BY BRIAN A NICHOLS In the midst of a raging pandemic and the aftermath of violent protests, Americans gathered virtually on January 20 to witness a national tradition: the peaceful transfer of power between presidents. Along with global citizens around the world, we watched Joseph R Biden Jr swear upon his family’s 127-year-old Bible to uphold the values and principles of the American Constitution in his new role as the 46th President of the United States of America. In President Biden’s inaugural address, he spoke to the world, saying, “So here’s my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. And we’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example…. We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security.” On his first day in office, President Biden recommitted to protect human rights, celebrated diversity and inclusion, began the process to rejoin the Paris Agreement, and abolished controversial bans on travellers from Muslim and African countries. He also acknowledged that good governance starts with the top and signed an executive order to restore public trust in the government by directing administration officials to abide by the US code of ethics for government service. President Biden acknowledged the toll Covid-19 has had on global health, and swiftly notified the UN that the United States intends to remain a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO). To honour the memory of lost loved ones, he urged every American to o their part to curb the pandemic. The United States will also donate to the Covid-19 vaccine consortium for low and middle income countries (Covax). Here in Zimbabwe, this means the US Embassy will continue to work with the Ministry of Health, the WHO, and other local and international partners to flatten the curve. Since the outbreak began, the United States has committed over US$20 million to help Zimbabwe combat Covid-19, including training 8 200 healthcare workers to support the country’s health facilities and the donation of 20 US ventilators for use in hospitals across the country. Efforts to curb the pandemic, however, do not relieve our governments of the basic responsibilities to uphold the rule of law, fight corruption, respect human rights, and conduct safe elections. The 2020-2021 US elections provided a living lesson on electoral process. The November 3 election was the most secure in American history. Local and state officials organised and carried out elections with the largest voter turnout in US history. Impartial judges issued timely rulings on electoral challenges. Our Congress certified the victor. The assault on our Capitol during that certification reminds us of both the fragility and resilience of democratic governance. From all the chaos shared on social media, one image of courage under fire stands out: that of Capitol police of
