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Commonwealth leaders are moving forward with efforts to bring Zimbabwe back into the organization, despite concerns raised by a recent election report.
A confidential report by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland suggests that Zimbabwe has made “remarkable democratic progress” and would “flourish again” if readmitted to the Commonwealth.
The 52-page report, seen by <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-zimbabwe-commonwealth-readmission-push/">The Globe and Mail</a>, acknowledges ongoing challenges in Zimbabwe, such as political prisoners, repression of civil society, and restrictions on political activity, but maintains that readmission could help improve the country’s democratic processes.
Commonwealth members, including Canada, are facing a deadline of November 26 to submit their views on Zimbabwe’s readmission. If there are no objections, Zimbabwe could be invited to formally apply for re-admission.
However, a separate report by Commonwealth election observers casts doubt on the credibility of Zimbabwe’s 2023 election. The 108-page report, completed in early 2024, highlights serious deficiencies in the election, including biased media coverage, lack of electoral reforms, and issues with political party registration and campaign finance.
The observer group could not endorse the election, citing significant issues that “severely affect” the credibility of the vote. The report concludes that the government has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to democratic reforms.
The election report was not publicly available for much of 2024 and is still not listed on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s website, although it can be accessed upon request.
Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 due to widespread criticism of its land reform policies, rigged elections, and human rights abuses. In response, then-President Robert Mugabe withdrew the country from the organisation.
After taking office in 2017 following a military coup, Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in 2018 that Zimbabwe would seek re-admission to the Commonwealth as part of a broader strategy to secure foreign investment and international loans.
Mnangagwa’s government won the disputed 2018 and 2023 elections, but both elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, voter manipulation, and intimidation, with international observers raising concerns over their credibility.
The Commonwealth promotes values of free and democratic societies, including human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression.
Critics argue that the organisation’s credibility is undermined by its decision to admit authoritarian regimes like Rwanda, Gabon, and Togo, which have poor human rights records.
In 2022, the Commonwealth chose Rwanda, a country with a history of imprisoning and killing dissidents, as the host for its heads of government summit, raising further questions about the organisation’s commitment to democratic values.
Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), strongly opposes the country’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth.
Spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi argues that Zimbabwe’s record of election manipulation, voter intimidation, corruption, and attacks on opposition figures disqualifies it from re-admission.
While most African countries support Zimbabwe’s readmission, some Commonwealth members, particularly from the UK, argue that Zimbabwe is not yet ready to return due to ongoing democratic deficits and human rights concerns.
Jonny Oates, a British Liberal Democrat politician and member of the House of Lords, said it was concerning that the Commonwealth would consider readmitting Zimbabwe while many opposition supporters remain imprisoned. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
It’s concerning that The Commonwealth is proposing readmission of Zimbabwe when Jameson Timba and many other opposition supporters remain in prison and as far as I can see it still has not published the full report of the Commonwealth Observer mission on the 2023 elections.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe might rejoin the Commonwealth soon, even though there are concerns about recent elections. A report says Zimbabwe has made progress and could benefit from rejoining. But another report raises doubts about the elections. Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 because of land reform, elections, and human rights issues. The government wants to rejoin to get foreign investment. Some oppose this because of past election issues and human rights abuses. Commonwealth members have until November 26 to share their views on Zimbabwe rejoining.

Zimbabwe "Close" To Rejoining Commonwealth

The Commonwealth’s controversial Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, is advocating for Zimbabwe’s readmission to the organisation, despite ongoing concerns about its human rights record.
As reported by <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14034385/baroness-brazen-zimbabwe-commonwealth.html">The Mail</a>, Baroness Scotland has recommended that Zimbabwe be allowed to return more than 20 years after its expulsion due to human rights violations under former President Robert Mugabe.
The current government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has faced accusations of election rigging and the detention of political opponents.
In her Informal Assessment Report, Baroness Scotland said stakeholders within Zimbabwe have reported an “overall improved political environment.” She added:
<blockquote>
I am certain that with the help of the Commonwealth family, the country will flourish once again.
</blockquote>
However, Baroness Scotland’s tenure has been marred by controversy, including revelations that she spent £338,000 refurbishing her grace-and-favour Mayfair apartment, earning her the nickname “Baroness Brazen.”
She has been criticised for appointing allies to key positions since taking office. She is to step down early next year.
Baroness Scotland said Zimbabwe is “still in the early stages of its democratic journey,” citing issues like political prisoners and the need for freedom of association. Nevertheless, she believes that most of the core criteria for membership have been broadly met.
Baroness Scotland has proposed that Zimbabwe’s application move to the “next stage,” which involves consultations with member countries.
Since 2018, Zimbabwe has been seeking to rejoin the Commonwealth, motivated by the prestige of membership and access to markets with lower trade tariffs.
A Commonwealth spokesman confirmed that all stakeholders—including the government, opposition, civil society, media, and religious leaders—are eager to see Zimbabwe reintegrated into the Commonwealth family.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Baroness Scotland wants Zimbabwe to rejoin the Commonwealth, despite problems with human rights. People are worried because the government has been accused of election fraud and arresting political opponents. Baroness Scotland says things are getting better in Zimbabwe, but there are still issues like political prisoners. She thinks Zimbabwe should be allowed back in the Commonwealth, but some people are not happy about it. The government, opposition, and other groups in Zimbabwe all want to be part of the Commonwealth again.

Commonwealth Chief Pushes For Zimbabwe's Readmission Despite Human Rights Concerns

ZANU PF, the ruling party in Zimbabwe, has sought Canada’s support in its bid to rejoin the Commonwealth.
Zimbabwe’s membership was suspended in 2002 for breaching the Harare Declaration, leading then-President Robert Mugabe to withdraw the country from the organisation the following year when the Commonwealth refused to lift the suspension.
Since assuming office in 2017 after a popular military coup, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed a desire to rejoin the Commonwealth.
For Zimbabwe to be readmitted, it must adhere to the fundamental values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights such as freedom of expression.
Addressing the media after meeting with Canadian Ambassador Adler Aristilde, ZANU PF Secretary for Information Christopher Mutsvangwa said the ruling party has appealed to Canada, an influential Commonwealth member, to support its readmission. Said Mutsvangwa (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-begs-canada-for-backing-in-bid-for-commonwealth-readmission/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We also expressed our desire to rejoin the Commonwealth and our expectation is an influential Canada in the Commonwealth could also push for Zimbabwe’s credentials so that we become a part of this club of friends which historically means a lot to us.
</blockquote>
The Commonwealth, or the Commonwealth of Nations, is a political association of 56 member countries, most of which were former territories of the British Empire.
The organization promotes peace, democracy, and development, providing a platform for member states to collaborate on various issues.
Commonwealth membership offers numerous benefits to its member countries, including access to educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives like the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
The Commonwealth also promotes trade and investment among member countries, with various economic partnerships and development programs.
The organisation facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding through events like the Commonwealth Games.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU PF, wants Canada's help to rejoin the Commonwealth, a group of countries. Zimbabwe was suspended in 2002 for breaking rules. President Mnangagwa wants back in but must follow the group's rules on democracy and human rights. ZANU PF asked Canada, a big member, for support. The Commonwealth helps countries work together, trade, and learn. It also offers educational programs and events like the Commonwealth Games. ZANU PF hopes Canada will help Zimbabwe join the Commonwealth again.

ZANU PF Requests Canadian Support For Commonwealth Readmission

A faction of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) party, primarily composed of members loyal to former leader Nelson Chamisa, has voiced its opposition to Zimbabwe’s bid for readmission into the Commonwealth under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
The Commonwealth, or the Commonwealth of Nations, is a political association of 56 member countries, most of which were former territories of the British Empire.
The organization promotes peace, democracy, and development, providing a platform for member states to collaborate on various issues.
In a statement, party spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi outlined reasons why the Commonwealth should reject Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin the group under the current government.
Mkwananzi criticised the general elections held in August 2023, describing them as “deeply flawed” and marred by significant voter intimidation, manipulation by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), and unresolved irregularities in vote tallying.
He also pointed out the ongoing incarceration of faction leader Jameson Timba and other party activists since June 2024, among other issues. Said Mkwananzi:
<blockquote>
In addition to the failed electoral system, the opposition faces unprecedented attacks. Our members, including Amos Chibaya and Senator Timba, have been unjustly arrested and detained without trial, while others remain behind bars under politically motivated charges.
The fraudulent recall of 15 MPs and 17 councillors by individuals unaffiliated with our party demonstrates the regime’s subversion of democratic norms.
Further, the funds meant for our party have been diverted to imposters, rendering us financially constrained in fighting for democracy.
Zimbabwe’s judiciary has been captured by the executive, with rulings that consistently favour the government while disregarding constitutional rights.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s tenure extension, ruled unconstitutional by legal experts, casts a shadow over the judiciary’s credibility.
Corruption scandals such as the ZESA and Kuvimba Mining House cases continue to erode public trust, while the victims of state-sponsored violence, including opposition members, still await justice.
</blockquote>
Mkwananzi added that, given these gross violations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the Commonwealth should reject Zimbabwe’s application for readmission until genuine reforms are implemented.
He said that Zimbabwe must restore democratic integrity and accountability before it can be welcomed back into the international community.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Some people in a political party in Zimbabwe do not want the country to join the Commonwealth under their current leader. They say the recent elections were not fair, and many people were intimidated. The party members have been arrested, and the government is accused of corruption. They want Zimbabwe to make changes before joining the Commonwealth. They think the country needs to improve democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They want the international community to wait until these changes happen before letting Zimbabwe back in.

Former Chamisa Loyalists In CCC Opposed To Zimbabwe's Commonwealth Readmission Under Mnangagwa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Fredrick Shava, has said that Zimbabwe is likely to be accepted back into the Commonwealth at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, scheduled for October next year.
Zimbabwe had previously withdrawn from the Commonwealth in 2003 under the leadership of the late former President Robert Mugabe. This decision was made in protest after the Commonwealth imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2002 due to a disorderly and violent land reform program.
Following the removal of President Mugabe in 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government applied to rejoin the Commonwealth on May 15, 2018. Commonwealth has so far rejected Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin the organisation citing continued human rights violations.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/theindependent/amp/local-news/article/200020944/us-angry-over-ccc-election-defeat-minister">NewsDay</a> on the sidelines of the handover ceremony of a training institute for diplomats, Shava said:
<blockquote>
Those ones, they will always be ranting whenever they feel that their allies are losing ground. We have not done anything to the opposition except to present ourselves and them to the people and when the Americans look at the loss of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in terms of elections then they think that somebody is playing tricks.
No one is playing tricks. It is just that the people have a preference for Zanu PF and they have been voting for Zanu PF in this regard. So that cry that they want to punish people who are preventing ‘democracy’, their democracy to take place is their own cry. It is not our cry.
We have been engaging with certain countries in the Commonwealth. We had a lot of meetings with the Commonwealth secretariat and their last visit sometime this year.
We are hoping in the course of early 2024 or mid-2024 we should get an answer. Rwanda indicated to us that Zimbabwe may be accepted back to the Commonwealth before the next CHOGM.
</blockquote>
The Commonwealth is a group of 54 countries that used to be ruled by Britain. It was formed in 1931 to bring together equal and independent nations. It focuses on things like democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Commonwealth helps countries work together, develop their economies, and improve their societies. Members can share ideas, learn from each other, and help each other with things like education and healthcare. They can also take part in events like the Commonwealth Games, which celebrate sports and culture. The Commonwealth helps countries face global problems like climate change, poverty, and conflicts by working together. It gives smaller nations a chance to be heard on the world stage.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Likely To Be Accepted Back Into Commonwealth - Minister Shava

The Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2023 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections issued its Interim Statement at a press conference in Harare.
It follows elections in the country on 23 and 24 August.
Voting had been scheduled to take place on 23 August but was extended to 24 August in some areas due to the late arrival of ballot papers.
The Group’s Chair, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, praised Zimbabweans for the largely peaceful approach in the run-up to and on election days.
The Group was invited to observe the 2023 Harmonised Elections by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The Group will submit a final report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, which will be subsequently shared with pertinent parties and made publicly available.  Part of the report on the activities forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) group, reads:
<blockquote>
We observed and received various reports, that an NGO called Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ), had set up “exit poll survey” tables in close proximity to polling stations, with governing party regalia. From our briefings with other civil society organisations and stakeholders, it was made clear that exit polling is currently not permitted within the legal framework of Zimbabwe…
Our observers witnessed tables set up in close proximity by an organisation called Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and received reports that members of the organisation were allegedly recording the names and ID numbers of voters. We also noted that members of FAZ were also conducting citizen observation. Their presence fuelled allegations of voter intimidation.
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/interim-statement-commonwealth-observer-group-2023-zimbabwe-harmonised-elections">Read the full interim report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-08/Interim%20Statement%20ZIMBABWE[65]_0.pdf?VersionId=NZ_kaSMjah6J7GA2wbG1K2xmGMpqzzyA" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Download a PDF version of the interim report</a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Commonwealth Observers Release Interim Report On Zimbabwe elections

As Zimbabwe’s national elections approach, concerns are arising regarding the transparency of the electoral process. Political analyst Dr. Tinashe Sithole suggests that the signs indicate another disputed election. Sithole told <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/all-indicators-point-to-another-disputed-zim-election-analyst/">SABC News:</a>
<blockquote>
By all indicators it points to another disputed election. Remember a free and fair election it is all about if people are going to vote freely and if political parties have equal rights to campaign in terms of meetings and rallies. Looking at those factors, especially the conduct of political parties as well as the conduct of the electoral commission and the current environment, it is really looking gloomy in terms of the upcoming election.
</blockquote>
Recently, the High Court dismissed the appeal by the Citizens Coalition for Change to access the updated voters’ roll noting that it was not urgent. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has not yet released the final voters’ roll or the list of polling stations.
Furthermore, there has been a rise in reports of violence, primarily involving clashes between the ruling party ZANU PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The opposition party alleges that its supporters have been subjected to assaults by ZANU PF supporters. Additionally, it claims that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been obstructing its rallies at the behest of the ruling party.
This week, the country’s authorities deported four southern African democracy activists on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and barred journalists from several international media houses deployed to cover the polls. Observers from within Zimbabwe, the SADC region, Commonwealth and the European Union will be monitoring the elections. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

By All Indicators It Points To Another Disputed Election - Analyst

A British parliamentarian has said Zimbabwe must not be readmitted into the Commonwealth following the continued pre-trial detention of Zengeza West MP and prominent opposition politician Job Sikhala.
Baroness Kate Hoey, a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom (UK), was commenting on Sikhala’s letter which he wrote from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison a few days ago.
Among other things, Sikhala said he had developed a strange illness and was prepared to be killed for defending the values and principles of a free and open democratic society. Said Baroness Hoey:
<blockquote>
A shocking abuse of human rights by Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF. Zimbabwe must not be allowed back into the commonwealth.
</blockquote>
Sikhala, who is the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) vice chairman, was arrested on 14 June 2022 on allegations of inciting violence following the murder of Moreblessing Ali, a Chitungwiza Municipality employee and resident of Nyatsime who was linked to the opposition political party.
His trial only began on January 2023.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth group in 2003 after it had been suspended for a year over alleged human rights violations. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/no-commonwealth-return-for-zimbabwe-says-british-peer-blasts-shocking-rights-abuse-as-sikhala-clocks-204-days-in-jail/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

British Peer Voices Opposition To Zimbabwe's Commonwealth Return Bid

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has implored the British monarch and government to facilitate Zimbabwe’s re-admission to the Commonwealth and remove sanctions imposed on the country.
Ramaphosa was in the United Kingdom recently where he met King Charles III and the newly elected Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The South African leader said it was important for Zimbabwe to be readmitted to the Commonwealth, a political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe issue inevitably always comes out in meetings like these because we are talking here with the country that is like the head of the Commonwealth and we advocate for Zimbabwe to be readmitted to the Commonwealth; it is important.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth under then leader, the late Robert Mugabe in 2003, after it had been suspended from the group over alleged human rights violations.
Since the 2017 military coup that ended Mugabe’s 37-year reign, Zimbabwe has been seeking to rejoin the association.
Recently, a Commonwealth delegation headed by Luis Franceschi was in Harare to assess progress made by the country in readying itself to rejoin the grouping.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa also reiterated his call for Britain to lift the sanctions it imposed on Zimbabwe saying they are also hurting South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
The sanctions that have been imposed on Zimbabwe have a collateral impact, a negative impact on us as South Africa because the Zimbabwean economy is weakened.
Zimbabweans flow to our own country and exacerbate the challenges that we have regards to unemployment and health services.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that millions of Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa over the past two decades seeking better economic conditions. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zim-sanctions-hurting-south-africa-says-ramphosa-urges-britain-to-lift-embargo-and-allow-commonwealth-return/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Ramaphosa Urges Britain To Lift Zim Sanctions And Allow Commonwealth Return

LEAD president Linda Masarira said that Zimbabwe should not seek to rejoin the Commonwealth, describing the organisation as useless and archaic.
Since the November 2017 military coup, the ZANU PF-led government has been seeking to rejoin the Commonwealth, which is made up of Britain, its former colonies, and a few other countries.
Masarira argued that joining the Commonwealth will not help Zimbabwe saying the organisation serves only to bolster Britain’s sense of importance in the world. She said:
<blockquote>
My heart bleeds when I see the Zimbabwean government making efforts of rejoining this useless Commonwealth of nations which is just a mere post-colonial club.
The Commonwealth still serves only to bolster Britain’s sense of importance in the world and to make it appear that its outdated stiff upper-lipped monarch still has a role in the modern world.
We should never be comfortable joining groupings that have no tangible benefit to the people of Zimbabwe.
The Commonwealth is not a free trade body like the EU, a unified defence group like NATO, or even an international quasi-legal body like the UN.
It does not seek to do anything much, other than vaguely demanding that members at least nod toward democracy.
The nod of democracy which is defined in British terms which I find quite absurd.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth two decades ago after former President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle were slapped with sanctions for human rights violations.
Last week a Commonwealth delegation was in Zimbabwe for a second assessment to see if the country had made progress on the conditions needed to rejoin the group.
Masarira believes Zimbabwe should focus on entrenching Pan-African values than joining the Commonwealth. She said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe should be focusing on entrenching Pan-Afrikan values, interests, and principles which will enable native Zimbabweans to own and control all the means of production in our quest to make Zimbabwe an economic powerhouse.
Zimbabwe will never be an economic giant using foreign currency and allocating key critical mining concessions to foreign investors.
We need to be able to encourage more Local Investment, champion wealth creation among native Zimbabweans and strengthen the Zimbabwe dollar which again should be renamed to a wholly Zimbabwean name, rebranded, and given a strong lease of life.
The economic stability strategies which should be implored should start by dumping all the eurocentric economic models that we are using which destroyed our economy.
We should define our own economic models and start doing things the Zimbabwean way to benefit the Zimbabwean people. Where there is a will there is always a way.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://openparly.com/rejoining-commonwealth-is-a-retrogressive-move-says-linda-masarira/">OpenParly</a>

Commonwealth Is Useless & Archaic, Zimbabwe Should Not Rejoin - Masarira

The <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/commonwealth-team-set-to-visit-zimbabwe-to-assess-progress/">Commonwealth delegation which visited Zimbabwe</a> to assess the progress made since the southern African country’s application to rejoin the group in 2018 has said impressive progress has been made. The team was in Zimbabwe from 12-18 November 2022. This was the third time Commonwealth visited Zimbabwe to assess progress made since 2018. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Assistant Secretary-General, Prof Luis Franceschi who was leading the delegation said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has made impressive progress in its journey to re-join the Commonwealth family. This is encouraging and we hope that further progress will be made. This mission by the Commonwealth forms part of the broader membership process and we look forward to advancing this further.
All the stakeholders we engaged with – the Government, opposition parties, Civil Society Organisations, religious leaders, and indeed the people of Zimbabwe – are supportive of Zimbabwe coming back to the family. We will work together towards that shared goal to ensure this process reaches its proper conclusion.
</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/05/21/mnangagwa-applies-to-rejoin-commonwealth-invites-election-observers/">government applied on May 15, 2018, to rejoin</a> the grouping, a year after Mugabe’s ouster.
But the bloc has perennially cited human rights abuses and lack of rule of law as stumbling blocks for Zimbabwe’s re-admission.
Zimbabwe was in the Commonwealth until 2003 when the late former President Robert Mugabe withdrew the country from the group.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Zimbabwe Has Made Impressive Progress In Its Journey To Rejoin The Commonwealth Family"

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa">Nelson Chamisa</a>, has said Zimbabwe must normalise relations with the Commonwealth club. The call comes as Zimbabwe has, since 2018, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/09/29/zimbabwe-might-be-readmitted-into-the-commonwealth-by-2020/">been pushing in vain to rejoin the bloc</a>. A <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/commonwealth-delegation-to-meet-ed-ngos-election-watchdogs-diplomats-opposition-parties/">Commonwealth team is in the southern African country</a> to assess progress made in preparation for readmission into the bloc. In a statement seen by Pindula News, CCC national spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere">Fadzayi Mahere</a> said bad politics is standing in the way of Zimbabwe’s re-admission to the Commonwealth. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>ZIMBABWE MUST NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH COMMONWEALTH </h2>
Today, as the Citizen Movement BEING the next Government, we met the Commonwealth delegation led by Assistant Secretary General, Prof, Luis Franceschi. This meeting was part of the ongoing consultation and engagement process regarding Zimbabwe’s re-admission to the Commonwealth. We took the opportunity to brief the Commonwealth on the political situation in the country including the political climate and the breakdown of the rule of law, deteriorating human rights situation, the electoral environment, economic mismanagement and corruption.
<h2>1. Political climate and breakdown of the rule of law</h2>
Zimbabwe faces a crisis of governance and legitimacy borne out of disputed elections. We noted the acrimony, division, disputed national processes contested leadership, toxicity and lack of legitimacy that plague Zimbabwe. We also noted the absence of genuine, inclusive and comprehensive dialogue. We made reference to the closure of democratic space through the enactment of repressive and undemocratic anti-people legislation including the PVO Bill, Maintenance of Order and Peace Act and the proposed Patriotic Bill. We highlighted the attack and persecution of civic society including human rights defenders, trade unions, the student movement, teachers, journalists, lawyers, the church, politicians and citizens in general. The Police have been incapacitated by Zanu PF and are unable to deal with incidents of incitement to violence by Zanu PF including cabinet members and criminal complaints against Zanu PF members.
<h2>2. Human rights situation </h2>
We noted the deteriorating human rights situation in the country in particular the selective application and weaponization of the law, persecution by prosecution, pre-trial incarceration and denial of bail. In particular we noted the plight of the Nyatsimel7 including two honourable Members of Parliament, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole. We also highlighted the plight of political prisoners from other parties including political prisoners from MRP, the abduction and torture of our members, the murder of activists including Mboneni Ncube and others, violence against women, the weaponization of food aid, the abuse and victimization of traditional leaders for partisan purposes, impunity of Zanu PF members who incite and perpetrate violence.
<h2>3. Electoral environment</h2>
We note the general lack of political will to implement credible, inclusive, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/12/july-30-election-not-credible-commonwealth/">comprehensive electoral reforms</a>. The electoral environment has been mired by political violence, violation of the right to vote, refusal to implement the diaspora vote, restriction of voter registration, refusal to release a credible voters’ roll and subject it to an audit by a reputable, independent audit firm, a lack of real time, verifiable and accountable results announcement process, credibility and independence of the electoral management body, security of the vote and the voter and the biased state media. There has been an increase in political violence against citizens including Hon Jasmine Toffa and other political leaders and activists from across the country. We have also seen the banning and disruption of political meetings and the violation of freedom of assembly.
<h2>4. Economic mismanagement, corruption &amp; collapse of social services </h2>
We underscored that over 49% of Zimbabweans live in extreme poverty and highlighted the general economic hardship affecting Zimbabweans that has been caused by bad governance, economic mismanagement and corruption. Zimbabweans do not have access to basic public services including healthcare, quality education, social security and safety nets. Poverty and economic hardship that have forced over 5 million Zimbabweans to flee the country. Over US$2 billion is lost to corruption and illicit financial flows annually and over US$100 million is lost to gold smuggling each month. 
<h2>Way forward </h2>
We want what is good for the country and what is good for Zimbabwe. We support everything that respects the Constitution, the citizens and people’s rights. As the next government, our firm view is that Zimbabwe must normalize relations with all progressive nations and global institutions including the Commonwealth in pursuit of mutual co-operation and the national interest. In any event, the withdrawal of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth was a unilateral, ill-conceived, partisan political act. It was not in pursuit of the common, national and public interest. Currently, bad politics is standing in the way of Zimbabwe’s re-admission to the Commonwealth. We call for a value-based, principles-driven, time-bound and process-benchmarked re-admission of Zimbabwe to the Commonwealth guided by the Commonwealth Charter and Harare Commonwealth Declaration of 1991. We made the position clear that, as Zimbabweans, we need to find each other but have failed to resolve our disputed issues in politics and processes. Zimbabwe needs a sincere and genuine, national dialogue on political and electoral reforms underwritten and scaffolded by a credible arbiter. The holding of a credible election and the process and environment leading up to these elections must be peaceful and must be guided by the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and the African Charter on Democracy and Governance.
Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Must Normalise Relations With Commonwealth - CCC

Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has said sanctions imposed on the southern African country at the turn of the millennium could be a stumbling block to rejoining Commonwealth, according to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zanu-pf-raises-concern-with-commonwealth-processes/">Chronicle</a>.
Since the ascendancy to power of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2017, Zimbabwe has been pushing the engagement and re-engagement agenda and rejoining the Commonwealth bloc has been on the cards since then. 
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the Commonwealth delegation led by Professor Luis Franschesci in Harare yesterday, ZANU PF’s acting secretary for administration, Patrick Chinamasa, said the discussions were fruitful. He said:
<blockquote>
We are very pleased that we had a very fruitful engagement with the Commonwealth delegation this afternoon. We discussed a number of issues mostly centred on our application for readmission into the Commonwealth.
ZANU PF fully supports the application for readmission and we told them so. We do so because as our President has said on many occasions, we want to be a friend to all and an enemy to none. That’s what motivates our application for readmission. We have been a valuable member of the club in the past from 1980-2003.
We have observed and informed the delegation that our application for  re-admission was made in May 2018, four years later we have not yet succeeded. Our observation is that the process is too slow, but also we observed that the bench-marking is skewed against Zimbabwe.
It’s made too high to a point where it’s not applied to any new members who want to get into the Commonwealth or to those who want to be readmitted like us.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Our problem with re-admission should be coming from those countries which imposed sanctions against us and who are members of the club.
They have to decide whether they want to lift the sanctions, if they agreed to have us re-admitted it would follow that they will lift sanctions. We think that is where the problem may be.
</blockquote>
The Commonwealth delegation is in the country for a week-long visit aimed at assessing progress made by Zimbabwe following an application submitted in 2018 for re-admission into the club.
The Commonwealth secretary general, Mrs Patricia Scotland, was in South Africa early this month where she addressed the first ordinary session of the 6th Pan African Parliament and pledged to deploy a team in Harare to assess the situation on the ground.
She said several engagements had been made and the current stage with regard to Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin the club was to have an assessment team which will eventually report back before a position is taken.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZANU PF Says Sanctions Could Be The Stumbling Block To Rejoining Commonwealth

The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) says Zimbabwe is yet to meet the conditions to be readmitted to the Commonwealth because of continuing human rights violations.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere lamented what she called violations of the constitution, property rights, and the escalation of politically motivated violence by ZANU PF against innocent people. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
For Zimbabwe to rejoin the community of nations, it is very important for us to stop abusing citizens.
You know that there are political prisoners who have been in pretrial detention for more than 140 days.
Violations of the constitution, violations of property rights, corruption, the escalation of violence by ZANU-PF against citizens, journalists and members of political opposition and civic society, the shrinking democratic space and the continued promulgation of repressive unconstitutional legislation — that does not bode well for Zimbabwe to be received back into the community of nations.
</blockquote>
Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala, who is CCC deputy chairperson, Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole, and 14 party members have been in prison since June on allegations of political violence.
Sithole was released on Friday night but others are still languishing in pre-trial detention.
A Commonwealth delegation led by assistant secretary-general Prof Luis Franceschi is currently in Zimbabwe to assess whether the country has met the conditions to be readmitted to the group. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimbabwes-commonwealth-return-bid-opposition-says-no/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Zimbabwe Yet To Meet Conditions For Commonwealth Readmission - CCC

Prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the Commonwealth group should readmit Zimbabwe as a member for the benefit of the generality of its citizenry but doing so without conditions will be “catastrophic.”
Posting on his Facebook page after meeting the Commonwealth Secretariat visiting team to Zimbabwe led by Professor Luis Franceschi on Monday, Chin’ono said Zimbabweans will derive numerous benefits from Commonwealth membership.
He, however, highlighted that there must be reform benchmarks to which Zimbabwe’s admission must be tied to, such as the release of all political prisoners including CCC deputy national chairman Job Sikhala. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Today I was invited to meet with the Commonwealth Secretariat visiting team to Zimbabwe led by Professor Luis Franceschi.
I started by telling them that my life was turned around through a 2 year Commonwealth Visa that allowed me and many others to work in Britain.
I added that this is 1 of many Commonwealth benefits to ordinary Zimbabweans that were denied to them when ZANUPF petulantly and arbitrarily pulled the country out of the Commonwealth simply because it didn’t want to adhere to its constitutional prescriptions of the Rule of Law.
I explained to them that the withdrawal from the Commonwealth affected ordinary Zimbabweans the most than it affected ZANU-PF, whose only and main issue then and now remains a bruised ego and political propaganda if Zimbabwe was readmitted today or in the near future. 
I explained that like Targeted Sanctions, the withdrawal from the Commonwealth was used as a crude propaganda tool, and that ZANUPF has never looked at the consequences to the ordinary Zimbabweans who benefited from things like Commonwealth higher education scholarships and jobs.
I also added that based on the Rule of Law and abuse of institutions, things have gotten worse after Mugabe’s removal using many cases including that of Job Sikhala, Nyatsime 16 and the routine arrests and jailing of journalists for reporting and exposing corruption.
I however added that there is nothing to be gained from shutting the door against Zimbabwe as a country of over 15 million in order to punish an incorrigible political party, ZANUPF, and its regime in power.
I added that dialogue remains the only viable option on the table.
I suggested that there must be reform benchmarks to which Zimbabwe’s admission must be tied to, like the release of all political prisoners, and dropping of ALL trumped up charges against the political opposition and Government critics. 
This will measure ZANUPF’s sincerity. 
I also said that the Commonwealth should be a global family of nations with certain inalienable rights afforded to Commonwealth citizens like the Rule of Law, Human Rights and a right to life through working healthcare systems if its existence is going to be meaningful at all.
I went to this meeting aware that my voice is not only mine, but that it represents millions of Zimbabweans who can’t speak for themselves.
As such, I made this meeting about issues, instead of endlessly talking about my personal persecution.
I only used it as an example!
Over and above other issues discussed that will remain off the record, I said that I was not opposed to the re-admission of Zimbabwe into the Commonwealth.
Doing so as a recipient of Commonwealth arrangements would be no different to kicking the ladder to stop others climbing.
Zimbabwe is better for Zimbabweans when it is held up against a certain value system and standards than being in a jungle as we have been under the current regime.
A choice between ZANUPF using re-admission for propaganda whilst citizens benefit or staying out is a no-brainer.
There are draconian bills in parliament like the PVO, Patriotic Act bill and pending electoral reforms, these should be a good starting point for the Commonwealth to see ZANUPF’s sincerity.
An unconditional readmission would be catastrophic for the Commonwealth’s standing.
I, therefore, hope that Zimbabwe will be readmitted into the Commonwealth and that this will help Zimbabwe as a country to have access to a market of more than 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.
Political parties come and go, but Zimbabwe will remain!
</blockquote>

Readmission Of Zimbabwe To Commonwealth Unconditionally Will Be "Catastrophic," Says Chin'ono

The Commonwealth and its secretary general, Patricia Scotland, are interested in having Zimbabwe rejoin the group, an official has said.
Zimbabwe withdrew its membership from the group of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire, in the early 2000s when disagreements emerged between Harare and London reportedly over the land reform programme and a breakdown in the rule of law.
Harare applied to re-join the Commonwealth in 2018, about a year after then-president, Robert Mugabe, was forced to resign by the military.
A team from the Commonwealth secretariat is currently in Harare assessing the country’s suitability to rejoin.
Speaking at a meeting of his team and government officials from various government Ministries on Monday, the Head of the delegation, Luis Franceschi, said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe and the Commonwealth are two parts of the same body and this is why the Commonwealth and also the secretary general has been so interested in Zimbabwe coming back to the family,” he said at a meeting of his team and government officials from various government Ministries.
We are here as colleagues, friends, not on an opposite side but we are on the same side walking with Zimbabwe hand in hand to see how we can get this process to a fruitful conclusion that I think the whole world and the whole Commonwealth would like to see.
Zimbabwe has approached this matter of coming back to the family with wisdom. At worst it should not be guided by instinct, and by emotions and I would encourage everyone in Zimbabwe to treat this matter in the same spirit.
It (coming back into the Commonwealth) is not political, coming or not coming back is not a success or failure of any political party, or political side but is something that is being pursued and we perceive this, as the commonwealth, as something that is best for the people of Zimbabwe.
There is no perfect country in the world, we are aware of that. There is no perfect country in the Commonwealth, there is no perfect nation.
The Commonwealth represents a group of countries that are trying to do the right thing for their people.
</blockquote>
Speaking at the same occasion, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava said since the last Commonwealth assessment mission in July 2019, Zimbabwe had made significant progress to try and meet the five expectations that are critical to the country’s re-admission. | <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2022/11/14/commonwealth-keen-to-have-zimbabwe-back/">New Ziana</a>

"Commonwealth Eager To Have Zimbabwe Back"

The Commonwealth Secretariat Friday confirmed that a delegation, led by the Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Luis Franceschi, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/commonwealth-team-set-to-visit-zimbabwe-to-assess-progress/">will be visiting Harare</a>, Zimbabwe, from Saturday 12 November until Thursday, 17 November 2022.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Commonwealth Secretariat said the delegation will meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa, opposition parties, NGOs and election watchdogs. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Commonwealth Secretariat mission to visit Zimbabwe</h2>
11 November 2022
The Commonwealth Secretariat is today confirming that a delegation, led by the Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Luis Franceschi, will be visiting Harare, Zimbabwe, from Saturday 12 November until Thursday, 17 November 2022.
The delegation’s visit is a part of the informal process of assessment regarding Zimbabwe’s request for re-admission into the Commonwealth.
The process of re-admission entails several rigorous steps that all countries wishing to join the Commonwealth must undertake and includes countries’ adherence to the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
The delegation is expected to meet with His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, members of the government and senior officials, as well as members of opposition political parties, heads of diplomatic missions in Harare, and civil society organisations such as the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) and the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA), alongside media and business associations.
An application to join the Commonwealth is not a time-bound process and is tailored to every applicant’s context.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
It is home to 2.5 billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 32 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
Any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Commonwealth Delegation To Meet ED, NGOs, Election Watchdogs, Diplomats, Opposition Parties

The Commonwealth team is visiting Zimbabwe for the third time to assess the progress made since the southern African country’s application to join the group in 2018. The team will be in Zimbabwe from 12-18 November 2022. The intended visit was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in a statement seen by Pindula News. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE PRESS STATEMENT ON THE VISIT TO ZIMBABWE BY THE COMMONWEALTH ASSESSMENT MISSION: 12 TO 18 NOVEMBER 2022
A Commonwealth Assessment Mission will be in Zimbabwe from 12 to 18 November 2022, at the invitation of His Excellency President E. D. Mnangagwa, to assess the progress that the country has made following the application it submitted in 2018 to rejoin the organisation. The Mission, led by Assistant Secretary-General Professor Luis Franceschi, will be visiting the country for the third time, in line with Zimbabwe’s re-engagement thrust that seeks to reset and rekindle its foreign relations in order to create a conducive and supportive environment for the successful implementation of NDS1 and the realisation of Vision 2030.
During the visit, the Mission will meet with His Excellency the President and hold discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador F. M. Shava, and other ministers and senior government officials covering the political, legislative and economic reforms that the Government has implemented under the Second Republic. It will also engage the media and other stakeholders on matters of interest to the organisation.
Hon. Ambassador F. M. Shava Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has for years been pushing for readmission into the commonwealth but it has repeatedly been told to implement requisite reforms which are premised on ensuring good governance.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Commonwealth Team Set To Visit Zimbabwe To Assess Progress

Peter Ndlovu-led All Peoples Party (APP), has written a petition to Queen Elizabeth II to allow for Zimbabwe’s readmission into the Commonwealth club.
APP acting president Sabastian Mubvumbi Wednesday told NewsDay that citizens were losing several socio-economic benefits enjoyed by other former British colonies.

<ul>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/31/peter-ndlovu-may-contest-2023-presidential-election-say-app-leader/">Peter Ndlovu May Contest 2023 Presidential Election, Say APP Leader</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/05/zimbabwe-gives-update-on-commonwealth-readmission-process/">Zimbabwe Gives Update On Commonwealth Readmission Process</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/05/11/were-entitled-to-be-there-foreign-affairs-minister-on-rejoining-commonwealth/">“We’re Entitled To Be There.” Foreign Affairs Minister On Rejoining Commonwealth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/16/zims-efforts-to-rejoin-commonwealth-on-course-sb-moyo/">Zimbabwe’s Efforts To Rejoin Commonwealth On Course – SB Moyo</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/11/for-us-there-is-no-excitement-in-rejoining-commonwealth-a-club-of-former-colonies-mutodi/">For Us, There Is No Excitement In Rejoining Commonwealth A Club Of Former Colonies – Mutodi</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/10/zim-yet-to-meet-conditions-for-readmission-to-commonwealth-britain/">Zimbabwe Yet To Meet Conditions For Readmission To Commonwealth: Britain</a></li>
</ul>
Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 over human rights abuses before the late former President Robert Mugabe withdrew the country’s club membership. Mubvumbi said:
<blockquote>_We intended to hand-deliver the petition to the Queen (Elizabeth) in Britain, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, we sent it through email yesterday._
_I have been mandated to write on behalf of All Peoples Party, a political party which is a new baby in Zimbabwean politics, re-presenting hopes and wishes of millions of Zimbabweans that, Madam, in your capacity as head of the Commonwealth influence the re-admission of Zimbabwe into this noble grouping._
_It was the sole decision of the former Head of State, the late Robert Mugabe to withdraw membership without the input of the people of Zimbabwe and this has had detrimental effects to the general populace._
_We are missing a lot by not working together to promote prosperity, democracy, peace and above all protection of the environment. We have favoured the secretary-general of the Commonwealth, The RT Honourable Patricia Scotland with a copy of this letter. Your Majesty, we have not been spared by the COVID-19 pandemic, any vaccines channelled to Commonwealth countries, we humbly request to be considered_</blockquote>
APP was registered with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on October 31, 2019, and Peter Ndlovu, a football legend, was recently nominated leader of the party.
Mubvumbi said Peter, however, could not immediately give up his other soccer commitments in South Africa to take the leadership role.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/06/peter-ndlovu-party-champions-zim-re-engagement-efforts/">Newsday</a>

Zimbabwe Readmission Into Commonwealth: Peter Ndlovu-Led Party Petition Queen Elizabeth

In an interview with The Herald, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mrs Constance Chemwayi gave an update on Zimbabwe’s efforts to rejoin the Commonwealth.
In May 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote to the Commonwealth secretary-general Mrs Patricia Scotland expressing Zimbabwe’s willingness to rejoin the grouping. In response, the Commonwealth then initiated a four-step process to assess Zimbabwe’s suitability to rejoin the 54 member country grouping.
Giving an update on the application process for readmission into the Commonwealth, Chemwayi confirmed to The Herald that Zimbabwe is still in the second phase. The second phase of the application process will see the Commonwealth secretary-general consulting member states on the way forward.  Chemwayi said:
<blockquote>
Commonwealth decisions are based on consensus and by that nature, every member is entitled to a say on the case of Zimbabwe. The laid down procedures that govern re-admission into the Commonwealth, which include an informal assessment followed by the consultation process, were undertaken by the secretary-general in June 2018 and July 2019. Following the second assessment mission in 2019, Zimbabwe’s application is currently in the consultation stage.
</blockquote>
Member states are expected to meet in Kigali, Rwanda, in June this year for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The meeting was initially scheduled for last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 26th CHOGM and associated events will be held under the theme, “2021: Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming”.
Related:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/11/for-us-there-is-no-excitement-in-rejoining-commonwealth-a-club-of-former-colonies-mutodi/">For Us There Is No Excitement In Rejoining Commonwealth A Club Of Former Colonies – Mutodi</a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-on-course-to-rejoin-commonwealth/">Herald</a>

Zimbabwe Gives Update On Commonwealth Readmission Process

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sibusiso Moyo has said that Zimbabwe has embarked on the process of rejoining the Commonwealth adding that the country is entitled to be within the organisation.
He made the remarks in an interview with The Herald’s Deputy Editor Ranga Mataire recently during which he discussed how Covid-19 has affected the country’s re-engagement efforts.
Asked to outline how far Zimbabwe had gone in rejoining the Commonwealth, the former army boss said:
<blockquote>First, let me tell you that the process of rejoining the Commonwealth was and is for the interest of Zimbabweans to benefit, but not to satisfy certain capitals. As a result of that, we indicated that we wanted to rejoin. So there is a whole process of rejoining that we have had to follow. We have done all the processes and as far as we are concerned, we have even managed to invite the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission.</blockquote>
Further asked on whether he was positive that post-COVID-19 might finally be readmitted into the organisation, the Minister was evasive adding that Zimbabwe is entitled to be in Commonwealth.
Zimbabwe pulled out of the Commonwealth in 2003 after the organisation failed to lift a suspension it had imposed on the country following the 2002 presidential election which was marred by politically motivated violence.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/were-committed-to-repatriating-our-nationals-stuck-in-foreign-lands/">The Herald</a>

"We're Entitled To Be There." Foreign Affairs Minister On Rejoining Commonwealth

Efforts by the second administration to rejoin the Commonwealth are on course according to the Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sibusiso_Moyo">Sibusiso Moyo</a>, the Herald reports.
SB Moyo was responding to the senate when he said:
<blockquote>There are individual member States who express their reservations in terms of their perception of what is going on in this country and who may want to link up what is going on here with whether they would take a position to support us to rejoin the Commonwealth or not.
Nevertheless, as far as the systemic process of rejoining the Commonwealth in terms of the secretariat is concerned, so far everything is on course. Some Member States or some British House of Commons Members think that there were serious breaches of human rights abuses, but that is their perception.</blockquote>
His remarks, however, contradict the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Energy_Mutodi">Information Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi</a> who <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/11/for-us-there-is-no-excitement-in-rejoining-commonwealth-a-club-of-former-colonies-mutodi/">explicitly said they were not keen on joining the Commonwealth and even called it a club of former colonies. </a>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zims-cwealth-plans-on-course-sb-moyo/">The Herald </a>

Zim's Efforts To Rejoin Commonwealth On Course - SB Moyo

In an article the foreign minister wrote for a Kenyan Publication the Daily Nation, Rtd Gen <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sibusiso_Moyo">SB Moyo</a> said the government was rectifying its mistakes and implementing the much-needed reforms the Chronicle reports.
Moyo in his article penned:
<blockquote>A stable and prosperous Zimbabwe is a piece of the larger equation. Too often the mistakes of the nation’s past have been passed onto our neighbours. We want to rectify this. Zimbabwe can once again become a reliable and responsible partner that drives economic success in the region.
Institutional change is underway to change the police modus operandi from a security function to the protector of citizens’ liberties. Laws out of kilter with constitutional protections for freedom of assembly and speech are being repealed and replaced. Government is leaner and cleaner; anti-corruption authorities have targeted high-level officials — including ministers — and fiscal austerity measures supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reined in government spending.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is lobbying Kenya to support its commonwealth readmission bid.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/democratic-renewal-government-rectifying-past-mistakes/">The Chronicle</a>
<blockquote> </blockquote>

We Are Rectifying Our Past Mistakes - SB Moyo To Kenya

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo has appealed to Australia to support the country’s Commonwealth readmission agenda.
In 2003, Zimbabwe became the third country after South Africa in 1961 and Pakistan in 1971 to voluntarily withdraw its membership from the Commonwealth.
The late Robert Mugabe, then president of Zimbabwe, initiated a voluntary withdrawal following the country’s suspension by the Commonwealth troika to which former prime minister of Australia, Mr John Howard was a part.
In an article published in an Australian-based publication, the Spectator, the foreign Affairs Minister appealed to Commonwealth member states to support the Zimbabwean agenda. He said:
<blockquote>But, ultimately, we cannot go it alone — and that’s why Zimbabwe now looks to Australia for support to expedite our re-admission to the Commonwealth. Put simply, our speed and capacity to complete reforms after Mugabe-era isolationism can be accelerated by our Commonwealth return.</blockquote>
He added that bilateral agreements between the two countries could yield more positive results if both countries were members of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth consists of 53 member states, nearly all of them former colonies of the British Empire.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-appeals-for-australia-commonwealth-support/">The Herald</a>

Zimbabwe Pleads With Australia To Support Its Commonwealth Readmission Agenda

Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin commonwealth may have just gotten wings as commonwealth reportedly is said to be accelerating efforts shown by Zimbabwe to rejoin commonwealth. Sunday News reports that Commonwealth secretary-general Mrs Patricia expressed satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s reforms. The matter came to light after the President met Mrs Scotland in New York at the ongoing 74th edition of the UNGA.
After a meeting withED the Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
<blockquote>We had a very good discussion. We were looking at issues that were still outstanding, you know there is a process and the process is underway. It is by no means complete; there are really interesting areas that we will continue to discuss. It was really a good meeting.
There is no case of postponing. What happens is the Commonwealth has laid down a process that any applicant has to go through. It is that process that is being accelerated as quickly as possible. If you look at our process, it is step-by-step. Zimbabwe is going through all those steps just like any other country. I think there are a number of areas where Zimbabwe has made real reforms. No one is perfect and it is a journey</blockquote>
Zimbabwe under the new dispenstion has been trying to rejoin the commonwealth after Mugabe pulled us out in a fit of rage almost 2 decades ago.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/just-in-commonwealth-speeds-up-zim-readmission/">Sunday News</a>

Commonwealth Accelerates Zim's Readmission Bid - Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa had a meeting with Commonwealth secretary-general, Patricia Scotland on Monday evening in New York, United States of America. The meeting centred around the steps Zimbabwe has to take to be readmitted to the organisation.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74). Speaking after meeting President Mnangagwa, Scotland said:
<blockquote>We had a very good discussion. We were looking at issues that were still outstanding, you know there is a process and the process is underway.
It is by no means complete; there are really interesting areas that we will continue to discuss. It was really a good meeting.
There is no case of postponing. What happens is the Commonwealth has laid down a process that any applicant has to go through.
It is that process that is being accelerated as quickly as possible. If you look at our process, it is step by step.
Zimbabwe is going through all those steps just like any other country.
I think there are a number of areas where Zimbabwe has made real reforms. No one is perfect and it is a journey.</blockquote>
<h4>More:<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-ed-meets-commonwealth-sg/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> The Herald</a></h4>

We Will Continue To Discuss 'Interesting Areas'; Commonwealth SG Speaks After Meeting ED

In a video below, the UK government discusses how it will deal with Zimbabwe after leaving the European Union. Among other issues, it discusses how the current regime will be kept under sanctions. It also discusses the violation of human rights in Zimbabwe under the new administration. The government also discusses prospects of Zimbabwe rejoining the Commonwealth. Watch the video below:
https://twitter.com/RMajongwe/status/1124788897106546688
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/04/watch-us-diplomat-on-what-zimbabwe-needs-to-do-to-have-sanctions-removed/" rel="bookmark">WATCH: US Diplomat On What Zimbabwe Needs to Do To Have Sanctions Removed</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/04/ashok-chakravarti-sanctions-hurt-ordinary-zimbabweans/" rel="bookmark">WATCH: Ashok Chakravarti On How US Sanctions Hurt Ordinary Zimbabweans</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/01/watch-ian-smith-talks-sanctions-says-they-were-both-helpful-and-detrimental/" rel="bookmark">WATCH: Ian Smith Talks Sanctions Says They Were Both Helpful And Detrimental</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/12/british-govt-prepares-sanctions-against-zimbabwe-for-post-brexit/" rel="bookmark">British Govt Prepares Sanctions Against Zimbabwe For Post-Brexit</a></li>
</ul>

WATCH: UK Speaks On Zim Readmission Into Commonwealth & Sanctions

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs James Manzou said the Commonwealth will send another delegation to Zimbabwe in the second half of this year.
This comes as Zimbabwe continues with its re-engagement efforts to re-join the grouping of former British colonies. Manzou told a parliamentary committee Wednesday that the team will come to assess the country’s political and economic situation. Said Manzou:
<blockquote>Our re-engagement efforts with the Commonwealth are on course but like any other organization, there are processes or stages that have to be completed before there could be any conclusion. The Commonwealth secretariat has indicated to us that they would like to undertake another visit to Zimbabwe and that will be the second stage. So they will be coming to Zimbabwe during the second half of the year and thereafter there are two other stages that have to be completed before the issue (of readmission) reaches the summit level.</blockquote>
More:<a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-03/06/c_137873806.htm"> Xinhua</a>

Commonwealth To Send Another Delegation To Zim

In an interview with France24 in Ethiopia, President Emmerson Mnangagwa responded to British Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Harriet Baldwin’s statement that they will not support Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin the Commonwealth.
Mnangagwa said Britain’s view is not the view of the Commonwealth. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>When we apply to join the Commonwealth we do not apply to Britain we apply to the Commonwealth Secretariat. Britain is just a member. The Commonwealth has not told us that they are not considering our application. The view of one member is not the view of the Commonwealth.</blockquote>
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 states. United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II is Head of the Commonwealth.
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/05/britian-will-not-support-zimbabwes-application-to-rejoin-the-commonwealth-uk-minister-for-africa/">Britain Will Not Support Zimbabwe’s Application To Rejoin The Commonwealth – UK Minister For Africa</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>

Britain Is Just A Member: Mnangagwa Responds To Baldwin's Statement UK Will Not Support Zimbabwe’s Application To Rejoin The Commonwealth

United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Harriet Baldwin said her country will not be able to support Zimbabwe’s application to be readmitted into the Commonwealth.
She said this when she appeared before the British Parliament’s International Development Committee. Said Baldwin:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe has written a letter to the common wealth secretary as with many other countries,   I would to say that the UK is one of the members of the common wealth, clearly, it has to be a unanimous decision by 53 members but as of today the UK will not be able to support that application because we don’t believe that the kind of human rights violations that we have seen from security forces in Zimbabwe is  the kind of behavior that we would like to see from members of the common wealth.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://263chat.com/eds-commonwealth-hopes-shattered/">263Chat</a>

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