Zimbabwe
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially applied for Zimbabwe to re-join the Commonwealth it left in 2003 and has invited the grouping of former British colonies to send observers to its general elections set for July.
The southern African nation formally quit the Commonwealth after then leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe from its independence in 1980, came under criticism over disputed elections and land seizures from white farmers.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said in a statement that Mnangagwa, who replaced Mugabe after a de facto army coup in November, made the application on May 15.
“Zimbabwe’s eventual return to the Commonwealth, following a successful membership application, would be a momentous occasion, given our shared rich history,” Scotland said.
Mnangagwa is expected to fix an election date at the end of this month.
The presidential, parliamentary and council elections are seen as a litmus test of Mnangagwa’s democratic credentials and if agreed by Western powers, international lenders could begin lending to the country for the first time in 20 years.
Election observers will produce a report that will form part of an informal assessment used to determine Zimbabwe’s re-admission, Scotland said.
REUTERS
Go to video
Family of murdered Kenyan woman demands extradition of former British soldier
01:57
Cameroon votes as President Biya seeks to extend long rule
01:02
Seychelles runoff vote could reshape Island nation’s course
01:18
Ivory Coast launches high-stakes presidential campaign amid tensions
Go to video
Seychelles heads to run-off as no candidate secures majority in first round
01:00
Pix of the Day: October 08, 2025