Zimbabwe's Ruling Party Threatens to Expel US Ambassador, Ca
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:56 pm
Brian Nichols, U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe, speaks about Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, as well as past mismanagement of resources, in Harare, Sept. 24, 2019. (C. Mavhunga/VOA)
The ruling Zanu-PF party in Zimbabwe is threatening to expel the United States ambassador to that nation, Brian Nichols, accusing him of being a “thug” who undermines the country's laws.
The party's acting spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa told reporters in Harare, if Nichols continues engaging in acts such as supporting disturbances, coordinating violence and training insurgency the party’s leadership will not hesitate to give him his marching orders.
Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Agriculture Minister Joseph Made (right). (Photo/Irwin Chifera)
Chinamasa’s comments suggest the US supports Friday's planned protest by opposition groups, calling for more economic parity, less government corruption and the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The ZANU-PF party's verbal attack on the US ambassador follows the government's accusation the US is helping to finance disturbances in the country three days before the planned anti-government protest.
The opposition spokesman, the leader of Transformation Zimbabwe, Jacob Ngarivhume said, the demonstration is going to mark a turning point for Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa has not withheld his intolerance for criticism and the government has already promised to shut down protests.