SHAMING DOOMSAYERS

THE United States of America (USA) is the world’s largest economy and Zambia’s single largest donor in the health sector.

That the relationship between Zambia and the USA is still sound is a matter that has confused many doomsayers, who had gone to town, erroneously celebrating that the ties between the two countries had soured.

But nay, the ties between the largest economy in the world and Zambia is intact, with all bilateral and other agreements still subsisting.

There were some elements in society that raised hullabaloo when Daniel Foote was withdrawn by the USA government at the request of the Zambian Government.

The matter was blown out of context, with some political demagogues rushing to their usual anthills posturing to a gullible audience and singing that the Zambian Government had erred. Their music simmered, but went faint in no time. Misleading statements over the matter died both in their minds and in the public domain.

Now there is a firm stance from an official at the US Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is sound.

Detractors will have rumbling stomachs to learn that, in fact, the USA has remained the largest bilateral donor to Zambia and the single largest donor in the health sector of this country.

This will not only rest misleading statements, but also catapult Zambia’s national flag high in as far as international relations are concerned.

It is gratifying that the USA and Zambia continue enjoying warm bilateral relationships while assistance has continued to flow particularly in the health sector.

The Zambia Government knows too well the significance of the USA and thus could not have unnecessarily severed relationship as touted by some demagogues.

It is a fact that the USA has the most powerful economic outlay in the world.

The USA has maintained its position as the largest economy in the world for a long time and this status will remain so for some time to come.

According to the International Monetary Fund global economic outlook, the USA has retained its position of being the world’s largest economy since 1871.

The size of the USA economy was at $20.58 trillion in 2018 in nominal terms and is expected to reach $22.32 trillion this year.

Additionally, the economy of America constitutes almost a quarter of the global economy, the reason why it is often dubbed as an economic superpower.

All these accolades are well known, even at the time the Zambian Government sent a demarche to the USA about Mr Foote. Government only did that which is right. Therefore, it is important for all stakeholders to stand with the country on matters relating to international relations, especially when differences in opinion arise.

Zambia has always respected international protocols and will continue to do so even when resolving sticky issues.

The reaffirmation from the US Department of State that the relationship is intact, should be a learning point for elements that are quick to drive an imaginary wedge between Zambia and her partners.

There are critical issues that should be left to Government and partners to resolve and therefore, doomsayers must keep their noses out of the way.