ED’s Petersburg Remarks Spark Diplomatic Tensions with Zambia and Shock IR Experts

The recent comments by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he expressed concern over the United States of America’s (U.S.) assistance to Zambia and Malawi while isolating Zimbabwe, have sparked significant diplomatic controversy.

In his remarks, Mnangagwa sought assistance for “defense and food security,” expressing concerns about the growing U.S influence in neighboring Zambia.

“The West has just begun consolidating its power in Zambia, our next neighbor, to make sure that we feel lonely,” Mnangagwa stated.

These comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Zambian politician, author, and activist Joseph Kalimbwe.

In an interview with The Southern Live, Kalimbwe expressed shock and disagreement with Mnangagwa’s statements.

“I don’t think it was necessary for that statement to be made. Our nation is a very independent, sovereign state that has a right to make its own decisions,” said Kalimbwe.

He further criticized Mnangagwa’s statement, calling it ‘wrong’ and urged for the condemnation of Mnangagwa from the democratic forces in the region, emphasizing the importance of pursuing peace and allowing each nation to follow its own foreign policy without instigation.

“Our two nations have always enjoyed peace, and we must maintain that by continuing to extend the hand of friendship to one another,” added Kalimbwe.

Political Analyst Dr. Chipo Dendere, speaking to The Southern Live, also criticized Mnangagwa’s remarks, citing poor public relations and a lack of awareness of the long-standing relationship between Zambia and the West.

“I was quite surprised that the President made the relationship seem new; Zambia has long-standing relationships with the West and has also maintained relations with China, which is Zambia’s largest investment partner despite its ups and downs; there was no need for the kind of emphasis or begging that we saw him do,” Dendere said.

Dendere also emphasized the significant contributions of the US, contrasting them with President Mnangagwa’s remarks, noting that the US is the largest donor to Zimbabwe compared to other global powers.

“Mnangagwa said what he said, but the US still remains the biggest donor for Zimbabwe compared to China or Russia,” she said.

She further condemned Mnangagwa’s remarks as inappropriate, stating that SADC would discuss the issue with him, as his comments made it seem as if he was going to war with Zambia.

“We are just witnessing poor politics of the Second Republic,” she added.

Since President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office in Zambia, the United States has strengthened its ties with the country, offering increased financial aid and security cooperation.

The relationship between Zambia and Zimbabwe has faced strain due to differing political alignments and actions taken by their respective leaders. Mnangagwa’s support for former Zambian President Lungu, who faced accusations of authoritarianism, has been a point of contention. Lungu’s close ties to Mnangagwa were evident, leading to concerns about their shared governance approach.

Hichilema’s ascension to power in Zambia marked a significant departure from Lungu’s policies, focusing instead on anti-corruption measures and economic reforms.

This shift has been viewed positively by many, but President Mnangagwa perceives it as a challenge to the established regional order and his political standing.

Moreover, the relationship between Zambia and Zimbabwe also deteriorated when former Zambian Vice President Nevers Mumba, leading the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission, released a critical report on Zimbabwe’s elections, highlighting irregularities and casting doubt on Mnangagwa’s victory, which led to further strained relations as Mnangagwa’s government swiftly dismissed the report, accusing Mumba of bias.

Dr. Blessing Vava, Regional Director for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), also expressed concern about President Mnangagwa’s lack of confidence and diplomatic finesse, warning that his statements could strain diplomatic relations with Lusaka

“Mnangagwa’s imprudent statements have the potential to exacerbate an already strained relationship with Lusaka, highlighting his apparent lack of confidence and diplomatic finesse, raising concerns about his ability to engage in foreign affairs, and presenting a significant obstacle to Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to reestablish positive relations, particularly with Western nations,” said Dr. Vava.

However, in an interview with Studio 7, the Zambian government indicated that they do not rush in such matters, preferring to pursue diplomatic channels before raising concerns in response to President Mnangagwa.

Efforts to obtain comments from Zanu PF’s Director of Communications and the Minister of Foreign Affairs remained unfruitful, as there was no response by the time of publishing.