The Zambian government has suspended negotiations with the United States on multi-billion dollar deals for health services and minerals. Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe stated on Monday that the proposed agreements have stalled due to Washington's 'unacceptable' terms and demands for preferential treatment.

A health agreement, under which the US offered up to $2 billion over five years, is on hold due to the 'incorporation of terms that the Zambian government considers unacceptable.' Specifically, Zambia said demands to share data would violate 'citizens' rights.'

A separate deal on critical minerals has been delayed due to US insistence that its companies receive preferential treatment. Zambia is Africa's second leading copper producer and holds significant reserves of other minerals.

Haimbe noted Zambia's concern over 'the coupling of the two agreements,' with the US making the health deal contingent on the minerals agreement. 'The Zambian Government has been consistent in asserting that the agreements must be considered separately on their respective merits,' he said.

Last week, outgoing US Ambassador to Lusaka Michael Gonzales allegedly raised concerns about Zambia's anti-corruption efforts and structural issues tied to US health sector support. Haimbe rejected these claims, asserting that ties between Lusaka and Washington are based on a strong partnership rooted in strategic cooperation, not aid.

Health advocates had warned that the proposed health deal linked funding to mining access and posed data-sharing risks. Previously, Zambia's government only stated that parts of it were not aligned with the country's interests.

Several African nations have signed memorandums of understanding reflecting the US approach to foreign aid under the Trump regime. However, Zambia now joins Ghana and Zimbabwe in rejecting Washington's demands, particularly regarding data sharing.

Source: www.aljazeera.com