Harare Correspondent
Zimbabwe is on the verge of potentially being readmitted to the Commonwealth, despite ongoing concerns regarding its human rights record.
This development follows a recommendation from Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General, who has suggested that the country be allowed to return more than 20 years after its expulsion due to human rights violations under former president Robert Mugabe.
Current Political Climate
Baroness Scotland’s Informal Assessment Report indicates that there have been reports of an “overall improved political environment” in Zimbabwe.
However, she acknowledges that the country is still facing significant challenges, including issues related to political prisoners and the freedom of association. Despite these concerns, she believes that most of the core criteria for Commonwealth membership have been met sufficiently.
Criticism and Controversy
The recommendation for Zimbabwe’s readmission comes amid allegations of election rigging and the detention of political opponents under the current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Commonwealth Observers’ Report on Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections highlighted “shortcomings with the process that call into question the credibility, transparency and inclusivity of the election.”
Furthermore, it noted that recent laws have negatively impacted journalistic freedoms.
Baroness Scotland, who has faced her own controversies, including lavish spending on her official residence, is set to step down early next year. Her recommendation for Zimbabwe’s membership will now move to the next stage, which involves consultations with other Commonwealth member countries.
Zimbabwe’s Aspirations
Since 2018, Zimbabwe has been actively seeking to rejoin the Commonwealth, motivated by the desire for the prestige associated with membership and access to markets with lower trade tariffs. A Commonwealth spokesman has indicated that there is a general eagerness among various stakeholders in Zimbabwe, including the government, opposition, and civil society, to see the country reintegrated into the Commonwealth family.
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