WASHINGTON - United States Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs, Robert Scott, says Zimbabwe is expected to conduct free, fair and credible elections this year.
Speaking to journalists in Harare after meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister, Frederick Shava, Scott said, “We spoke about upcoming elections and we all agreed for the need for non-violence, for leaders to continue to call for clear, transparent elections.”
Scott also said the two discussed the Private Voluntary Organizations Bill, which awaits the president’s signature after it was passed a few weeks ago by Senate. “We spoke about PVO Bill … Some of the concerns that we expressed on that.”
Opposition parties and non-governmental organizations say the PVO Bill will devastate operations of non-state actors as some provisions of the proposed law give government officials powers to regulate all private voluntary organizations.
However, the ruling party claims that it will block organizations with a regime-change agenda.
Scott noted that he discussed many other issues with Shava.
“We also spoke about some of the collaboration what we have, on HIV programs, US$200 million that we are spending here to ensure that Zimbabweans have access to drugs, the ARVs. We finally talked about a positive demining program that we are continuing to fund here. We just found out today that we are down to the last eighteen square kilometers of mines and by 2025 Zimbabwe will be declared mine free. And that is something that we in the United States are incredible proud of having partnered with Zimbabwe.”
Scotte was the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Malawi from 2019-21. He has also served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary covering West Africa and Economic and Regional Affairs. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs. Other overseas tours include Ukraine, Germany, France, Ghana, and domestic assignments working on climate change and European security issues. He joined the Foreign Service in 1994, according to the U.S. State Department.
Meanwhile, a Russian delegation is currently in Zimbabwe where it is engaging Zimbabwean authorities on investment opportunities.
The delegation met with various ministers and Zanu PF spokesperson, Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa, who informed the delegation that some of the proposed projects, including an iron and steel venture, are being backed by Mnangagwa.
Mlondolozi Ndlovu and Mavis Gama contributed to this article.