This article analyzes Zimbabwe’s journey toward possible re-admission to the Commonwealth after Robert Mugabe’s departure in 2017. It contrasts assessments from the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Observer Group regarding Zimbabwe’s compliance with democratic standards and public support for rejoining. The handling of critical evaluation reports raises concerns about transparency and the government’s sincerity in pursuing necessary reforms.
In November 2017, Robert Mugabe, once a symbol of Zimbabwe’s independence, was ousted from power through a military coup, ending his 37 years of increasingly frail rule. His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who served as Vice-President, took over in a context where many Zimbabweans hoped for a departure from past corruption and political violence. Mnangagwa indicated a desire for Zimbabwe to rejoin the Commonwealth, a stance that Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, welcomed, contingent on future conditions aligning with Commonwealth values.
Following the disputed 2018 elections, concerns arose regarding fairness and the political environment. Despite this, the notion of Zimbabwe’s reentry into the Commonwealth continued to be considered. In 2022, the Commonwealth Secretariat began an informal review of Zimbabwe’s adherence to membership criteria. While officials reported noticeable improvements, the situation remained contingent on the reactions to the country’s 2023 electoral process, which was criticized by various international entities, including the EU and SADC, for failing to meet essential standards.
The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) was invited to oversee the 2023 elections, a deviation from standard practice. While they acknowledged issues, they refrained from immediate conclusions about the elections’ integrity pending a final report. By early 2024, this report, anticipated to be positive, was submitted but met with internal resistance for changes, raising questions about the integrity of the process and its subsequent treatment by the Secretariat.
Delays in publicizing the COG report, which was issued around a year later than standard protocol dictates, raised concerns about the transparency of the Commonwealth’s evaluation process. The Secretary-General’s informal assessment and the COG report both identified significant obstacles for Zimbabwe’s democratic progress, albeit with conflicting outlooks on the government’s willingness to pursue reforms necessary for Commonwealth membership. The COG expressed concerns regarding electoral credibility and civil liberties, while the Secretary-General remained optimistic about Zimbabwe’s potential for democratic growth since 2017.
A notable disparity existed in evaluations of public support for Zimbabwe’s reentry into the Commonwealth. While the Secretary-General claimed overwhelming enthusiasm from Zimbabwe’s citizens for readmission, the broader context remained fraught with fear concerning the government’s commitment to necessary reforms. This divergence in perception reflects the complex political landscape within Zimbabwe and the ongoing struggles surrounding governance and civil rights in the country.
The article outlines the intricate political dynamics surrounding Zimbabwe’s potential re-admission to the Commonwealth following Robert Mugabe’s fall from power. The optimistic appraisal by the Secretary-General contrasts sharply with the more cautious assessment provided by the Commonwealth Observer Group, highlighting the ongoing challenges Zimbabwe faces in demonstrating genuine democratic progress and public support. The handling of reports and assessments raises serious questions regarding transparency and the commitment of Zimbabwe’s current leadership to reform, which will ultimately influence the Commonwealth’s stance on re-admission.
Original Source: www.commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
