After many years of political and financial isolation, Zimbabwe‘s on-going efforts to re-engage with the international community are being well received.
The country’s new President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from long time ruler Robert Mugabe late in 2017, has just returned from successful trips to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
A man on the mission, from Davos to the AU, his message was well received.
Mnangagwa says, “All the delegations who met us congratulated Zimbabwe for the peaceful transition that has happened to the country, it’s a huge lesson to them, most of the countries, heads of states, and heads of organizations would want to come and have the feel of the atmosphere.”
When Zimbabwe undertook its land reform program, relations with its colonial master took a turn for the worst, with Britain leading the pack in imposing sanctions on the Southern African country.
But now it seems that relationship is on the mend.
Mnangagwa says, “In relation to broad issues like the Commonwealth and issues of relations between us and Britain, I am aware that the current Prime Minister Theresa (May) will be sending an envoy during the course of the first week of February.”
Coming to the continent’s highest decision maker, the enthusiasm is the same.
“We were well received as the new kid on the block, but fortunately Zimbabwe becomes number 53 because George Weah was inaugurated after me so he is number 54 so I am also senior to Weah.”
“Heads of states, heads of institutions, we had an opportunity and invite them to Zimbabwe and say Zimbabwe is open for business.”
As Zimbabwe now prepares for elections later in 2018, it remains to be seen if Mnangagwa will live up to the many promises he has made to the international community.
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