US threatens sanctions against Zambia

Zambia, which has been a politically stable country has entered elections today (12 th August) marred by tensions and violence.

•  There are indications that the conflict may threaten the democracy of the 18,9 million people.
• The US has threatened to impose sanctions if the democratic electoral process is compromised.

Zambia, which has been a politically stable country has entered elections today (12 th August) marred by tensions and violence. There are indications that the conflict may threaten the democracy of 18,9 million people. The US has threatened to impose sanctions if the democratic electoral process is compromised. The leading political parties, The ruling Patriotic Front (PF), and United Party for National Development (UPND) accuse each other of the violence that has left many dead.

The US has been giving substantial funding support to Zambia in terms of technical assistance to strengthen elections administration, stakeholder management, and voter education. David Young, the US Ambassador to Zambia, reiterated US provision of funding and programmes to support democracy and elections. The US assistance enables civil society organizations to monitor and observe the electoral processes, including Election Day polling, and design and execute advocacy strategies to strengthen the election system.

The US Ambassador cautioned that if these efforts to support democracy are sabotaged and fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms are violated the US may impose visa restrictions, travel bans and financial sanctions. Relations between US and Zambia became strained, in 2019 also. The US government recalled its ambassador, Daniel Foote, following a row with authorities after he criticised the jailing of a gay couple.