American ambassador faces expulsion from Zimbabwe

HARARE – US ambassador to Zimbabwe Chris Dell risks being expelled for what the southern African country termed his “undiplomatic behaviour and meddling with Zimbabwe’s affairs”, the state-run Herald reported yesterday.

“United States ambassador Mr Christopher Dell risks being expelled for his continued meddling in the internal affairs of Zimbabwe,” the paper said, the latest in a series of punches thrown in a diplomatic row set to further strain relations between Washington and Harare. “Alternatively, Mr Dell could be put under open surveillance as was done to former British ambassador Mr Brian Donnelly in June 2002 for continually meddling in the affairs of Zimbabwe and being involved in activities to undermine the government,” the paper said.Dell, who has been in Zimbabwe since 2003, last week angered Harare when he said the deteriorating economic situation there was the result of corrupt rule.”The Zimbabwe government’s own gross mismanagement of the economy and its corrupt rule has brought on the crisis,” said Dell.”Neither drought nor sanctions are the root of Zimbabwe’s decline,” he said at a lecture held at the Africa University in the country’s east.A state-owned Sunday paper said Dell was to be called by Mugabe to explain “adverse reports on the political situation in Zimbabwe”, but presidential spokesman George Charamba said Monday the foreign affairs ministry, not Mugabe, will summon Dell.”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and not President Mugabe intends to summon Mr Dell to explain his undiplomatic behaviour,” Charamba told The Herald.Zimbabwe’s economy has been on a downturn in the past five years characterised by triple-digit inflation, high unemployment and chronic shortages of fuel, cooking oil and sugar.The government blames the crisis on targeted sanctions imposed on Mugabe and members of his inner circle by European Union member states and the United States.Last month Dell was detained by a special presidential army unit after he entered a restricted area in the botanical gardens in Harare near Mugabe’s high-security residence.- Nampa-AFP”Alternatively, Mr Dell could be put under open surveillance as was done to former British ambassador Mr Brian Donnelly in June 2002 for continually meddling in the affairs of Zimbabwe and being involved in activities to undermine the government,” the paper said.Dell, who has been in Zimbabwe since 2003, last week angered Harare when he said the deteriorating economic situation there was the result of corrupt rule.”The Zimbabwe government’s own gross mismanagement of the economy and its corrupt rule has brought on the crisis,” said Dell.”Neither drought nor sanctions are the root of Zimbabwe’s decline,” he said at a lecture held at the Africa University in the country’s east.A state-owned Sunday paper said Dell was to be called by Mugabe to explain “adverse reports on the political situation in Zimbabwe”, but presidential spokesman George Charamba said Monday the foreign affairs ministry, not Mugabe, will summon Dell.”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and not President Mugabe intends to summon Mr Dell to explain his undiplomatic behaviour,” Charamba told The Herald.Zimbabwe’s economy has been on a downturn in the past five years characterised by triple-digit inflation, high unemployment and chronic shortages of fuel, cooking oil and sugar.The government blames the crisis on targeted sanctions imposed on Mugabe and members of his inner circle by European Union member states and the United States.Last month Dell was detained by a special presidential army unit after he entered a restricted area in the botanical gardens in Harare near Mugabe’s high-security residence.- Nampa-AFP

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.