US appoints Zambia envoy years after gay rights row

Zambia is getting a new US ambassador years after the last one was forced out following a diplomatic row over his remarks on gay rights in the country.

The newly appointed ambassador, Michael Gonzalez, is expected to arrive in the country next month following his confirmation by the US Congress.

In 2019, the US recalled its then ambassador Daniel Foote after he said that he was "horrified" that a judge had sentenced a gay couple to 15 years in prison.

Zambia accused Mr Foote of trying to dictate policy, and the president at the time, Edgar Lungu, declared him persona non grata.

On Tuesday, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema bade farewell to the outgoing US chargé d'affaires Martin Dale, assuring of a commitment to strengthen the long-standing relations between the two countries.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: US Department of State