Pamela Tremont begins her tenure as US Ambassador to Zimbabwe

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – Pamela Marie Tremont has officially begun her tenure as the US ambassador to Zimbabwe, marking the end of a three-year wait since her nomination by President Joe Biden.

Image: VOA Zimbabwe 

Tremont presented her credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Wednesday morning. 

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Tremont expressed her honor in serving as the US ambassador to Zimbabwe and emphasized her mission to foster good relations and support Zimbabwe’s journey towards democracy.

“Our goal and my goal here in Zimbabwe have always been to continue to support Zimbabweans as they build a more democratic and prosperous future so that Zimbabwe can be self-reliant and democratic, and with whom we can partner to fight global challenges around the world,” Tremont said.

Tremont also pledged increased food support from the US to help alleviate the severe drought affecting the southern African country. 

“Our commitment to Zimbabwe has been longstanding. We have contributed US$5 billion to the Zimbabwean people since independence, in health, demining, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other economic prosperity initiatives. We are happy to continue that, and we will always be a reliable and consistent partner to Zimbabwe,” she added.

Tremont replaces Ambassador Brian Nichols, whose posting ended in 2021. Since Nichols' departure, Elanie French has served as the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Harare.

A seasoned diplomat, Tremont previously served as the deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Sweden, where she also acted as interim Chargé d’Affaires for 18 months. 

Her extensive diplomatic experience includes roles in Ukraine, Cyprus, Zambia, and the United Kingdom.

Tremont's appointment comes at a challenging time in US-Zimbabwe relations. 

Under Mnangagwa and former President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe has experienced strained relations with the US, which has accused the Zanu PF-led government of human rights abuses, electoral fraud, and other issues. 

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean government frequently cites US-imposed sanctions as a significant barrier to its economic and social development. 

Despite these tensions, Harare has been pursuing a re-engagement agenda to improve its relations with Western powers.