LUSAKA — The Zambian government has suspended negotiations with the United States on multi-billion dollar deals covering health services and minerals, Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe announced in Lusaka.

"The proposed agreements have stalled due to Washington's 'unacceptable' terms and demands for preferential treatment," Haimbe said. Under the proposed health agreement, the U.S. offered up to $2 billion over the next five years. That deal has been placed on hold over terms the Zambian government considers unacceptable, including demands for data sharing that the government said would violate citizens' rights. Zambia had previously stated that parts of the proposed health deal were not aligned with the country's interests.

A separate agreement on critical minerals has been delayed after the U.S. insisted that its companies receive preferential treatment. Zambia is Africa's second leading copper producer and holds large reserves of other minerals.

Haimbe said the linkage between the two negotiations was a central concern for Lusaka. "Zambia is concerned over the coupling of the health and minerals agreements with the United States making the conclusion of the health deal dependent on the minerals deal," he said. "The agreements must be considered separately on their respective merits," he added.

Outgoing U.S. ambassador to Lusaka Michael Gonzales spoke of concerns related to Zambia's anti-corruption efforts and structural issues tied to U.S. support for the health sector, according to officials.

A number of African nations have signed memorandums of understanding that represent the U.S. approach to foreign aid under President Donald Trump. Zambia, along with Ghana and Zimbabwe, has rejected Washington's demands, particularly those concerning data sharing.