Mnangagwa gets global commendation

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership as the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has received global recognition for promoting peace and stability in the region. This accolade came from Ms. Amy Pope, the Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), during her courtesy visit to the President at State House in Harare yesterday.

The IOM, a United Nations-affiliated agency specializing in migration, acknowledged President Mnangagwa's pivotal role in fostering regional harmony. Ms. Pope's visit marked the first by an IOM director-general to Zimbabwe in the organisation's 73-year history.

Ms. Pope commended President Mnangagwa's efforts as SADC chair, stating:
"There are a number of issues that we discussed, first and foremost is to acknowledge the role of the President as the chair of SADC and the importance of that in bringing peace and stability to the people that live here."

The IOM director-general noted that the discussions emphasized the need to create orderly and beneficial migration pathways, ensuring that migration positively impacts both host and origin countries.

Key issues discussed during the meeting included: Regular Migration Pathways: Promoting structured migration channels to enable individuals to access opportunities abroad while contributing to their home communities through remittances and skills transfer. Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging the financial resources, skills, and networks of Zimbabweans living abroad to foster national development. Global Conflicts and Climate Change: Addressing the root causes of migration, including environmental and geopolitical challenges.

"We also spoke about opportunities for people to migrate through regular pathways so that we can take advantage of the opportunities that exist regionally and globally," Ms. Pope said.

Ms. Pope praised the Zimbabwean Government's leadership in responding to global crises, such as the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She highlighted the IOM's commitment to supporting Zimbabwe's initiatives to address migration challenges and enhance development outcomes.

The collaboration between Zimbabwe and the IOM is expected to bring: Access to Funding: Facilitating financing for healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects. Regional Cooperation: Strengthening Zimbabwe's role in addressing migration challenges in Southern Africa. Development Partnerships: Enhancing partnerships to implement migration-related projects benefiting local communities.

Ms. Pope's visit underscores Zimbabwe's growing significance in global migration discourse. President Mnangagwa's proactive engagement with migration and diaspora issues aligns with the IOM's mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

The meeting signals a deepened partnership that will bolster Zimbabwe's role in addressing regional migration challenges while tapping into the economic and social benefits of its global diaspora.