ZAMBIA has every reason to acknowledge, without hesitation or embarrassment, the immense financial and technical support it has received from the United States of America over many decades. In pure numerical terms, Washington has been Zambia’s single biggest donor, particularly in the health sector. Millions of lives have been saved through sustained investment in HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and broader public health systems. To pretend otherwise would be dishonest and ungrateful. Without that support, Zambia’s already fragile social sectors would be under even greater strain. But gratitude must never be confused with surrender of sovereignty, nor should it be mistaken for a licence for foreign envoys to issue statements that blur the line between partnership and arm-twisting. Over the weekend, US...
