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Innocent Mujeri, Correspondent 

IN the intricate world of international relations, the United States often plays a delicate diplomatic dance, especially when it comes to acknowledging election outcomes in African nations.

On January 11, 2024, this dance took centre stage as US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller issued a congratulatory statement to President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while conspicuously omitting similar regards to Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa, who won elections last year. This selective acknowledgment raised eyebrows and accusations of a double standard, unveiling the nuanced layers of US foreign policy.

The absence of a congratulatory message for President Mnangagwa became more than a mere oversight when considered in the context of broader geopolitical agendas.

Some argue that the US’s failure to extend congratulations to President Mnangagwa since last year is rooted in a larger ambition: the pursuit of a regime change in Zimbabwe. The contention is that President Mnangagwa’s election posed a setback to the USA’s regime change agenda, thereby influencing the diplomatic niceties usually extended to elected leaders.

Amid these diplomatic intricacies, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, maintained a stance of indifference toward the lack of US acknowledgment for President Mnangagwa. This indifference is not rooted in a refusal to accept congratulations but rather in a strong objection to the US questioning the credibility of Zimbabwe’s elections.

The sentiment within the country suggests that Zimbabwe takes no issue with the US congratulating President Tshisekedi of the DRC; rather, it objects to the questioning of its democratic processes.

The implications of such selective acknowledgment extend beyond diplomatic courtesies. They underscore a broader narrative of double standards in how the US engages with African nations. The nuanced dance of diplomacy, in this context, reveals a tendency to align acknowledgements with geopolitical interests, potentially undermining the principles of fairness and equality in diplomatic relations.

In navigating this intricate diplomatic landscape, it becomes imperative to scrutinise the motivations behind such selective gestures. Whether driven by geopolitical considerations, historical grievances, or broader agendas, the US’s approach to acknowledging election outcomes in African nations demands a closer examination.

As Africa grapples with the complexities of global politics, it is essential for diplomatic engagements to be grounded in principles that uphold the sovereignty and dignity of nations, free from the taint of double standards.

To understand the complexities of US-Africa relations, it’s essential to zoom in on Zimbabwe, where the US’s silence on President Mnangagwa’s victory and the dominance of the Zanu-PF in the country’s political landscape have sparked its own set of opinions. While overt criticisms of the Zimbabwean government’s electoral process are not uncommon, it is crucial to consider the broader context.

The strained relations between the US and Zimbabwe have historical roots, notably tied to the contentious land redistribution policy.

Zimbabwe’s reclamation of land from white settlers, aimed at rectifying historical injustices, created a divergence in international perspectives. While Zanu-PF views it as a crucial step towards redressing colonial imbalances, the West, including the United States, has approached it with scepticism. This historical backdrop adds layers to the diplomatic dance, influencing the lens through which electoral outcomes are perceived.

Moreover, the assertion that the US dislikes the Zanu-PF Government because it refuses to be a client state reinforces the notion that geopolitical considerations often shape diplomatic engagements. The refusal to congratulate President Mnangagwa might be seen as a manifestation of this broader geopolitical struggle, where allegiance to a global power’s interests becomes a defining factor in bilateral relations.

Within the intricate web of international relations, it is crucial to acknowledge that African nations are not mere spectators but active participants in the complex diplomatic dance that unfolds on the global stage. The prevailing narrative often tends to oversimplify, attributing election outcomes solely to external influences.

However, this perspective overlooks the intrinsic agency and internal dynamics that shape the political landscapes of African nations. These nations, with their rich histories, diverse cultures, and complex socio-political contexts, contribute significantly to the outcomes of their elections.

Examining the case of Zimbabwe, the reluctance of the United States to acknowledge the election results takes on a deeper significance. It raises questions about the underlying motives and potential involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

The suggestion that the US’s hesitancy may be rooted in a broader regime change agenda adds a layer of complexity to the diplomatic discourse. This narrative underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between external actors and internal dynamics, emphasising the agency of African nations in shaping their destinies.

As Africa navigates these complexities, it becomes evident that the diplomatic narrative must evolve to encompass the multifaceted interactions that define the continent’s political landscape.

However, Zanu-PF’s indifference to the lack of US acknowledgment underscores the party’s resilience against external pressures and emphasises a commitment to their sovereignty.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that US-Africa relations are multifaceted, intertwining economic interests, historical grievances, and geopolitical considerations.

The diplomatic dance is not a simple binary of right or wrong but a nuanced interplay of interests and values.

Unravelling this intricate web of international relations requires a careful examination of historical contexts, economic motivations, and the agency of African nations in determining their political destinies.

As Africa navigates the complexities of global geopolitics, it becomes imperative to foster diplomatic engagements that respect sovereignty and promote mutually beneficial partnerships.