Mugabe keeps at least 4 European envoys unaccredited since August

President Robert Mugabe has reportedly kept at least four envoys from European countries unaccredited, months after they arrived in the country, citing a busy schedule.

According to NewsDay, unnamed diplomatic sources claimed that the four unaccredited envoys were from France, Germany, Sweden and Portugal.

Mugabe has reportedly rescheduled the accreditation ceremonies at least five times since August.

Foreign affairs permanent secretary Joey Bimha confirmed the delay in accreditation of the envoys.

"This is a very bad period and the president has been tied up with universities' graduations as well as international engagements. He has been travelling a lot and that has made it difficult for us to find a way around the issue...," Bimha was quoted as saying.

Reports indicated that the Zimbabwean leader has had sour relations with the west over years after the European Union and the United States imposed sanctions against his country in 2000.

The west accused Mugabe of trampling on human rights, rigging elections and repression of press freedom - accusations that the veteran leader denied.

The sanctions have led to devastating economic challenges, with the country reportedly now sitting with around 85% unemployment.