UPND media director Mark Simuuwe has criticised recent remarks by the United States Ambassador Michael Gonzalez to Zambia over the Sino Metals pollution incident in Kitwe describing them as undiplomatic and an overreach into Zambia’s internal affairs.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka yesterday, Simuuwe said Zambia has established institutions mandated to handle environmental and disaster-related matters and foreign envoys must respect those structures.
“We have institutions that deal with disasters. We have the DMMU, which operates under the Office of the Vice President. We also have ministries that deal with water, local government and other relevant sectors. So my view with regard to the US ambassador is that he basically went overboard,” Simuuwe said.
He accused the ambassador of misconduct, indiscipline, and failing to observe diplomatic norms by making comments that appeared to direct citizens to relocate from Kitwe.
Simuuwe argued that it was improper for a foreign envoy to suggest that citizens should relocate from one town to another, saying such matters fall strictly within the government’s mandate.
He noted that if a Zambian ambassador were to advise residents in places like Texas, Dallas or Florida to evacuate due to a disaster, it would not be received well in the United States.
The UPND media boss said environmental pollution cases such as the one on the Copperbelt are handled by relevant agencies including the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
He emphasised that while Zambia remains committed to maintaining cordial bilateral relations with the United States, such relations must be grounded in mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The Sino Metals pollution case has attracted public attention following reports of environmental contamination affecting surrounding communities, prompting reactions from various stakeholders, including the US Embassy.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 9, 2025
