US recalls ambassador to Zambia after gay rights row

The US ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote has been recalled following a diplomatic row that ensued after he criticised the imprisonment of a gay couple.

Foote who said he was "horrified" that the men were handed a 15-year jail sentence after being caught having sex in 2017, was declared persona non grata and also accused of trying to dictate policy by President Edgar Lungu.

Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo told Hot FM radio;

    "The dos and don'ts for those who represent nations in other nations are very clear. So if one crosses the line, it's not about bilateral relations between the two countries. They (Washington) listened to the complaint"

An embassy source told Reuters that Washington decided to recall its ambassador because it was difficult for him to work in Zambia if his hosts did not want him.