Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa faced a humiliating snub at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Uganda last week. The leader of the southern African nation was relegated to the sidelines of the meeting, where he had no opportunity to address the gathering of more than 100 countries.
Isolation and Sanctions
Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2023 after a military coup that ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, has been struggling to end Zimbabwe’s international isolation and economic woes. He has promised to implement political and economic reforms and to re-engage with the West and other global partners.
Critics have met his efforts with skepticism and resistance, accusing him of failing to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The United States, the European Union, and other countries have maintained sanctions on Zimbabwe, citing the lack of credible elections, corruption, and repression.
Mnangagwa saw the NAM summit, held in Kampala from March 18 to 19, as an opportunity to showcase his achievements and seek support from other developing nations. The NAM comprises countries that do not formally align with or against any major power bloc and actively advocate for their members’ interests and sovereignty.
The summit organizers did not give Mnangagwa a slot to speak, which dashed his hopes. They placed him at the far right of the official photograph, away from the center of attention. This was not the first time he was snubbed at a global event. At the inauguration of British King Charles III in 2023, they pushed him to the corner.
A Charade of LegitimacyÂ
Mnangagwa’s critics have seized on his latest embarrassment as a sign of his lack of legitimacy and popularity. Saviour Kasukuwere, a former cabinet minister who fled the country after the coup, mocked Mnangagwa on Twitter, saying “The isolation is real and we have no choice but to go back to the table. No one recognized the charade.”
Kasukuwere was referring to the disputed 2023 general elections, which Mnangagwa claimed to have won by a narrow margin. The opposition and civil society groups challenged the results, alleging fraud, intimidation, and violence. Several observer missions also raised concerns about the credibility and fairness of the polls.
The electoral dispute has plunged Zimbabwe into a political and economic crisis, with widespread protests, strikes, and shortages of basic goods and services. The inflation rate has risen to over 500%, while experts estimate the unemployment rate to be over 90%. Millions of Zimbabweans are facing hunger and poverty, as the country also suffers from droughts, floods, and cyclones.
Despite the bleak situation, some analysts and activists see a glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe’s future. They point to the ongoing dialogue between the government and the opposition, mediated by the African Union and the United Nations, as a potential way out of the impasse. They also urge the international community to support the peace process and the humanitarian response, while holding the authorities accountable for their actions.
Zimbabwe, once known as the breadbasket of Africa, has the potential to recover and prosper, if it can overcome its political and economic challenges. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a better life, and a chance to realize their dreams.
Source: New Zimbabwe
