Zimbabwe’s government says it is holding consultations on rejoining the Commonwealth, the latest move by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to mend international ties.
The southern African country’s foreign minister Sibusiso Moyo on Thursday told parliament that there was nothing stopping Harare from rejoining the organization.
“In fact, the process which is there at the moment is that there are necessary processes and consultations which are taking place,” Moyo said.
If successful, Zimbabwe would join Gambia as the second African nation to rejoin. Gambia completed its process earlier this year.
The Commonwealth of Nations (formerly the British Commonwealth), also known as simply the Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.
Former president Robert Mugabe pulled Zimbabwe out of the grouping in 2003 after he was criticized over disputed elections and violent seizures of white-owned farms.
After ruling the country for 37 years however, Mugabe was pushed into resigning, paving the way for Mnangagwa to take over the presidency.
The new leader said he wanted Zimbabwe to re-join The Commonwealth.
He has also said he may ask Commonwealth, European Union and United Nations observers to oversee presidential and parliamentary elections this year, the conduct of which is seen as an important test for Zimbabwe’s future foreign relations.
Mnangagwa pledged to ensure the vote is free and credible.
