A leaked State Department memo reveals that the United States is prepared to suspend HIV treatment for 1.3 million Zambians unless the country aligns its mineral policies with American priorities. The aggressive proposal, which sets a tight April deadline, leverages life-saving aid as a tool to secure access to Zambia’s vast copper, cobalt, and manganese reserves. Critics say tying health assistance to resource deals raises serious ethical concerns. According to some observers, the tactic reflects Washington’s broader strategy to counter China’s influence across Central and Southern Africa. Similar pressure has been applied to Kenya, Rwanda, and Eswatini through threats of USAID cuts and tariff manipulation. While Zambia is open to negotiations with the US, it has expressed reservations over Washington’s governance demands and the sharing of sensitive health data.
The Africa Report
