The U.S. government has reportedly recalled its ambassador to Zambia after he spoke out against the jailing of gay couples in the country.
The ambassador, Daniel Foote, said he was “horrified” by the jailing of Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba for engaging in sexual relations “against the order of nature” last month.
Same-sex relationships are outlawed in the African nation, where President Edgar Lungu has taken a firm stance on the issue. Lungu said earlier this month he was angered by Foote’s comments on the Chataba-Samba case and indicated he would complain to the Trump administration.
“I was shocked at the venom and hate directed at me and my country, largely in the name of ‘Christian’ values, by a small minority of Zambians,” Foote said in a statement.
The U.S. government then recalled Foote, as it was difficult for him to work in Zambia, Reuters reported.
“Since Lungu says he does not want to work with Foote, there was no point of him remaining. Also, don’t forget that there are security issues, so Washington wants their man back,” an embassy source said.
“The U.S. cannot be paying a salary to someone who cannot work because the hosts don’t want him,” another embassy source added.
Nations in Africa have some of the most restrictive laws against homosexuality.
