By Costa Nkomo
The new US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Marie Trentmont, has reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting the democratic agenda in Zimbabwe, while also announcing additional food aid to address the ongoing hunger crisis.
Ambassador Trentmont, who succeeds Ambassador Brian Nichols, who departed in 2021 after completing his term, highlighted the US’s dedication to seeing democracy flourish in Zimbabwe.
She was speaking to the press soon after presenting her credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare today.
“We discussed how we can improve relationships between the US and Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Trentmont.
“Our goal here in Zimbabwe has always been, and my goal is to continue to support Zimbabwean people as they build a more democratic and more prosperous future so that Zimbabwe can be self-reliant and democratic and we think we can partner as we can fight global challenges around the world.”
On March 4, the US placed President Mnangagwa and other 10 individuals under sanctions through the Global Magnitsky Act for corruption and serious human rights abuses.
The US also put 10 other people on the sanctions list. These people are considered “key players” in the Zimbabwean government.
They include: Auxillia Mnangagwa, the wife of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice President, Oppah Muchinguri, the Minister of Defense, Godwin Matanga, the Police Commissioner, Walter Tapfumaneyi, the deputy head of Zimbabwe’s intelligence agency (CIO) and other several business owners who support the president.
The US’s stance on the call for democracy to prevail in Zimbabwe entails that the US-Zimbabwe relations are characterized by both opportunities for collaboration and ongoing engagements to converge on the challenges facing the former British colony.
Ambassador Trentmont also announced that additional food aid is on its way to support Zimbabweans struggling with food insecurity following the El Niño-induced drought, which has left many communities without sufficient food.
“I was pleased to discuss with President Mnangagwa the current drought situation and informed him that in the coming days we have another announcement about more food security support for the Zimbabwean people,” Ambassador Trentmont said.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the El Nino induced drought a national disaster and has appealed for US$3 billion worth of food aid to alleviate hunger faced by about nine (9) million people.
Ambassador Trentmont said the US’s commitment to support Zimbabwe has been long-standing and will remain a reliable partner.
Since 1980, the US has supported Zimbabwe with over US$5 billion dollars largely in the health sector and other areas like agriculture and entrepreneurship. This projects the US as Zimbabwe’s largest donor.
