Business Reporter
The ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade summoned US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols on Friday to protest after Washington placed an ambassador-designate on the sanctions’ list.
On Thursday, Washington publicly designated Zimbabwe’s Ambassador designate to Tanzania Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe “due to his involvement in gross violation of human rights.”
US said it has credible information of general Sanyatwe’s involvement in the crackdown against unarmed civilians.
In a meeting with Nichols, Nichols Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary James Manzou expressed Zimbabwe’s displeasure over the public designation of Sanyatwe.
“The decision by Washington is regrettable as it comes at a time that government is intensifying the implementation of political and economic reforms including the Motlanthe Commission report’s recommendations. This runs counter to the spirit and substance of re-engagement,” the ministry said in a statement.
Sanyatwe is a former commander of the Presidential Guard blamed for allegedly killing six civilians following protests over delays by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to announce the results of the July 30 elections last year.
