KEY POINTS
- US Ambassador Pamela Tremont calls for Zimbabwe to respect human rights following the government’s crackdown on activists.
- Over 100 activists were jailed ahead of the SADC Summit in Harare, with evidence of torture presented in court.
- Tremont emphasized the connection between human rights and economic prosperity.
The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has called on the Zimbabwean government to respect human rights following its crackdown on activists ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit held in August.
Speaking during the delayed celebration of the 248th US Independence at her residence, Tremont stressed the importance of upholding constitutional rights as part of a country’s path to economic prosperity.
Her remarks came after the government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ordered the mass arrest of over 100 political, human rights, and labor activists in the lead-up to the summit, which took place in Harare. The move sparked concerns, particularly after evidence of torture and other human rights violations emerged during court hearings.
Ambassador’s call for rights and prosperity
Ambassador Tremont linked economic progress to the respect for human rights, expressing hope that Zimbabwe would adhere to its own constitution, which guarantees these freedoms.
“Respect for constitutional and human rights is an intrinsic part of economic prosperity. It is very difficult to have one without the other,” Tremont stated.
According to New Zimbabwe, she emphasized the importance of the Zimbabwean government respecting human rights for the nation’s overall growth, adding, “We hope that human rights will be respected because they are in the Zimbabwean constitution and are good for Zimbabwe.”
Government’s crackdown and international response
Ahead of the SADC Summit, the Zimbabwean government ramped up efforts to prevent protests. Authorities arrested individuals they deemed “persons of interest,” fearing that demonstrations could disrupt the event.
Despite government claims that these measures were necessary for national security, the clampdown raised alarm among human rights groups, especially as court evidence pointed to the involvement of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) in the torture of detainees.
Only a few of those arrested were granted bail after the summit, with many remaining in custody under accusations linked to organizing protests or political dissent.
Diplomatic relations and economic opportunities
Despite the human rights concerns, Ambassador Tremont also touched on growing American business interests in Zimbabwe. She noted that US companies are increasingly looking at sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism, aiming to bolster Zimbabwe’s self-sustainability.
“Whether in agriculture, mining, or tourism, US interest and investment in Zimbabwe is growing. We want to fuel that trend,” she added.
Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Shava, who represented the government at the event, praised the role of American agencies in improving food security, healthcare, and education within the country.
He also used the opportunity to urge the US to reconsider sanctions on President Mnangagwa, which have hindered Zimbabwe’s international relations.
