DIPLOMATIC LESSONS
WHY is there so much animosity from some political circles over the government’s stance regarding the continued stay of the United States Ambassador, Mr Daniel Foote?
Government has written to the American government requesting that it withdraws Mr Foote for attacking the High Court when it sentenced two men to 15 years imprisonment each for homosexual activities.
Mr Foote expressed horror at the jail term and urged the Zambian government to review laws that discriminate against minority groups – homosexuality.
Zambia’s behaviour is what a mature government does in conducting its diplomatic duties.
Maybe we should remind the public to compare Zambia’s approach and the United States itself.
In July this year, Sir Kim Darroch, was forced to resign as UK ambassador to the United States because of leaked reports he had sent to London critical of the new administration of President Donald Trump.
In the confidential reports filed to London, Sir Kim wrote that the Trump administration was more or less dysfunctional with no clear line of command.
He spoke about the infighting in the Trump administration.
President Trump wasted no time in denouncing the British envoy and that the US would not deal with Sir Kim.
The US president had branded him “a very stupid guy” after the confidential emails emerged where the ambassador had called his administration “clumsy and inept.”
To make sure that the British envoy was unwanted, there were reports that he was not invited to a White House dinner held for a visiting foreign dignitary because President Trump more or less ordered his officials not to have anything to do with Sir Kim.
The row came at a time when Britain itself was facing a leadership crisis with Prime Minister Theresa May’s future uncertain over Brexit – and could therefore not be more assertive in her support.
Even Boris Johnson, who was tipped to succeed her played hide and seek to provide the beleaguered envoy the diplomatic backing he need.
The simple question here is which of the two countries, Zambia and the US has acted more responsibly?
It is ironic that the United Party for National Development, Mr Hakainde Hichilema finds nothing wrong with foreigners’ calls for introduction of same sex marriages in Zambia.
The UPND leadership has been at pains take a stance between supporting homosexuality and going by what is contained in the country’s penal code – that it is a crime.
Mr Foote broke diplomatic etiquette by wanting to promote homosexuality in a country that clearly does not approve of same-sex marriage.
He clearly insulted the government and the people of Zambia when he told a news conference that Zambia, which relies on overseas aid, wanted diplomats “with open pocketbooks and closed mouths.”
What Zambia is now showing is that even with their dollars, the Americans do not have to force their “values” that Zambians do not agree with.
As Church of God Cathedral of Miracles presiding Bishop Naison Nyonyo said, the majority Zambians fear and support God’s creation and plan for mankind.
“We are a Christian nation and cannot change that no matter how much aid we can be given by a foreign nation. We respect God and we value his image and his creation. No amount of money can change the people of Zambia to be used.
“We are not animals and man cannot marry a fellow man. It is a taboo in the Bible and totally against God’s creation… Let the people of this nation worship God because that is our way of life,” Bishop Nyonyo said.
The UPND should therefore respect public opinion over homosexuality even though it has been promised financial support for supporting homosexuality.
The bottom line is that Government has acted properly and has the backing of the nation in the standoff with the American government.
The US must therefore do the needful and heed to Zambia’s request over Mr Foote’s stay.
Credit must be given to President Edgar Lungu that he has not reacted like President Trump, but has gone through the diplomatic route to voice Zambia’s anger.
That is mature leadership.