Overview
- Zambia, which detailed its stance Monday, said it paused negotiations after the U.S. tied a proposed $2 billion health deal to a separate critical‑minerals agreement.
- Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said data‑sharing terms in the health memo would breach citizens’ privacy rights under Zambian law.
- Lusaka also rejected U.S. requests for preferential treatment for American companies in any minerals deal and asked to negotiate each agreement on its own merits.
- Outgoing U.S. ambassador Michael Gonzales accused Zambia of corruption and inaction, a charge Haimbe called mischievous and undiplomatic as he defended the country’s engagement.
- The State Department has declined to discuss terms, while advocates note Ghana and Zimbabwe have balked at similar deals and analysts say the standoff could slow U.S. efforts to lock in mineral supply chains in a copper‑rich Zambia.