The United States has urged the Zimbabwean government to implement substantial political and financial reforms to revive the country’s past prosperity, according to VOA reports.
During the High-level Structured Dialogue Platform Meeting on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution in Harare, U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, emphasized America’s ongoing commitment to Zimbabwe. She explained that the U.S. seeks to encourage the necessary reforms that the international community has long advocated for. Tremont highlighted key areas of concern, stating:
“We need public officials to cease using their positions for personal gain. The judiciary must operate independently, free from political interference. Furthermore, it is essential that the rights to assembly and free speech are fully protected.”
Tremont also reiterated that the United States values a positive relationship with Zimbabwe, aiming for cooperation on various fronts.
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, joined the calls for swift debt negotiations. He urged a resolution to Zimbabwe’s long-standing economic struggles, stating:
“It is time to end the decades of economic damage and the suffering of Zimbabwe’s people. We must work towards a fresh start, with shared aspirations for prosperity.”
Adesina described Zimbabwe’s $21 billion debt, primarily consisting of arrears, as a heavy burden. He urged international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF to consider forgiving or reducing these debts, so the country could begin to recover and rebuild.
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