Fred M’membe, the leader of Zambia’s Socialist Party, announced that the country is asserting its independence by participating in the recent Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, despite discouragement from the United States.
In an interview with RT, M’membe shared that the U.S. attempted to deter a number of African leaders from joining the event. Still, Zambia insisted on making its own decisions by sending a delegation.
He said, “Many people are being discouraged to come to Russia [by] those who want to dominate the world, those who think only their way is the way, the USA.”
M’membe emphasized that Zambia’s diplomatic ties with Russia hark back to the Soviet era, a period when Russia played a crucial role in liberating Lusaka from colonial rule and safeguarding its sovereignty.
He underscored the importance of Zambia’s freedom to choose its allies, remarking, “Nobody should be choosing friends for us.”
The Zambian politician recognized the ongoing shifts in global geopolitics but expressed concern over the Western powers’ persistent influence on African sovereignty.
He highlighted the presence of 29 U.S. military bases in 15 African countries and France’s continued presence in ten African nations, critiquing their intentions as more self-interested than protective of African interests.
The Russia-Africa Summit, which started in St. Petersburg last Thursday, hosted 49 African delegations, including 17 national leaders, according to Moscow officials.
Reflecting on the historical trend of Western countries’ undermining African security, M’membe claimed, “From the 60s, 70s, 80s, presidents, and countries that attempted to uphold their sovereignty and defend their independence have been toppled.”
The Zambian politician also expressed deep concern about the recent rise in hybrid warfare, citing Venezuela, Cuba, and Zimbabwe as victims.
These conflicts, according to him, typically start with economic sanctions, transform into negative media coverage and psychological warfare, and finally provoke internal dissension against existing governments.
M’membe criticized the West’s desire to install puppet governments in Africa, infringing upon the nations’ right to self-determination. He strongly advocated for Africa’s autonomy in electing its leaders and governments.
Calling for significant global reform, the Zambian leader asserted that the United Nations needs to reform, and the world needs to revise its approach to treating developing countries.
He further elaborated on the historical injustices perpetrated by a segment of the world that pursued development through brutalities, including the enslavement, humiliation, and colonization of other people. M’membe criticized the West for perpetuating these historical patterns, insisting that a radical change in their approach is required.
M’membe concluded that the moment the West ceases these practices, the world will undoubtedly change for the better.
