Local political analysts have expressed differing views on Zimbabwe’s potential reintegration into the Commonwealth.
The country’s efforts gained momentum after outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, endorsed Zimbabwe’s bid. She circulated a 52-page report to all member states, inviting objections, highlighting Zimbabwe’s “remarkable democratic progress.”
Political analyst Vivid Gwede, speaking with NewsDay, noted that Zimbabwe’s re-entry could offer an opportunity to enhance its global standing. However, he argued that the assertion of substantial democratic progress did not accurately reflect the current reality. He pointed to the Commonwealth observer mission’s report on the recent elections, the plight of jailed political activists, and the shrinking of civic space as indicators of continued challenges. Despite this, Gwede suggested that the outgoing Secretary-General believes Zimbabwe’s inclusion could help address these issues.
Development practitioner and political analyst Effie Ncube suggested that the Commonwealth might be looking at Zimbabwe’s readmission as a way to encourage reforms. Ncube argued that if the government uses this opportunity to implement meaningful and lasting reforms, it could benefit the nation. However, she warned that without real change, the government might interpret readmission as validation of its authoritarian approach, leading to no substantive reforms beyond superficial promises.
Professor Stephen Chan, a world politics expert at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, expressed doubts about the full support of the Commonwealth for Zimbabwe’s return. He speculated that member states might be fatigued by the issue, which could result in Zimbabwe’s re-entry by default. He added that it would take a remarkable shift for the Commonwealth to regain its significance, especially considering its diminished influence since the 1980s.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi wrote to Scotland, emphasizing that Zimbabwe’s reintegration without significant reforms would strengthen the government’s repressive actions and perpetuate corruption. Mkwananzi urged the Commonwealth to ensure that readmission was contingent on tangible progress in democratic and human rights reforms.
On the other hand, ZANU PF’s Director of Information, Farai Marapira, welcomed Zimbabwe’s potential return to the Commonwealth, describing the country’s previous expulsion as unjust. Marapira expressed optimism, noting that the government is open to international partnerships that could benefit the people, asserting that Zimbabwe deserves equal participation in global forums.
Zimbabwe’s suspension from the Commonwealth in 2002 followed widespread criticism of its land reform policies, electoral malpractice, and human rights violations. In 2003, President Robert Mugabe withdrew the country from the organization in response. After President Emmerson Mnangagwa took office in 2017 following a military coup, he announced Zimbabwe’s intention to seek reintegration into the Commonwealth as part of efforts to attract foreign investment and international financial support.
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