Zimbabwean News You Can Trust
The newly appointed US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has dismissed rumors that the West is concerned about how African countries, including Zimbabwe, choose their allies, insisting African countries are free to partner with friends of choice.
Tremont said this last week Thursday in Harare when she delivered her first speech after presenting her credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.
Tremont assumes her duties as the new American ambassador to Zimbabwe after her country had spent three years without an ambassador in the Southern African country.
Asked about America’s stance on the friendship between Zimbabwe, China and Russia, Tremont told journalists, “We don’t ask countries to choose between us and other countries. African countries, including Zimbabwe, will choose their own partner, and in most cases countries will choose to partner with as many countries.”
The American diplomat also spoke about democratic principles, which she said would benefit Zimbabweans if the government chooses to partner with the US.
“I think we have got a big deal to offer in terms of partnership with the US government and companies, because we offer transparency, accountability, sustainability, labour rights, and we respect the rule of law, and I believe we have lots of benefits that can accrue to the Zimbabwean people,” stressed Tremont.
She also told the media that the US donated USD39million to the relief fund, to cater for vulnerable communities and cover areas hit the hardest by the El Nino induced drought this year.
“This funding, including USD39million in additional support, will address short-term food insecurity and long-term strategies to improve agricultural practices and strengthen community resilience,” she explained.
With a number of Zanu PF heavyweights under the US Global Magnitsky sanctions, on allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and election rigging, Tremont said, it was a huge mountain to climb for Zimbabwe to be the best economy in Africa if the government continues to suffocate freedom of expression.
“Broad-based economic prosperity is impossible without strong democratic institutions, good public health, and regional security. The United States supports these things, because they are critical elements for Zimbabweans to chart their own future,” she added.
On March 4, this year, US President Joe Biden terminated the US Zimbabwe sanctions program, unblocking all individuals, entities and properties blocked under that authority. Concurrently, the US imposed Global Magnitsky sanctions on 11 individuals, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife and three entities.
However, there might be a new dawn, as the new US ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, said her country was prepared to deepen relations with the government on various economic, social and political principles.
“Zimbabwe’s potential is limitless. The US looks forward to deepening ties and partnerships to advance our mutual interest,” said Tremont.
