This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 24, 2019
The United States has recalled its ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote, amid a row over the jailing of a gay couple in the southern African nation.
The move comes after Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the country had sent a protest letter to Washington over Foote's criticism of the jailing, which he described as 'horrifying'.
According to US embassy sources, Washington had decided to recall Foote because it was difficult for him to work in Zambia following Lungu's statement.
‘Since Lungu says he does not want to work with Foote, there was no point of him remaining. Also don’t forget that there are security issues so Washington wants their man back,’ a US embassy source said.
The US has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in financial support to Zambia every year, some of which goes toward fighting HIV/AIDS.
Same-sex relationships are considered taboo and gay sex is a crime across most of Africa, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to death.
The US State Department has expressed its opposition to abuses against LGBTI persons, stating that governments have an obligation to ensure that all people can freely enjoy universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
