Mnangagwa reads riot act to Zimbabwe diplomats

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has rallied Zimbabwe diplomats in foreign lands to step out of their comfort zone and work hard to build a positive image of the country after years of international isolation.

Addressing heads of Zimbabwean diplomatic missions in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said his foreign policy was anchored on boosting the country's attractiveness.

"Diplomatic stations are not holiday resorts. You must work and deliver traceable results for the country," he said.

"None but ourselves will build the Zimbabwe we all want. You must play your part. As we consolidate these successes, our diplomats have a duty to continue popularising and defending our policies and programmes, particularly that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.' Never be apologetic about who we are as Zimbabweans."

Zimbabwe has for years been under international spotlight all for the wrong reasons which include unfettered corruption, abuse of human rights and a failing economy. The country recently attracted international attention over the disputed August 23 and 24 elections.

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has refused to accept Mnangagwa's victory, but Mnangagwa urged the diplomats to engage foreign nations with "vigour" to foster better relations.

"As members of our diplomatic service, you are a vital cog of my administration," Mnangagwa said.

"Through your individual and collective skills, as well as love for our country, Vision 2030 must be a reality. To this end, and guided by our diplomatic philosophy of Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none, I urge you to continue engaging with countries in the comity of nations with a sense of vigour, always advancing our national interests. We should continue to consolidate our relations and open new economic frontiers for mutually beneficial co-operation."

Speaking on "meddlesome" foreign diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was a sovereign nation.

"Those (who) deal with us must be willing to respect this fact," he said.

"This position must always be emphatic among our diplomats. Stand tall with your heads high, wherever you go. Zimbabwe is not a second-class nation, or a province or colony of any country, No! Those (who) make noise from various quotas as if we are part of their countries are delusional and must wake up to reality."

Since coming into office through a military coup in 2017, Mnangagwa has preached engagement to bring Zimbabwe into the community of nations after years of international isolation.

However, the re-engagement effort has gained little traction as Mnangagwa is accused of not honouring his promise to introduce tangible reforms.