Zambia to engage Harare over Mnangagwa's remarks

Zambia is engaging Zimbabwean authorities following remarks by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zambia's security sector is heavily funded by the United States.

Mnangagwa made these comments to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an investment summit in St Petersburg.

Zambian Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa stated that the Foreign Affairs ministry is addressing the issue with Zimbabwe and emphasized that such matters are not for public discussion.

In the video, Mnangagwa claimed that the West had abandoned Zimbabwe in favor of Zambia, consolidating their influence there both in security and financial support. He expressed a desire to strengthen relations with Russia in response.

Relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia have been strained since Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema took office. The situation worsened after Nevers Mumba, head of the Sadc Electoral Observer Mission to Zimbabwe, declared Zimbabwe's August 23, 2023 elections neither free nor fair. This report was poorly received by some Zanu-PF members.

Hichilema, who is close to Zimbabwe's opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, appointed Mumba to the observer mission. Historically, Zimbabwe and Zambia shared strong ties, particularly during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, but relations have soured since Hichilema's election victory over Edgar Lungu in 2021.