Zambia Seeks Regional Intervention Over Zimbabwe President's Remarks

President Mnangagwa can be heard telling President Putin that he requires Russian support because Zambia is allegedly causing unrest in Zimbabwe

Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Mulambo Haimbe, has informed parliament that he has requested the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to intervene following what he described as a provocative attack on Zambia by Zimbabwe. This follows remarks made by Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 6th of this month.

In a video recording of the meeting, President Mnangagwa can be heard telling President Putin that he requires Russian support because Zambia is allegedly causing unrest in Zimbabwe, purportedly due to its relationship with the United States.

In response, Zambia has reiterated its desire to maintain amicable relations with all nations, including Zimbabwe, the United States, and Russia. Minister Haimbe stressed that Zambia has always sought peaceful and cooperative interactions on the international stage.

Efforts to contact Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Frederick Shava, for comments have so far been unsuccessful.

Zambia's government has also highlighted its historical support for Zimbabwe during its war of independence and its advocacy for the lifting of international sanctions against President Mnangagwa and his associates. The United States and other nations have imposed these sanctions, citing allegations of human rights abuses and authoritarian governance under President Mnangagwa's administration.

Zambia remains committed to regional stability and is seeking diplomatic solutions to the current tensions.