Zimbabwe's Commonwealth possible readmission queried

Zimbabwe's bid for readmission to the Commonwealth has raised concerns about the bloc's credibility as a champion of democracy and justice, with critics arguing that the country's human rights record undermines its qualifications for membership.

Since President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power following a 2017 coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe, he has spearheaded efforts to rejoin the Commonwealth, a group of former British colonies. Zimbabwe had been a member until 2003 when Mugabe withdrew the country's membership during a diplomatic standoff with Western powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom, over the controversial land reform program.

Recently, Mnangagwa's efforts to rejoin the bloc received a significant boost with outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressing support for the move. Scotland sent a 52-page report to Commonwealth member states, highlighting what she described as Zimbabwe's "remarkable democratic progress," and seeking objections to its readmission.

However, the move has sparked mixed reactions from political analysts and human rights activists.

Political analyst Vivid Gwede noted that Zimbabwe's re-admission to the Commonwealth could offer the country an opportunity to rehabilitate its international image, but he cautioned that the claim of democratic progress was not supported by the situation on the ground. He pointed to the Commonwealth observer mission's report on the 2023 elections, which flagged concerns about political repression, the imprisonment of activists, and restrictions on civic space.

Gwede speculated that Scotland may believe Zimbabwe's presence in the Commonwealth could foster positive change, though he remained skeptical of any significant reforms under the current government.

Effie Ncube, a development practitioner and political analyst, also acknowledged the potential benefits of Zimbabwe's re-admission if it leads to genuine reforms. "If the government takes advantage of the readmission and implements concrete, irreversible measures to address the democratic gap and tackle corruption, then it could be beneficial," Ncube said. "However, there's a risk that the government could view re-admission as a validation of its authoritarian practices, without making any real changes."

Professor Stephen Chan, a world politics scholar at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, argued that Zimbabwe's readmission could be driven more by Commonwealth member fatigue than by genuine support. "Commonwealth members are simply tired of the Zimbabwe issue," Chan said, adding that it would be a "small miracle" for the Commonwealth to regain its former relevance, especially in the context of a weakened global position.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe's main opposition party, has voiced strong opposition to the country's readmission without substantial reforms. CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi warned that re-admission without ensuring democratic reforms would embolden the government's repressive tactics. "Reforms are essential for creating an environment where democracy can thrive," Mkwananzi said. "Without them, Zimbabweans will remain disenfranchised, and corruption will continue unchecked."

The CCC has urged the Commonwealth to make Zimbabwe's re-admission contingent upon demonstrable progress in implementing reforms that respect democratic principles and human rights.

In contrast, Zanu-PF, Zimbabwe's ruling party, has welcomed the possibility of rejoining the Commonwealth, describing the country's 2003 expulsion as unjust. Zanu-PF information director Farai Marapira stated, "We welcome any attempts to address this injustice against Zimbabwe," and emphasized that the country "deserves equal seats at congresses of commerce and world affairs."

With the issue still under discussion, it remains to be seen whether the Commonwealth will impose conditions on Zimbabwe's re-admission or allow the country to return without significant reforms. The outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for Zimbabwe's future but also for the Commonwealth's credibility as a promoter of democratic values.