Zimbabwe threatens to expel US Ambassador over criticism of government policies

By Tererai Karimakwenda
09 November 2005

As expected, the U.S. ambassador in Harare was summoned to meet with government officials on Wednesday after Robert Mugabe told him to "go to hell" over his criticism of the economic and agricultural policies that have destroyed the country. Ambassador Christopher Dell met with Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and was handed a diplomatic note - the contents of which he has not revealed yet. But at a news conference afterwards, Mumbengegwi said he had protested against Dell’s "undiplomatic" criticism of the government, and threatened to expel him should he be seen as trying to stir unrest.

Mumbengegwi also accused the U.S. ambassador of trying to incite a political revolt against Mugabe by directing "unjust and baseless attacks against the government of Zimbabwe. He said: “..the government of Zimbabwe will not hesitate to invoke the appropriate provisions of the Vienna Convention (governing diplomatic relations) should at any time in the future the U.S. ambassador again act in violation of the laws of the country,"

Dell’s comments were made in a speech at Africa University last Friday. Chris Maroleng at The Institute for Security Studies in South Africa said the contents of that speech were very well-researched, balanced and based on strong and factual evidence. Maroleng said it is very unfortunate that an elder statesman like Robert Mugabe would resort to cursing as a response, and it is reflective of the way his government has responded to the crisis in general.

Maroleng said diplomatic representation is afforded at the invitation of the host country, and Zimbabwe would be foolish to sever ties with a country like the United States, which is its 4th largest trading partner. This would also further emphasize the isolation that has been plaguing Harare as the country continues to deteriorate. Ambassador Dell has not responded to the personal attacks, some of which Maroleng said were vitriolic and unfounded.