By Albert Mpofu
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing aid to the people of Zimbabwe, despite recent political tensions between the two governments. This announcement comes in the wake of the Zimbabwean government’s summoning of the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Elaine French, over allegations of political meddling.
Ramses Gauthier, the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Agency for International Development in Zimbabwe, made it clear that their organization will not waver in its support for the Zimbabwean people. Gauthier emphasized their longstanding commitment, which dates back to 1980, and the billions of dollars invested over the years. He stated, “We may have disagreements, but we are not enemies, and Zimbabwean people are our friends. So, whatever we do, we do it with a sentiment of friendship toward the Zimbabwean people. And disagreement or not, we will continue to stand by the Zimbabwean people.”
The Zimbabwean government raised concerns regarding social media advertisements encouraging citizens to vote and participate peacefully in the electoral process. Zimbabwean officials claimed that these posts bordered on illegal activism. However, Gauthier reiterated that their commitment is solely towards the Zimbabwean people and that their actions are driven by friendship.
Meg Riggs, spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy, defended the social media messages and emphasized their neutrality and apolitical nature. Riggs stated, “We stand by our messages promoting peace during the election season. We do not support any specific political candidate or party in Zimbabwe, but we endorse a peaceful and transparent election process that reflects the will of the people of Zimbabwe.” One of the Twitter messages in question read, “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.”
The reactions within Zimbabwe to the diplomatic tensions varied among experts and scholars. Alexander Rusero, head of the International Relations Studies Department at Africa University in Zimbabwe, supported the government’s decision to summon the U.S. diplomat. Rusero argued that the United States should refrain from acting as political actors and stressed the need for rationality in handling Zimbabwe’s issues.
On the other hand, Lovemore Madhuku, a law professor at the University of Zimbabwe, disagreed with Rusero’s perspective. Madhuku argued that the U.S. Embassy’s encouragement for citizens to register and vote did not constitute serious interference with the election process. He believed that an open electoral playing field should not make the Zimbabwean government uncomfortable
