Zambia's post-election crackdown included vote irregularities, sealed courts, opposition arrests, and a former minister's death—violations that would typically trigger US condemnation. Zambia controls 70% of Africa's copper production and sits on the Lobito Corridor, a strategic minerals route the US has invested $491 million to develop.
Democracy as Bargaining Chip: How US Copper Interests Trump Zambian Election Concerns
A former opposition minister was shot dead during police operations targeting opposition figures; opposition leaders were arrested on treason charges.