The United States of America opened its US$292 million
embassy compound in Harare, a structural behemoth believed to be one its
largest embassies in Africa and beyond.
US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols said the new
embassy symbolised the United States’ ongoing and durable commitment to the
people of Zimbabwe.
The US has, for the past two decades, maintained illegal
sanctions on Zimbabwe that are responsible for massive de-industrialisation and
increased investor risks since the global superpower also sanctions countries
and businesses, including banks, that deal with Zimbabwe.
The US administration has not been equal to embrace
President Mnangagwa’s re-engagement policy, despite Zimbabwe opening doors to
dialogue and engagement.
In March, US President Donald Trump extended by another
year an executive order that gives effect to the punitive regime, that is seen
as an instrument to bludgeon the poor and effect change of Government in
Harare.
A group of protesters has been picketing the new embassy
demanding the removal of sanctions.
But Ambassador Nichols struck a conciliatory note
yesterday, commending progress being made by Government to align the country’s
laws to the Constitution and pledged to strengthen its partnership with
Zimbabwe through trade and investment.
He said the US would build relations. “In addition to
structures, we built relationships across a network of service providers,” he
said. “We look forward to deepening those relationships. The United States
aspires to strengthen its partnership with Zimbabwe and to expand trade and
investment between our countries. Embracing political and economic reform is
the key to achieving these goals.
“We are pleased the Government is moving toward repealing
legislation that fails to align with Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution. The right of
Zimbabweans to express their views peacefully, to collectively bargain, and to
choose their leaders via free and fair elections should never be infringed,” he
said.
On the right, a protest movement demonstrates against
sanctions imposed by the United States outside the embassy in Harare yesterday.
— Picture by Justin Mutenda
Ambassador Nichols called for a national dialogue on
political, social and economic reforms to build confidence in a new Zimbabwe.
He said the new embassy was inspired by the architecture
used in the construction of the Great Zimbabwe.
“Senior great architecture enriches the people and society
around it. The proud people of this land knew this truth a millennia ago when
they laid the foundations of Great Zimbabwe, the land of kings, nearly 300
kilometres from here. And Great Zimbabwe served as the inspiration for this
beautiful building.
“Our campus evokes Zimbabwe’s geography. The country’s wide
open rural plains, known as the “veld” are distinguished by their gently
sloping terrain, vast grasslands and tree cover. The canopy over the main
entrance that draws its inspiration from the mbira dzavadzimu, or “voice of the
ancestors,” a musical instrument that the people of Zimbabwe have played for
thousands of years,” he said.
An American artist Yael Kanarek created the hanging art
with the words ‘Night’ and ‘Day’ in 19 languages spoken in Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Nichols expressed his appreciation to Government
and the City of Harare for their support and co-operation during the
construction of the structure.
Ambassador Mathema congratulated US President Donald Trump
and the people of America and said the construction of the new complex in
Zimbabwe was a sign of a beautiful future between the two countries.
“The construction of this building shows what good
relations we have and what beautiful thoughts we have about each other.
“We hope for the best all the time. It is a good sign and
shows the US is going to be here forever,” he said.
United States director, bureau of overseas buildings
operations, Mr Tad Davis said he was proud of this new embassy’s eco-friendly
features which pursue resiliency, energy savings and sustainability goals, that
aim to reduce the overall environmental impact, while optimizing building
performance, to enhance the self sufficiency of the campus.
“This embassy not only demonstrates our long term
commitment to partnership with the people of Zimbabwe but enables us to advance
prosperity, security and stability as mutual goals in line with our Africa
Strategy. May this occasion serve as a platform to further enhance and
strengthen the co-operation between the United States of America and Zimbabwe,”
he said. Herald
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