U.S Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Marie Troment says there won’t be any meaningful economic development in the southern African nation as long as the ruling government does not embrace human rights and democratic principles.
Speaking to reporters in Harare on Thursday on the second day after officially handing over her credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ambassador Tremont said, “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.”
“As ambassador, I will work with government, civil society, business and local communities to encourage transparent, democratic institutions that respect the will of their people and create broad based economic growth. We will pursue these mutual interests while respecting Zimbabwe's sovereignty, so Zimbabweans can realize a better future for themselves.”
She noted that U.S is ready to collaborate with Zimbabwe to expand economic opportunities for people and communities, forge stronger business linkages and attract investors to look closely at Zimbabwe's educated labor force and long-term growth potential.
Responding to her remarks, information secretary Nick Mangwana said, “No one can teach us democracy, especially those who were not with us when we were fighting for own democracy during our war of liberation. No other organization has power to determine what our democracy should be like. Ours is called a totally sovereign country.”
Mangwana further said Zimbabwe is a law-abiding nation that respects the country’s political and business laws.
“In terms of businesses from abroad coming to Zimbabwe, we do not have any history of trampling upon property rights. We actually were victims of our property being taken away from us, but we redressed this through the land reform program. Let all American businesses that want to come and invest in Zimbabwe, do so without any hesitation. In any case, they will be in for good profits!”
The United States imposed targeted sanctions on President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his inner circle over alleged human rights violations, rampant corruption and election fraud.
Zimbabwe has claimed that the sanctions are hitting hard the country’s economy but Washington says the restrictive measures have nothing to do with crippling the economy.
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