The United States of America has congratulated Zimbabwe on the occasion of the country’s 43rd independence anniversary.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 April 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country remains committed to standing with the people of Zimbabwe to promote democratic institutions. Reads the statement:

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Zimbabwean people as you celebrate the 43rd anniversary of your independence.

The United States remains committed to standing with the people of Zimbabwe, as we have since your independence in 1980, to work together to promote democratic institutions, equitable economic growth, public health, and food security.

Zimbabwe has the chance to set itself on a path to promote citizen engagement and to respect human rights. We will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe to live longer, more prosperous, and healthier lives.

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As you celebrate your independence, please know that our friendship with the Zimbabwean people endures.

We wish all Zimbabweans a very happy Independence Day.

Zimbabwe and the United States have had strained relations since the turn of the Millenium when the former embarked on the land redistribution programme.

The United States responded to Zimbabwe’s land reform policy by imposing economic sanctions on the southern African country through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001.

A statement issued by then U.S President George Bush on 21 December 2001 after signing ZDERA reads in part:

Section 4(c) of the Act purports to direct the executive branch to oppose and vote against the extension of loans or the cancellation of debt in international financial institutions unless and until I make a certification or national interest determination.

I am concerned that this provision burdens my constitutional authority in the area of foreign affairs to conduct negotiations and cast votes in international organizations.

I will construe the provision as being subject to my exclusive authority to negotiate or vote in international financial institutions.

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