Kamala Harris Attempting To Find Grandfather’s House During Visit to Zambia

 Kamala Harris’ desire to visit her grandfather's former home in Zambia has triggered a search for the property, which she remembers as a two-story house with a large garden.

This wish is part of Harris's first trip to Africa as vice-president, and the administration's high-profile attempt to counter the increasing influence of China and Russia on the continent.

Harris will first visit Ghana before heading to Tanzania and then Zambia, where she spent time with her maternal grandfather, PV Gopalan, who was an Indian civil servant posted to manage refugees from Rhodesia. Gopalan was also an adviser to Zambia's first post-independence president, Kenneth Kaunda.

The US embassy in Lusaka has appealed to the public for help in locating Gopalan's former home, with few details beyond its "upstairs, downstairs" structure, large garden, and possible location on Africa Avenue during the colonial period.

Diplomats are investigating properties on Independence Avenue, which has undergone significant upgrades with help from Beijing.

Harris hopes that her personal connections to Africa will help improve relations with the continent's leaders, who feel sidelined by the US.

China has made infrastructure deals and loans, while Russia has expanded military influence through the Wagner Group.

Harris is expected to announce investment commitments during her trip, following visits by Jill Biden and Antony Blinken, with President Biden planning to visit later in the year.

Photo: AP Photo/Misper Apawu