A DIPLOMATIC TUG OF WAR
In 2021, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe found himself in a tight spot. The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) had some concerns about the recent elections in Zimbabwe. The Sadc election observer mission was not happy with how the elections went. They put together a report showing the problems. Mnangagwa didn’t want this report to cause trouble for his country.
During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mnangagwa got busy. He started talking to other leaders from the Sadc, like South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. He wanted to explain Zimbabwe’s side of the story before the report became a big issue.
Ramaphosa had things to say about the report too. He said many countries face election challenges, even mentioning the United States. He noted that the report didn’t say Zimbabwe’s elections were completely wrong. It just pointed out some areas that needed to be better.
The report wasn’t final. It was to be discussed more within the Sadc. Mnangagwa wanted to make sure his country’s view was understood. He didn’t want the report to stain Zimbabwe’s reputation. It was a tricky time, with lots of serious talks happening beside the main UN event.
This situation showed how important these behind-the-scenes talks can be. Mnangagwa was working hard to keep Zimbabwe’s image clean in the eyes of the Sadc and the world. It was a dance of diplomacy, happening right in the middle of a bigger international meeting.
The election report brought some flies around Zimbabwe’s election process. Mnangagwa’s talks were like a (trap) to catch these flies before they could cause more trouble. It was a time of taking the bull by the horns) for Mnangagwa, trying to clear the air with other African leaders.
Now, as the Sadc and Zimbabwe wait for the final say on the report, the diplomatic “nhoroondo” continues. It’s a tale of defending one’s home, engaging neighbours, and navigating the rough waters of regional politics, all while under the big spotlight of the United Nations.
The initial reaction to the Sadc report presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles on the international stage. How the government responds to the report’s findings will significantly influence Zimbabwe’s reputation among regional partners and the wider international community. A proactive and constructive response could enhance Zimbabwe’s standing and contribute to regional stability.
While Mnangagwa’s efforts to engage with regional leaders are noteworthy, it’s crucial that these discussions are part of a broader, inclusive dialogue involving all political stakeholders within Zimbabwe. Addressing election-related concerns requires a collective effort that includes opposition parties, civil society, and the electorate to foster a genuinely democratic environment.
Mnangagwa’s engagement with other Sadc leaders to discuss the election observer mission’s report highlights the critical importance of transparency and integrity in the electoral process. While diplomatic efforts to clarify Zimbabwe’s position are understandable, it’s paramount that these discussions lead to substantive improvements in election practices, ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and beyond reproach.