NED alleges govt-affiliated officials threatening U.S. ambassador, warns of diplomatic fallout

The New Era Democratic Party (NED) has claimed that the United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzalez, has been subjected to mounting threats and insults by government-affiliated officials.

NED alleges that, in recent weeks, figures linked to the ruling party have verbally attacked the Ambassador, with Mafinga lawmaker Robert Chabinga reportedly attempting to intimidate him for exposing corruption.

More recently, ruling party Media Director Mark Simuuwe allegedly described the Ambassador as “indisciplined, misconduct, unacceptable and undiplomatic,” and accused him of attempting to “run the country.”

NED’s Pumulo Situmbeko told Zambia Monitor in an interview that the accusations against the Ambassador were baseless, reckless, and dangerous.

“Ambassador Gonzalez has acted entirely within the scope of his diplomatic duties—alerting U.S. citizens in Zambia about the secretly signed Cyber Law and the major water contamination incident in Kafue, which posed serious public health risks,” Situmbeko said.

She claimed that the Ambassador’s actions were aimed at safeguarding American lives, not interfering in Zambia’s internal affairs.

Situmbeko noted that Zambia had long been respected as a peaceful and hospitable nation committed to international cooperation.

“To insult and threaten a foreign diplomat not only damages our bilateral relations with the United States but also tarnishes Zambia’s global reputation at a time when we need partners, not enemies,” she alleged.

Situmbeko urged the Zambian government to distance itself from the statements and discipline officials who had allegedly brought the country into disrepute.

She warned that, if left unchecked, such conduct could strain vital diplomatic, economic, and development ties with one of Zambia’s most important international partners.

“The New Era Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to protecting Zambia’s international standing, upholding the principles of diplomacy, and ensuring that Zambia remains a respected member of the global community,” Situmbeko said.

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