Trump administration warms to Zambia despite crackdown worries
Washington Democrats said they’re alarmed about post-election violence.
The Trump administration is demonstrating a more favorable stance towards Zambia following President Hakainde Hichilema's disputed reelection, despite growing worries in Washington regarding a post-election crackdown. US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia recently attended Hichilema's inauguration during his second trip to the continent in his role.
Hichilema expressed that Zambia "looks forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations" with the US. The State Department stated that the visit is a continuation of a decades-long relationship, emphasizing the US's commitment to Zambia's success and collaboration for mutual benefits. This approach deviates from concerns raised by Democrats on Capitol Hill, who urged the State Department to pressure for a free and fair election ahead of the August 13 vote.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Gregory Meeks have specifically criticized potential post-election violence and arbitrary arrests, urging Hichilema and his party to pursue reforms to ensure democratic gains aren't undermined and the US-Zambia relationship remains positive. A prominent opposition figure, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was killed during a police raid on opposition leaders' residence following the election, sparking widespread criticism over the arrest of opposition members and the election's irregularities.
Despite these concerns, the election commission declared Hichilema the winner with over 60% of the vote, and the US remains deeply invested in Zambia's development, even if some ties were strained by reports of the State Department linking health funding to mineral access agreements with US firms.
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