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Zimbabwe ready to work with Donald Trump
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Zimbabwe is prepared to strengthen its relationship with the United States and work together towards a more peaceful and prosperous world, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in a congratulatory message to US President-elect Donald Trump following his recent electoral victory.
President Mnangagwa extended his congratulations to Trump, who secured a decisive win over Democratic Party candidate and incumbent Vice-President Kamala Harris. "Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your election victory. We stand ready to work with President Trump and the American people to build a better, more prosperous and more peaceful world," Mnangagwa posted on his official X handle.
Trump, who will become the 47th President of the United States, reached the necessary 270 electoral college votes mid-morning on Wednesday, concluding a hotly contested race. His victory follows an attempted assassination during a rally in Pennsylvania in July, an incident that Mnangagwa and Zimbabweans condemned as an attack on democracy. Trump sustained a minor injury, while one individual was killed and two others critically injured.
President Mnangagwa condemned the attack, calling it "cowardly." "On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy and condemnation of the cowardly attack, which also led to loss of life," he said.
Re-engagement and Hopes for Improved Relations
Zimbabwe and the United States have experienced strained relations since Washington imposed economic sanctions on Harare in the early 2000s, a move Zimbabwe considers unjust and damaging to its development. Despite the challenging diplomatic climate, President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to friendly relations under his "friend to all, enemy to none" foreign policy approach.
Political commentator Obert Gutu expressed optimism about potential diplomatic shifts under Trump's leadership. "Trump might want to adopt a more conciliatory stance towards Africa," he said, noting that the US could seek a more balanced approach to Africa to counter China's growing influence on the continent. "We are heading towards very interesting times. I would not be surprised if the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the United States get better under a Donald Trump Presidency."
He also urged Zimbabwe to continue lobbying for the removal of US sanctions, emphasizing that Trump's unconventional approach might lead to "surprising" decisions regarding sanctions relief.
Opposition leader Linda Masarira also highlighted the importance of resetting US-Zimbabwe relations, describing Trump's election as an opportunity to address the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. "This moment may present a unique opportunity, as we anticipate your (President-elect Trump) focus on issues closer to home and abroad rather than in Africa," Masarira said. She called for an end to economic sanctions, which she argued have led to significant civilian hardship, limiting access to basic services and contributing to displacement.
Masarira, leader of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats party, also emphasized the need for a fair reassessment of individuals under the US Magnitsky Act sanctions, noting that punitive measures should follow due process.
Outlook for US-Zimbabwe Relations
While the US policy framework is often guided by long-standing strategic and security interests, Gutu believes that Trump's administration could usher in a period of warmer diplomatic relations, with a potential focus on economic collaboration and mutual security interests. As Zimbabwe's re-engagement efforts continue, leaders are hopeful that a new US administration may facilitate dialogues that ease restrictions and foster economic cooperation, benefiting both nations.
With Mnangagwa's invitation for collaboration, Zimbabwe is positioning itself for improved diplomatic ties with the US, aiming for a future grounded in cooperation and mutual benefit.
President Mnangagwa extended his congratulations to Trump, who secured a decisive win over Democratic Party candidate and incumbent Vice-President Kamala Harris. "Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your election victory. We stand ready to work with President Trump and the American people to build a better, more prosperous and more peaceful world," Mnangagwa posted on his official X handle.
Trump, who will become the 47th President of the United States, reached the necessary 270 electoral college votes mid-morning on Wednesday, concluding a hotly contested race. His victory follows an attempted assassination during a rally in Pennsylvania in July, an incident that Mnangagwa and Zimbabweans condemned as an attack on democracy. Trump sustained a minor injury, while one individual was killed and two others critically injured.
President Mnangagwa condemned the attack, calling it "cowardly." "On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy and condemnation of the cowardly attack, which also led to loss of life," he said.
Re-engagement and Hopes for Improved Relations
Zimbabwe and the United States have experienced strained relations since Washington imposed economic sanctions on Harare in the early 2000s, a move Zimbabwe considers unjust and damaging to its development. Despite the challenging diplomatic climate, President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to friendly relations under his "friend to all, enemy to none" foreign policy approach.
Political commentator Obert Gutu expressed optimism about potential diplomatic shifts under Trump's leadership. "Trump might want to adopt a more conciliatory stance towards Africa," he said, noting that the US could seek a more balanced approach to Africa to counter China's growing influence on the continent. "We are heading towards very interesting times. I would not be surprised if the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the United States get better under a Donald Trump Presidency."
He also urged Zimbabwe to continue lobbying for the removal of US sanctions, emphasizing that Trump's unconventional approach might lead to "surprising" decisions regarding sanctions relief.
Opposition leader Linda Masarira also highlighted the importance of resetting US-Zimbabwe relations, describing Trump's election as an opportunity to address the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. "This moment may present a unique opportunity, as we anticipate your (President-elect Trump) focus on issues closer to home and abroad rather than in Africa," Masarira said. She called for an end to economic sanctions, which she argued have led to significant civilian hardship, limiting access to basic services and contributing to displacement.
Masarira, leader of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats party, also emphasized the need for a fair reassessment of individuals under the US Magnitsky Act sanctions, noting that punitive measures should follow due process.
Outlook for US-Zimbabwe Relations
While the US policy framework is often guided by long-standing strategic and security interests, Gutu believes that Trump's administration could usher in a period of warmer diplomatic relations, with a potential focus on economic collaboration and mutual security interests. As Zimbabwe's re-engagement efforts continue, leaders are hopeful that a new US administration may facilitate dialogues that ease restrictions and foster economic cooperation, benefiting both nations.
With Mnangagwa's invitation for collaboration, Zimbabwe is positioning itself for improved diplomatic ties with the US, aiming for a future grounded in cooperation and mutual benefit.
Source - The Chronicle
