Israel’s President Herzog to visit Zambia as part of ‘growing’ friendship
Zambia will receive Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a two-day state visit next week amid Israel’s renewed efforts to deepen ties in Africa.
The visit on November 10 and 11 “underscores the warm and growing friendship” between the two countries, the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
In August, Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign affairs minister, flew into the Zambian capital of Lusaka to celebrate the reopening of the Israeli embassy after decades without ties. “Israel is returning to Zambia. Israel is returning to Africa,” he wrote on X at the time.
Analysts say Israel’s interest in Zambia is an attempt to erode regional support of South Africa, which was the first country to take Israel to the International Court of Justice on genocide charges over its war on Gaza.
Israel has reopened its embassy in Zambia, after a 52-year closure, in a move seen as part of a wider effort to expand its influence in Africa. The embassy was inaugurated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Zambian counterpart, Mulambo Haimbe. This diplomatic push comes as Israel faces significant international backlash over its military offensive in Gaza. Several African nations, including Algeria and South Africa, have been vocal critics, with South Africa even filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The reopening of the embassy signals Israel's need for new allies as criticism mounts from both friends and foes, but it remains to be seen whether this diplomatic outreach will translate into genuine support or be overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Some facts:
The territory of Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia from 1911 to 1964. It was renamed Zambia in October 1964 on its independence from British rule.
Population of over 19 million people, with a majority identifying as Christian and a large, diverse ethnic makeup. The population is young, with over 40% under 15, and the official language is English, though numerous indigenous languages are spoken. The most common ethnic groups are the Bemba and Tonga, and religious life is characterized by a strong Christian majority, sometimes combined with traditional beliefs.
The government is sensitive to any opposition and criticism and has been quick to prosecute critics using the legal pretext that they had incited public disorder. Libel laws are used to suppress free speech and the press.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. A 2010 survey revealed that only 2% of Zambians find homosexuality to be morally acceptable.
Israel knows how to pick their friends...
Zambia Presents Oral Arguments at World Court on Occupied Palestinian Territory
https://www.mofaic.gov.zm/?p=2402
Mr. Muchende submitted that Zambia recognises the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination as well as the legitimate security needs of the people of Israel.
Mr. Muchende further submitted that both Israel and Palestine have a duty to respect international human rights law and International humanitarian law, adding that any recourse to the conflict should not be one that puts the blame squarely on one party, but advances a negotiated solution that culminates in a two-state solution.
Mr. Muchende also submitted that Zambia proposes that the final determination in this matter would be for the two parties to resolve their dispute through settlement means of their choice, which is negotiations, adding that the just and sustainable two-state solution cannot be imposed from the outside through an advisory opinion.
I guess Mr Muchende forgot how his own country had to fight for independence
