Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
As Zimbabwe braces for its presidential elections on August 23, the United States has sounded the alarm over possible electoral malpractices and undemocratic actions. In a press statement on Tuesday, U.S. Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller urged all involved parties to ensure a fair and peaceful election, highlighting Zimbabweans’ right to a democratic future.
Recent actions, such as political violence, legislation curtailing human rights, the denial of credentials for international journalists, and delays in election observation accreditation, have intensified concerns about the election’s legitimacy.
“While the United States does not support any party or candidate, we are committed to supporting the democratic process,” Miller emphasized.
The stakes are high for Zimbabwe, a nation that has faced significant political challenges since its independence in 1980. The U.S. says it has consistently stood beside the Zimbabwean people and continues to do so as the nation approaches this crucial juncture.
Elsewhere on the continent, concerns about democratic practices are also mounting. On August 21, the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic validated a referendum result removing presidential term limits, a move viewed with skepticism by the U.S., which noted reports of low voter participation and secrecy concerns.
Moreover, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken talked with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about developments in Sudan, Niger, and Libya, signaling the U.S.’s heightened focus on Africa’s political landscape.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, further accentuated the U.S.’s stance on human rights in her meeting with Human Rights Watch Executive Director Tirana Hassan. Their discourse highlighted alarming reports from Sudan and Haiti, emphasizing both nations’ grave human rights situation.
The U.S.’s commitment to international development was evident in Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman’s meeting with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The discussion, centered on nutrition financing, the effects of climate change on nutrition, and the significance of private sector involvement, showcased the U.S.’s broader strategy of fostering healthier, more resilient African societies.
As Zimbabwe’s election draws near, the continent’s political health remains under international scrutiny. With the U.S. leading the call for strengthened democracies and human rights, the outcome in Zimbabwe could set a precedent for future engagements in Africa.