Jeff committed suicide in prison avoiding life imprisonment this time around,” Mr. Sinkamba said.

The real issue that has pissed off the Ambassador is corruption.

“In essence, the American Ambassador is a hypocrite. It is not fair to condemn the High Court for the harsh sentence. Sexual offence sentences in the United States are harsher and can attract up to life imprisonment on Federal charges. Even polygamy and bigamy are serious sexual offences which attract 15 years or more. So, what is the fuss about on the 15 years?

“The real issue that has pissed off the Ambassador is corruption. This is the axis of evil for the beef. I think the Ambassador is just pissed off due to rampant corruption in PF Government. It appears to me that he had to find an excuse to spit it out the beef!

“It is also important to mention that here in Zambia there are even stiffer sentences for victimless crimes, such as possession and the so-called trafficking in cannabis. These offences attract up to 25 years. In actual fact, our prisons are full of cannabis related offenders. We have more than 7,000 prisoners who are languishing in jails across the country for cannabis-related offences. This is almost one third of the prison population since there are about 22,000 prisoners across the country. In all fairness, this is where we expect the Ambassador to express disgust instead of 2 out of 22,000 prisoners.

“Lastly, it is important to also mention that sexuality is a regional or country issue. For example, polygamy is a legal sexual issue here in Zambia but an offence in the USA. In the USA, LGBT is a legal sexual issue but an offence here in Zambia.  We, as Zambians respect the sexuality of Americans on LGBT. Americans must also respect sexuality too.

“If Americans feels strongly against the laws of Zambia on LGBT, the best thing to do is to open up the American visa system for LGBT people. May be, America can have a green card system for LGBT people which could be used as a means for such people to easily travel and settle in the USA where LGBT is perfectly legal. After all, we do not have many Zambians in the USA compared to other African countries like Eritrea and Ethiopia who went there in great numbers on a deliberate American policy.”

“The most important lesson from this hullabaloo is that PF should seriously address the corruption. This PF Government has not put in place a Trump Strategy. If one day President Trump wakes up and tweets sanctions on Zambia, then our medical care system will crumble like a cookie.The writing is on the wall and we shudder to see such a move happen in the near future going by the economic performance of Zambia.”

ISSUED BY THE GREEN PARTY MEDIA TEAM

The UPND says it has noted with concern the audios of some of its youths in Northern Province calling on Mwinelubemba to return the vehicle given to him as a gift by the UPND two years ago.

UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka says the UPND leadership does not support the position being propagated by some of its supporters in Northern Province.

He has called on UPND Members in Northern Province involved in this disrespectful act to stop with immediate effect.

Mr Katuka has directed the general membership of the party to immediately stop sharing such audios saying the UPND is founded on respect for traditional leaders who are creating the beacon of ancestral leadership.

He said the UPND also respects the political opinions of Chitimukulu Kanyanta Sosala as they believe in the idea of freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom conscience adding that the traditional leader has a right to thought and opinion.

“We do not believe that once we give a gift, we can follow to retrieve it if we differ in opinion with the recipient. Further, when UPND forms the government, we shall ensure that His Royal Highness Chitimukulu is taken care of and given the respect he deserves, he said.

He said the UPND is not like PF who has a habit of scandalizing traditional leaders for their political opinion and will run a government that will uphold the rule of law and respect for all mankind.

The People’s Alliance for Change is disappointed with President Edgar Lungu’s latest comment on the controversial Forest Reserve number 27 which he partly degazetted for residential and commercial purposes.

The President on Saturday expressed concern about the sudden interest in Forest 27 by some people he claimed to have political agendas and challenged the media to investigate what the area is all about.

PAC President Andyford Banda says these levels of inconsistencies on national matters are uncalled for and are detrimental to the development of the nation.

He said the latest statement by the Head of State contradicts his stance on climate change having in his State of the Nation address in September admitted that climate change threatens to derail the country’s economy, and disrupts the rainy season which has already derailed economic outlook.

“We now don’t know whether to believe his stance on climate change or it the usual rhetoric meant to hoodwink Zambians that he cares about the welfare of the country. There is no way a person who claims to be concerned about the effects of climate change on the economy can openly defend construction taking place in the forest reserve”, he added.

Mr. Banda said every Zambian now knows the importance of Forest 27 to the ecological system and urban water supplies in Lusaka hence there is no need for anyone to investigate anything.

He observed that the Chalimbana river is already drying up and water contamination has become rampant in Lusaka due to construction activities in water recharge areas.

Mr Banda said despite some people having settled in the reserve for a long time, allowing more people whether black or white will impact negatively on Zambia which is already grappling with effects of climate change.

He said President Edgar Lungu’s latest statement on this issue having rightly admitted yesterday that forest 27 is important to the ecological system does not befit the Head of state and the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) therefore demands that he provides leadership other than rubbishing the concerns being raised.

Mr Banda added that the President seems not bothered with the fact that a lot of people who benefited from allocation of land in Forest Reserve 27 are politically exposed persons and that whether the correct process was followed in allocating the land to the PEPS.

He said clearly the President doesn’t see anything wrong with a lot of things just as he doesn’t see anything wrong with Bill 10 and oh yes the fire trucks where the country lost a whopping $42,000,000 in that deal.

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is in Luapula Province for a two – day working visit. after his plane touched down at Mansa Airport at 16:05 hours.

While in the province the President will drum up support for PF candidate Chanda Masheke in the forthcoming Milenge Town Council Chairperson by-election.

The President will also hold a series of rallies across Milenge District beginning with Luela, Mulumbi and Kafwanka areas.

On Tuesday, the Head of State will wrap up his tour of duty in Luapula with rallies in Butimbwa and Milenge Boma before heading back to Lusaka.

US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote must restrain against the temptation were the US will be seen to be imposing laws aimed at tolerating homosexuality among the Zambian population, the Young African Leaders initiative (YALI) has charged.

Speaking at a Press Briefing held on Sunday, YALI President Andrew Ntewewe noted that sentiments by the US Ambassador and his outright condemnation of the Lusaka High Court which must be seen as independent from any influence in the administration of the criminal justice system may lead Zambian to have an impression that the US Government under President Donald Trump desire to interfere in the country’s right to self-determination.

Mr Ntewewe said Zambians have a duty to defend Judges and judicial system against any conduct calculated at undermining their independence in the exercise of judicial functions, adding that the Courts in Zambian exercise should be seen to exercise its judicial authority based on the powers conferred on them by the People of Zambia, who are a sovereign.

The YALI Chief has also expressed disappointment that bodies such as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) who claim to have a duty to defend the Constitution have not risen to defend the High Court for imposing a minimum sentence against the attacks from foreign entities.

He has equally wondered why the Church which is responsible for promoting higher standards of morality and Godly behaviour has remained silent when judges are being attacked for sending people involved in homosexuality to jail.

“In fact, those two misfits who were jailed to 15 years were given leniency by the sentencing judge who administered the minimum sentence of 15 years when he could have opted for the maximum life imprisonment as stated in sections 155 of the penal code , chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia,” Mr Ntewewe noted.

In calling for political parties to come out strong in defence of the courts and the country’s laws, Mr Ntewewe further demanded that the UPND who are associated with the Africa Liberal Network, an openly gay-promoting organization should come out and state their position with clarity on whether they support the sentencing of the two misfits to 15 years or not.

YALI has since assured the judiciary of their full support and that of Zambians and emphasized that it is unfortunate and unacceptable for anyone to make comments that demean the country’s sovereignty and the hard fought independence.

Meanwhile, YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza, commenting on the Constitutional amendment Bill Number 10, has appealed to members of parliament both from the ruling and the opposition to rise beyond partisan politics in order to give Zambians what would be best for posterity.

Mr Mwanza said it was gratifying to note that LAZ and the Chapter One Foundation were allowed to exercise their right to petition the courts who have speedily determined the matter.

“Our view is that the constitution of Zambia belongs to all citizens of this country, those who wanted it amended by enactment of bill number 10 or those who don’t want it enacted into law. None of these two opposing groups are bigger than the other in terms of having a say on their constitution and must respect divergent views on the proposed amendments,” Mr Mwanza said.

And answering the question on whether YALI expected diplomats to join internal political debates the way the US Ambassador did, Mr. Mwanza wondered what would happen if the Zambian Ambassadors in Washington were to join the Democrats in calling for impeachment of Trump.

“We don’t believe our Ambassador will last another day in the US if he decided to join the internal debate in America by taking a hard stance on the calls to impeach US President on allegations that he tied aid to Ukraine in exchange of his own political interests. So we expect foreign diplomats to also restrain themselves when it comes to the governance of this country or the type of laws we decide to have,” said Mr Mwanza