*US envoy’s statement on China misplaced – Democratic Union*
By Francis Chipalo
The Democratic Union president Ackim Antony Njobvu has described US Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales’ statement concerning aid and Chinese mining as misplaced.
Gonzales recently stated that the days of giving aid to Zambia while citizens are being “poisoned by pollution from Chinese mines” are over.
The US envoy emphasized that American companies have been unable to do business in Zambia for over 25 years due to bureaucratic corruption, despite the US government providing aid.
Gonzales added that the US government is waiting for Zambia’s economy to take off and that the relationship between the two countries is strong.
But his statement has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a form of coercion, where the US is linking aid to Zambia’s alignment with American mining interests.
Other stakeholders have seen the statement as a necessary stance to ensure accountability and responsible governance in the mining sector.
And the Democratic Union leader Njobvu said America would try and counter China’ influence in Africa due to a number of reasons.
“They can even go a step further to even demonise or destroy China’s reputation in Africa with China being their competitor. So I find that statement by the ambassador to be misplaced,” Njobvu said.
He said China and Zambia have had a relationship spanning over 60 years, with diplomatic ties established just five days after Zambia gained independence in 1964.
“China played a significant role in Zambia’s struggle for independence, providing financial and material support. The iconic TAZARA railway project, constructed in the 1970s, symbolizes the strong bond between the two nations,” said.
Njobvu however said both China and the USA have in recent years assisted Zambia in different ways, but was quick to mention that aid should not have “hidden” conditions attached.
The outspoken leader said going forward, Zambia need to stop depending on aid from the outside world , arguing that the country has enough resources to be self-reliant with the right leadership in charge.
He was speaking during an interview on KBN TV.