U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont clarified sanctions on Zimbabwe target corruption and human rights abuses, not penalizing the population.
Tremont made these remarks in Harare last Thursday during her first press conference after presenting her credentials to President Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the briefing, Ambassador Tremont addressed misconceptions surrounding U.S. sanctions, emphasizing their focus on accountability and justice.
“You know, our sanctions transition in March was a historic event,” Tremont said. “We eliminated the Zimbabwe-specific targeted sanctions.”
“We put many fewer people on the Global Magnitsky list, which holds people accountable for corruption and human rights abuses.”
“It prevents U.S. financial institutions from being complicit in those types of activities,” she added.
On March 4, 2024, President Biden signed an Executive Order terminating the national emergency with respect to Zimbabwe.
He also revoked previous orders that imposed Zimbabwe-specific sanctions, while imposing new sanctions on Zimbabwe’s President and senior leaders.
“Our sanctions are highly specific, targeting individuals and entities involved in corruption and human rights violations,” Tremont stated.
“They are designed to hold accountable those who engage in serious abuses, not to harm Zimbabwe’s economy,” she emphasized.
Tremont emphasized that these measures fall under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to bring justice.
This approach ensures that the sanctions do not negatively impact essential sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy or its citizens.
Despite the sanctions, the U.S. continues to support Zimbabwe significantly, providing $5 billion in humanitarian, health, and development assistance.
Ambassador Tremont highlighted that $1 billion of this aid was delivered in the past three years, improving healthcare.
The aid also supports agricultural development and enhances food security across Zimbabwe, demonstrating the U.S.’s ongoing commitment.
