US appoints ambassador to Zambia after more than 2 years

LUSAKA, Zambia

The US on Tuesday appointed Michael Gonzales as its new ambassador to Zambia, filling a position that had been vacant for about two and a half years.

"The newly appointed American ambassador is expected to arrive in the country next month following the confirmation of his appointment by the US Congress," said Martin Dale, outgoing charge d'affaires in the capital Lusaka, as he bid farewell to President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House.

In December 2019, the Zambian government declared then-Ambassador Daniel Foote persona non grata after he criticized the imprisonment of a gay couple.

The government and Foote had a diplomatic row a month before his ejection when he said he was "horrified" that a judge had sentenced the gay couple to 15 years in prison.

In criticism of the ambassador's comments on the judiciary, the government which was then led by President Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front party said unequivocally that the sentence was given in accordance with the country's penal code.

At a reception hosted for outgoing charge d'affaires at the State House, Dale said it was an honor to serve in Zambia.

Hichilema lauded the envoy for his leadership in the absence of the ambassador.

He said the US had been a good partner of Zambia in many spheres, including strengthening the country's democracy, trade, and investment to fight poverty.