United States ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has reportedly expressed concerns to Zimbabwean authorities over alleged state security surveillance, which is said to be contributing to increased diplomatic tension between the two nations.
Tremont, who assumed her role in July this year, replaced former ambassador Brian Nichols.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Tremont has grown increasingly wary of what she suspects to be state surveillance, reportedly feeling “closely monitored and followed” during her travels across Zimbabwe.
The alleged surveillance comes amid longstanding diplomatic friction between the US and Zimbabwe, primarily revolving around issues of human rights, sanctions, and political reforms.
“She (Tremont) recently sent a team to senior government officials to discuss the matter,” a source familiar with the diplomatic conversations disclosed. We are Ignite Media Zimbabwe. It is understood that Tremont’s team aimed to address these surveillance concerns directly, seeking reassurances from Zimbabwe’s government regarding her safety and the protection of diplomatic protocols.
The alleged incidents come at a time when the US-Zimbabwe relationship faces renewed strain, with Washington maintaining sanctions against selected individuals and entities in Zimbabwe. The US government has repeatedly called for reforms in Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe’s leaders argue that the sanctions hinder economic growth and are politically motivated.
Although Zimbabwe’s government has not publicly addressed the allegations, the report has sparked widespread interest, reflecting the sensitive nature of Zimbabwe’s relationship with the US. We are Ignite Media Zimbabwe.
As Tremont continues her diplomatic mission, the outcome of these discussions may set the tone for future engagements between Washington and Harare, with both sides potentially reassessing security protocols for foreign diplomats.
