MOVEMENT for Democratic Change Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora has said it is high time Zimbabwe rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations for economic prosperity.
Speaking during a media briefing in Bulawayo at the weekend, Mwonzora said the move would d open economic avenues and increase trade relations between the country and Western nations.
“We want Zimbabwe to rejoin the Commonwealth because it will open up and enhance trade for our country and in fact will open up all avenues. It will also help Zimbabwean students with attaining Commonwealth scholarships,” he said.
Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in March 2002, after then President, the late Robert Mugabe was blamed for rigging his re-election and persecuting opponents.
The issue threatened to split the Commonwealth along racial lines, but the body managed to forge a compromise at its Nigeria summit, appointing a seven-nation panel to monitor Zimbabwe’s progress towards improved democratic values.
In December 2003, when the Commonwealth refused to lift the suspension, Zimbabwe withdrew from the grouping.
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In 2018 a few months after Mugabe had been toppled from power through a November 2017 military coup, the country began the process of rejoining the organisation.
But the move has been hindered by Zimbabwe’s continued human rights violations and lack of rule of law.
Mwonzora lamented the continued isolation, saying the move is affecting the nation economically and socially.
“We do not subscribe to the international isolation of our country. We want to be integrated as well,” he said.
“We would like to congratulate the Labour Party of Britain on winning the elections. The victory of the party is an inspiration to Zimbabwe.”