Zambia accuses US of linking $2B health aid to minerals

Zambia's foreign minister accused the United States on Monday of linking a proposed $2 billion health aid agreement to access to the country's critical mineral resources, escalating a public dispute with the outgoing U.S. ambassador who had criticized Zambian officials for corruption and lack of engagement.

Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe issued the statement in response to remarks by Ambassador Michael Gonzales, who in late April said Zambian leaders had ignored U.S. offers for health and economic assistance while allowing the theft of U.S.-provided medicines. Gonzales described the negotiations as stalled since January due to a lack of substantive engagement from Lusaka. Haimbe called those accusations "mischievous and deeply regrettable, undiplomatic and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect."

Haimbe said talks on the health memorandum of understanding, offering up to $2 billion over five years, had halted over terms Zambia deemed unacceptable, including data-sharing requirements that violate citizens' privacy rights. He also objected to a proposed critical minerals agreement for its insistence on preferential treatment for U.S. companies and for coupling the two...