By Staff Reporter
THE United States envoy to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont has hit back at Zimbabwe, arguing that sanctions are indeed not the biggest problem as alleged by authorities in Harare.
The responses come shortly after President Emmerson Mnangwa told his ruling Zanu-PF party’s delegates attending a conference currently underway in the second largest city of Bulawayo.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has designated October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day, in solidarity with Zimbabwe and its people. The day, endorsed by regional leaders, is intended to amplify the call for the immediate removal of sanctions imposed by the United States at the beginning of the 2000s.
In a joint statement, President Mnangagwa urged for “the immediate and unconditional removal of these unwarranted and cruel sanctions,” arguing they violate international norms and the United Nations Charter.
But the US envoy, Tremont dismissed the claims and accused authorities in Harare for selling a false narrative which is truth concealing.
“Our targeted sanctions do not hinder Zimbabwe from accessing international financial assistance. The country’s exclusion from some financing opportunities is due to its failure to repay debts — arrears dating back to the late 1990’s,” Tremont says in an article published elsewhere in this edition,” she said.
Tremont said instead , economic and governance reforms by Zimbabwe’s leadership would better position Zimbabwe to benefit fully from international financing as falsely labeling Zimbabwe as ‘a country under sanctions’ only perpetuates a fallacious narrative that dissuades potential investors.”
“The notion that US sanctions are the cause of Zimbabwe’s difficulties does not align with reality. This false narrative diverts attention from the real issues plaguing Zimbabwe. According to reports by Zimbabwe’s own Prosecutor-General, Zimbabwe loses US$1,8 billion to corruption annually,” Tremont said.
