Melanie Robinson, who studied at IDS from 1999 – 2001 for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Development, has been appointed as the new UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
After graduating from IDS, Melanie worked in a variety of positions for the Department for International Development in London as well as the World Bank Group in Washington DC.
Speaking after presenting her credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House in Harare, Ms Robinson said:
“The UK wants to see Zimbabwe succeed. I’d like to underline the UK’s willingness to do all it can to help Zimbabwe along the path to a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens, based on genuine political and economic reforms and respect for human rights.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting Zimbabweans from all walks of life very soon to hear what they have to say about the Zimbabwe they would like to see and how the UK and the rest of the international community can best help Zimbabwe fulfil its great potential.”
Her appointment comes at a turbulent time for Zimbabwe, following the dramatic coup d’état against former president Robert Mugabe in 2017, and the post- election violence and fresh allegations of human rights abuses in 2018.
Key contacts
