The Zimbabwean government recently deported four United States nationals who were contracted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The individuals, Brenda Lee Pearson, Norma Kriger, Sarah Logan, and Loretta Bass, entered the country without notifying the authorities and held unsanctioned and covert meetings. The quartet had meetings with leaders of anti-government civic society organizations, journalists, senior opposition figures, and Western diplomats. The Zimbabwean government confirmed that the quartet was on a covert political mission and violated the Geneva Convention. The US Embassy, on behalf of the Navanti Group, notified the government after their team was being shadowed. The government of Zimbabwe stated that it is determined to deport any unlawful missions that violate the country's sovereignty. The US Department of State spokesperson reacted angrily to the deportation, alleging mistreatment of the team. [b6e54e7c] [ea2109c6]