US risks wrong move sidelining SA, says expert

POLITICAL analyst and international relations expert Dr Gideon Chitanga has warned that it would be shortsighted for the US to believe it can pursue its African agenda while sidelining South Africa, as Washington appears to be making bold moves to advance its relations with Zambia.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

Chitanga’s remarks come as the relationship between Pretoria and Washington has continued to deteriorate throughout 2025, while the US has moved to fortify its ties with the Republic of Zambia through a series of diplomatic, political and development engagements that unfolded within days of one another.

While South Africa endures the wrath of Washington - recently underscored by the US decision to boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg and ongoing disagreements on geopolitical and security matters — Zambia is emerging as a rising partner in the southern Africa region.

Chitanga said Zambia’s growing importance to the US is closely tied to Western strategic interests in the region.