Zimbabwe is more developed compared to many African countries?

Zimbabwe is a more developed country compared to many African countries and has an independent media and judiciary, the representative of the German Chancellor for Africa, Mr Gunter Nooke has said.

Briefing the media after meeting Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare, Mr Nooke said while the Zimbabwe Constitution gave everyone the right to demonstrate, the protests had to be done in a peaceful manner.

Mr Nooke said it was possible for Germany and Zimbabwe to mend their strained relationship.

His assertions are also different from other Western countries that have been angling to effect regime change in the country.

The countries have always sought to portray Zimbabwe as an undemocratic country and, were implicated as sponsors of violent demonstrations by opposition parties and shadowy groups in the past weeks.

Mr Nooke, who described his hour-long meeting with Mnangagwa as a "tough exchange" said, Zimbabwe and Germany needed "regular and direct exchanges", instead of relying on third parties.

Sources said Mr Nooke had tried to raise concerns over the distribution of food on what he termed "partisan basis." His concerns were however quashed with VP Mnangagwa referring him to statements made by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident coordinator Mr Bishow Parajuli last week.