U.S. Calls For Reforms In Zimbabwe As Talks On Rising Debt Begin.

U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has urged the government to accelerate political and financial reforms that would help deliver “prosperity and dignity” to the Zimbabwean people. Speaking at a program to discuss “restructuring” the country’s rising debt, Tremont said the U.S. looks forward to strengthening its bilateral relations with the southern African nation.

“We’re here today as part of our commitment to the Zimbabwe people that is long-standing and consistent, and we’re here to advocate for the reforms that the international community has been asking for for many years,” the U.S. diplomat said.

She also called for “the rights to assembly and free speech to be fully respected,” while urging public officials to “quit using their public offices for private gain”.

Her comments came as discussions began on restructuring Zimbabwe’s $21 billion debt.

Calls for Debt Resolution

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, urged for faster progress in the negotiations.

“Even wars do not last this long,” Adesina remarked.

“It is time to bring this matter to a close, to end decades of economic damage and suffering, and to usher in a new era of hope and shared prosperity for the people of Zimbabwe. It is time to make Zimbabwe beautiful again.”

Adesina likened the country’s debt to “piles of sandbags on Zimbabwe’s back” and emphasised that addressing the arrears, which constitute the bulk of the debt, was crucial for moving forward.

He appealed to institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to forgive or restructure Zimbabwe’s debts and provide new financial assistance.

President Mnangagwa’s Appeal

At the same meeting, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for support to restructure the debt, highlighting the importance of unlocking access to credit lines for the country’s economic development.

“The successful implementation of our arrears clearance and debt resolution strategy is critical to achieving our economic development objectives,” Mnangagwa said.

“I urge international financial institutions, development partners, creditors, and the broader international community to support this process. Access to external financing is vital for funding our long-term projects and programmes.”

Historical Context and Sanctions

Zimbabwe’s national debt has steadily risen since the early 2000s, when government-led land seizures drastically reduced agricultural production, triggering an economic collapse.

Some officials argue that Zimbabwe’s inability to access credit lines stems from targeted sanctions imposed on leaders accused of electoral malpractice and human rights violations during that period.