By Golden Guvamatanga and Evans Mushawevato
‘INEVITABLE’ encapsulates the essence of Britain and the West’s failed attempt to subdue Zimbabwe, as global sentiment progressively warms towards Harare.
The West’s longstanding hostility towards Zimbabwe was bound to reach a point of reckoning.
It was also inevitable that the illegal regime change putsch would ultimately crumble, leading to the current turning point.
Zimbabwe stands firmly on the threshold of a new era as Western nations rush to engage in business deals with the Southern African country.
One just had to be at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to witness this seismic shift in the country’s international relations.
To start with, on June 24, a high-powered British government delegation, led by its Secretary for African Affairs, Andrew Mitchell, is due in Zimbabwe. The delegation’s objective is two-fold: To mend ties with the nation and explore investment opportunities in key sectors of the economy.
The British delegation’s impending visit marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in over two decades, signalling a shift towards economic collaboration and reconciliation. This visit not only reflects the acknowledgment by Zimbabwe’s erstwhile colonisers that their attempts to undermine the nation have failed, but also underscores the resilience and determination of Zimbabweans and Africans at large.
Notably, the delegation’s arrival in Zimbabwe will serve as a resounding endorsement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proactive engagement and re-engagement policy. Since November 2017, the Second Republic has pursued an assertive strategy of ‘friends to all and enemy to none’, by fostering diplomatic ties and opening doors to economic partnerships.
Furthermore, the visit highlights a broader trend where several Western nations, previously hostile to Harare’s Land Reform and Resettlement Programme, are now revisiting their stance and actively seeking to mend relations while exploring investment opportunities in the country.
At the turn of the millennium, the UK and the US spearheaded a concerted effort to destabilise Zimbabwe’s economy, protesting the Land Reform Programme that sought to address racial imbalances wrought by colonisation.
This aggressive strategy involved coercing other Western nations into imposing illegal sanctions, effectively isolating Zimbabwe on the global stage.
The impact of these sanctions has been profound, as highlighted in an October 2019 Cabinet report revealing a staggering loss of US$42 billion in potential revenue.
Despite assertions from Western countries and local opposition political groups that these sanctions are ‘targeted,’ the reality paints a different picture. The entire economy, along with the masses, has borne the brunt of this economic onslaught, with ordinary citizens being the biggest casualties of the embargo.
On March 4, the US — a key architect of the sanctions — announced a symbolic gesture by rescinding certain Executive Orders that granted authority to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe. However, the core of the sanctions, notably embodied in ZDERA, but now rebranded the Magnitsky Sanctions Programme, remains in place, keeping President Mnangagwa and his leadership under continued sanctions.
The impending visit is validation of Harare’s longstanding assertion that Britain politicised what was originally a bilateral issue between the two nations. This acknowledgment underscores the complexity and historical context of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Western powers.
Britain’s anger stemmed from its misguided attempt to uphold colonial structures by retaining control over the land and Zimbabwe’s abundant natural resources. However, indications have long suggested that Britain would eventually reconsider and ease its aggressive stance towards the country.
On March 7 2024, British legislators dedicated over 15 minutes to discussing what they termed the ‘Zimbabwean situation’, a routine display of their persistent arrogance and colonial-era mindset, where they continue to assert a sense of ownership over the country.
While the debate was ostensibly triggered by the US’ March 4 sanctions renewal on Zimbabwe, British legislators inadvertently conceded that their own sanctions had failed to achieve the intended objective of orchestrating illegal regime change in Harare.
For instance, Lord Bellingham’s query to His Majesty’s Government during the British House of Lords debate about reviewing British and EU sanctions on Zimbabwe must be viewed within the context of Britain’s ambition to reclaim control over Harare’s land and resources. Both British and American interests in the country have long been an open book, including their desire to exert influence over Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, inadvertently revealed the close alliance between the UK and the US regarding Zimbabwe. “We note the US’ recent steps and continue to engage closely with our US partners. We continue to keep all sanctions, designations and regimes under review and do not comment on any future sanctions plans,” Lord Ahmad stated.
This disclosure triggered a series of provocative questions from other Lords. Lord Bellingham suggested that conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza had diverted attention from Zimbabwe and questioned why Britain wasn’t considering “. . . tighter sanctions targeted at ZANU PF, their wives, and their cronies”.
Another notable intervention came from Lord St John of Bletso, who boldly advocated the inclusion of former opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa in the Government. Lord Ahmad responded by stating that the British government would collaborate with key partners to ensure an inclusive approach by the current Government.
He further emphasised the economic potential of Zimbabwe’s critical mineral resources, particularly lithium, highlighting opportunities for investment and collaboration. Diplomatic sources noted that the British delegation’s visit indicated a shift in their stance on Zimbabwe, driven by their interest in resources and the need to mend ties amidst pressures like Brexit and other economic challenges.
“They are coming for two things: to mend ties with Zimbabwe and to invest heavily in the country, with a focus on the mining sector,” a source close to the developments revealed.
This shift resonates with Britain’s efforts to reconnect with traditional allies and tap into Zimbabwe’s economic potential.
Britain definitely does not want to lag behind.
The just-concluded ZITF is testament to the success of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy. The participation of numerous exhibitors from the US and Europe not only signifies a renewed interest in Zimbabwe’s economic landscape but highlighted the tangible outcomes of diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering mutually beneficial international partnerships.
The presence of exhibitors from all corners of the world underscores the growing confidence and trust in Zimbabwe’s business environment. It reflects a shift in perceptions, with global stakeholders acknowledging the country’s potential as a viable investment destination. This increased participation signifies a departure from previous hesitations and reservations, signalling a more positive outlook towards Zimbabwe’s economic prospects.
President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, grounded on the principles of openness, inclusivity and proactive diplomacy, has been instrumental in rebuilding relationships and repositioning Zimbabwe in the family of nations.
It is high time Western nations, including the US and the UK, acknowledged Zimbabwe’s significant strides in reform and development. The country’s commitment to implementing reforms across various sectors has been evident, leading to improvements in governance, transparency and progressive economic policies. These reforms have not only attracted domestic and foreign investors but have also enhanced Zimbabwe’s credibility and appeal as a favourable investment destination.
‘Friend to all and enemy to none’ remains Zimbabwe’s clarion call, embodying a commitment to diplomacy, co-operation and mutual respect.
Zimbabwe is unequivocally the place to be, founded on the principles of win-win relations. The country seeks collaborative partnerships that prioritise mutual benefit, shared prosperity and sustainable growth. With a commitment to fostering positive and equitable interactions, the country continues to invite potential global investors to join us in creating a future where success is shared, opportunities abound and prosperity is accessible to all.
And, as the country welcomes delegates from the King’s land, it anticipates propositions that foster mutual benefit without perpetuating unequal power dynamics akin to the proverbial ‘horse and rider’ relationship.
President Mnangagwa has made it clear that Zimbabwe seeks to forge partnerships based on equality, shared interests and sustainable development, ushering in a new era of collaboration and prosperity for all parties involved.
