Stories from Zambia

U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzalez provided an exit briefing regarding his tenure. The briefing was delivered by Gonzalez in Zambia. Gonzalez stated the departure is an opportunity to focus on mutual achievements rather than negative conversations.

China has become the first major economy to grant unilateral zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties and all least developed countries. President Hage Geingob of Namibia noted that China's measures contribute to global development.

A Zambian government official stated that Chinese diplomats objected to the attendance of individuals from Taiwan at an event. Consequently, Zambia canceled the event this week. China's embassy in Washington D.C. did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier last month, Taiwan's president canceled travel to Africa after several countries revoked the use of their airspace for his flights. The conference organizers had previously received a public endorsement from the Zambian government. China considers Taiwan an island it one day wants to control. The cancellation occurred two days after China and Zambia signed a new economic development agreement.

Outgoing U.S. ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzalez stated that accusations of withholding critical medical support to secure critical minerals are false. The U.S. and Zambia have not yet signed a health aid agreement, according to the report.

Access Now reports that Zambian authorities requested the removal of Taiwanese participants from the upcoming RightsCon event. The group stated this condition was imposed to allow the event to proceed as planned. This decision impacts international representation at the conference.

The Chinese government pressured Zambia to cancel RightsCon, the world's largest digital rights conference. Access Now provided details on the pressure campaign to Wired magazine. Beijing expressed dissatisfaction with the conference proceedings. The pressure followed the inclusion of speakers from Taiwanese civil society in the event program.

The United States set a deadline of April 30 for Zambia to sign a Minerals Deal Agreement. Zambian journalist McPherson Mutale discussed the implications of the deadline on the national pulse. Stakeholders are currently in limbo as the US position suggests no further action will occur until the agreement is signed. The Zambian government is seeking a more favorable agreement regarding mineral resources. Current negotiations have reached a state of limbo as the deadline for the existing agreement has passed. The United States is reportedly waiting for the ink to be applied to a new deal before further action is taken. No definitive timeline for the conclusion of these negotiations was provided. Ambassador Gonzalez stated that the United States is not attempting to blackmail Zambia regarding health threat challenges related to mineral extraction.

The RightsCon summit has been cancelled following reports of pressure from China on the Zambian government. The cancellation reportedly stems from the program's inclusion of Taiwanese delegates.

The Lingu family and the Zambian government reached a mutual agreement during a court hearing. This hearing followed an urgent order granted on April 22, 2026, regarding the family's opposition to the ruling.

The RightsCon 2026 digital rights conference has been suspended, canceling over 400 scheduled sessions.