Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe has criticized what he described as a growing trend of foreign diplomats bypassing official channels, warning that such actions threaten the principle of mutual respect between nations.

Though he did not mention anyone by name, Haimbe’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, who last week publicly announced the U.S. would be cutting $50 million in health aid to Zambia. The decision follows U.S. findings that life-saving medicines, donated to the country, were being systematically stolen and sold illegally.

Ambassador Gonzales said he went public after over 30 unsuccessful meetings with senior Zambian officials, arguing that the severity of the theft left no option but to act. He revealed that a U.S. inspection across more than 2,000 pharmacies had found widespread resale of U.S.-donated medical supplies, including vital drugs for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.

In response, Haimbe said airing such grievances in the media constitutes interference and breaches international diplomatic norms. “We remain open to addressing any matters of concern through appropriate diplomatic channels,” he said.

The U.S. embassy stated it had shared evidence of the alleged corruption with Zambian authorities as early as April last year and had offered assistance to stop the thefts and prosecute those involved. However, they noted no significant steps had been taken by the Zambian government.

Zambia’s Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu confirmed that a forensic audit had since been completed and handed over to security agencies. He announced that 75 individuals have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown involving raids on more than 400 health facilities. “There will be no sacred cows in this pursuit,” Mwiimbu assured.

Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged that the thefts predated the current administration, which came to power in 2021. He said several officials had been dismissed in connection with the scandal and that the government had launched a sophisticated digital tracking system to oversee the medicine supply chain.

Despite the pending U.S. aid cuts, Muchima sought to calm public fears, stating that there are adequate supplies of essential medicines and that there is "no immediate risk of shortages."

Ambassador Gonzales clarified that the recent aid reduction is unrelated to the broader freeze on foreign health assistance initiated under former U.S. President Donald Trump. That policy shift has already disrupted medical aid programs across Africa, including critical HIV treatment support.

In March, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema responded to the aid cuts by saying Trump had "slapped us on both cheeks," stressing the need for Zambia to strengthen its financial independence and ensure it can procure its own medical supplies.

The U.S. remains a major player in Zambia's healthcare sector, contributing roughly one-third of the country’s public health expenditure, according to the U.S. embassy.