Commonwealth applauds Zim
Zimbabwe has made great progress in meeting conditions to rejoin the Commonwealth, a top official of the group of 56 mainly former British colonies said after an assessment mission, even as the opposition and other groups warned that the human rights situation is fast deteriorating.
The Commonwealth team arrived in the southern African country last Saturday and ended its mission on Wednesday. It will compile a report to Commonwealth Heads of Government, who have the final say on Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin.
The Commonwealth group met President Mnangagwa on Wednesday. It also held talks with different partners, including non-governmental organizations and the opposition leaders who said they bolster Zimbabwe’s readmission but need the nation to progress its human rights record.
Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth is part of President Mnangagwa’s administration drive to reengagement with the international community after about two decades of isolation.
Zimbabwe is a former member of the Commonwealth, having withdrawn in 2003, and the issue of Zimbabwe has repeatedly taken center stage in the Commonwealth, both since Zimbabwe’s independence and as part of the British Empire.
Commonwealth is a home of 32 countries including Island and is Headed by King Charles the 3rd.
