News / National
Rugeje makes u-turn on diplomatic posting
18 hrs ago |
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Retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje has reportedly reversed his earlier decision to reject a diplomatic appointment, paving the way for his deployment as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Mozambique.
Rugeje, who had initially indicated to people close to him that he was unwilling to accept a posting to Maputo or any other diplomatic mission, has since undergone the mandatory training and orientation required for newly appointed diplomats.
His participation in the training programme suggests that he is now prepared to take up the assignment after previously expressing reservations about joining Zimbabwe's diplomatic service.
The former senior military officer was among ambassador-designates who attended a high-level engagement with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira in Harare on Tuesday.
The gathering, held at the Harare International Convention Centre and State House, brought together Zimbabwe's ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions for a presidential reception and strategic engagement.
Rugeje's attendance marked a significant development following earlier reports that he had privately communicated his unwillingness to accept the diplomatic appointment.
Although the reasons behind his initial reluctance remain unclear, his subsequent participation in diplomatic preparations indicates a change of position.
The former army general is among senior figures with military backgrounds who have been considered for diplomatic responsibilities under Mnangagwa's administration.
His anticipated deployment to Mozambique would see him represent Zimbabwe in a neighbouring country with which Harare maintains longstanding political, economic and historical ties.
The latest development appears to have resolved uncertainty surrounding his willingness to serve abroad, although formal confirmation of his deployment and assumption of duties remains outstanding.
Rugeje has not publicly explained what prompted his reported change of heart.
Rugeje, who had initially indicated to people close to him that he was unwilling to accept a posting to Maputo or any other diplomatic mission, has since undergone the mandatory training and orientation required for newly appointed diplomats.
His participation in the training programme suggests that he is now prepared to take up the assignment after previously expressing reservations about joining Zimbabwe's diplomatic service.
The former senior military officer was among ambassador-designates who attended a high-level engagement with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira in Harare on Tuesday.
The gathering, held at the Harare International Convention Centre and State House, brought together Zimbabwe's ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions for a presidential reception and strategic engagement.
Rugeje's attendance marked a significant development following earlier reports that he had privately communicated his unwillingness to accept the diplomatic appointment.
Although the reasons behind his initial reluctance remain unclear, his subsequent participation in diplomatic preparations indicates a change of position.
The former army general is among senior figures with military backgrounds who have been considered for diplomatic responsibilities under Mnangagwa's administration.
His anticipated deployment to Mozambique would see him represent Zimbabwe in a neighbouring country with which Harare maintains longstanding political, economic and historical ties.
The latest development appears to have resolved uncertainty surrounding his willingness to serve abroad, although formal confirmation of his deployment and assumption of duties remains outstanding.
Rugeje has not publicly explained what prompted his reported change of heart.
Source - online
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