In a sharp critique, Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, has criticized the United States Embassy for its perceived condescension.
Mangwana urged the diplomatic mission to concentrate on enhancing bilateral relations instead of involving itself in the internal affairs of the country.
His comments came in response to a recent statement from the US embassy expressing apprehension about the pre-trial detention and prolonged delays faced by political prisoners.
“You have many black people in your prisons undergoing pre-trial incarcerations, we keep our views to ourselves. Please accord others the same courtesies they accord you, and stop patronizing us,” said Nick Mangwana on X ( formerly Twitter).
Zimbabwe and the USA have been in longstanding disagreement, with the U.S. labeling Zimbabwe as a repressive dictatorship and imposing economic sactions.
The government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has faced accusations of suppressing dissenting voices, particularly since taking over from the longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in a military-assisted takeover. Numerous activists, including former CCC legislator Job Sikhala, have been held in prison awaiting trial, with Sikhala having spent more than a year behind bars.
Source: Bulawayo24
