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Mnangagwa says 'kings' do not announce their travels
2 hrs ago |
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended his recent unannounced foreign trip, dismissing criticism over his secrecy and declaring that a "king" does not move according to public expectations.
Mnangagwa quietly left Zimbabwe last Wednesday night without the customary airport send-off usually attended by senior government officials, including his deputies and cabinet ministers. His absence only became publicly known after reports emerged that he had travelled to Belarus for talks with President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Zimbabwean leader returned home on Saturday night after what Belarusian media described as a short working visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to Belarusian state media, the two leaders discussed the implementation of a strategic cooperation and partnership roadmap covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
Speaking to journalists at State House on Monday, Mnangagwa rejected suggestions that he owed citizens prior notice or explanations regarding his travels.
"When I go out I don't go to the villages to say, ‘I'm now leaving.' They get to be told that the President has travelled," Mnangagwa said.
"I should go around villages saying, I'm now travelling. Who does that? The king will embark on a trip if his time to travel says so."
The remarks have already sparked debate on social media and within political circles, with critics arguing that transparency over presidential movements is important, particularly at a time of heightened political tension in Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa's unexplained absence came as Parliament prepares to consider the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, a controversial proposal that seeks to extend his second and constitutionally final term in office to 2030.
Opposition parties and some civic groups have accused the ruling ZANU-PF of attempting to undermine constitutional term limits, while supporters argue the extension would ensure policy continuity and political stability.
Mnangagwa quietly left Zimbabwe last Wednesday night without the customary airport send-off usually attended by senior government officials, including his deputies and cabinet ministers. His absence only became publicly known after reports emerged that he had travelled to Belarus for talks with President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Zimbabwean leader returned home on Saturday night after what Belarusian media described as a short working visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to Belarusian state media, the two leaders discussed the implementation of a strategic cooperation and partnership roadmap covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
Speaking to journalists at State House on Monday, Mnangagwa rejected suggestions that he owed citizens prior notice or explanations regarding his travels.
"When I go out I don't go to the villages to say, ‘I'm now leaving.' They get to be told that the President has travelled," Mnangagwa said.
"I should go around villages saying, I'm now travelling. Who does that? The king will embark on a trip if his time to travel says so."
The remarks have already sparked debate on social media and within political circles, with critics arguing that transparency over presidential movements is important, particularly at a time of heightened political tension in Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa's unexplained absence came as Parliament prepares to consider the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, a controversial proposal that seeks to extend his second and constitutionally final term in office to 2030.
Opposition parties and some civic groups have accused the ruling ZANU-PF of attempting to undermine constitutional term limits, while supporters argue the extension would ensure policy continuity and political stability.
Source - online
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