The Commonwealth is one of the few international organisations in the world that insists on democratic governance for its member states Our nation is currently forfeiting all these benefits, all because of one hot-headed individual who has become a national disgrace and a liability to us all
The formation of the government of national (dis)unity some 10 months ago should be used as a good first step in getting Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth where we belong. This will most likely be resisted by the outgoing Zanu (PF) wing of the inclusive government – as it will be tantamount to Mugabes humiliation.
We all know that Mugabe dragged Zimbabwe out of the Commonwealth a few days before the country was to be suspended from the club. It is ironic that Harare failed the test outlined in the Harare Declaration of the Commonwealth, and would have been expelled from the august body if Mugabe had not unceremoniously pulled out. It will be very difficult for good old Bob to swallow his pride and allow Zimbabwe to, once again, be a member of that democratic family.
The Commonwealth is one of the few international organisations in the world that insists on democratic governance for its member states. For example, any country in the world can be a member of the United Nations, regardless of whether it is a democracy, a monarchy or a dictatorship. This is one of the reasons why Mugabe will not miss a single UN summit – come rain, come sunshine. These are now the only international summits that he will be tolerated at.
The African Union does not insist on member states being democratic in terms of their governance. Mugabe and Zanu (PF) are therefore quite comfortable in the AU as a club of dictators. Getting Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth will require numerous conditions to be met, and most of them will be rejected by the outgoing Zanu (PF) political party.
Nevertheless, the MDC must start pushing for the return of Zimbabwe to the fold. The only thing at stake is Mugabes over-sized ego, and the nation must not be made to forfeit the benefits that would accrue through re-joining the Commonwealth.
Apart from getting the opportunity to improve on the development of its democratic ethic, Zimbabwe would also be able to receive much needed development assistance through the Commonwealth. Student and staff exchanges could resume between institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwean and Commonwealth countries. Some of our students would benefit by getting places to study abroad. Who knows, we might even be able to attract some key investors from these countries in the long run. We will also be able to do meaningful trade with some of the countries in the bloc.
Our nation is currently forfeiting all these benefits, all because of one hot-headed individual who has become a national disgrace and a liability to us all.
At this point in time, civil society needs to organise itself to start lobbying the right people in the inclusive government to make firm proposals for Zimbabwes return to the Commonwealth. This should not be difficult, since there are several men and women of integrity in the inclusive government. There is also a possibility of civil society linking up with civic bodies and coalitions in other Commonwealth countries for mutual support.
Civil society can now make Zimbabwes return to the Commonwealth part of the national agenda. For too long, we have had the departing Mugabe regime dictate the national agenda to us. This has to be stopped by us initiating relevant national agenda items and pursuing them with vigour.
The future of our children and their children can be best enhanced by this country rejoining the Commonwealth. We have so far reclaimed some democratic space from the dictatorial Zanu (PF) regime; we must continue to reclaim more such space until Zimbabwe is free again. A better Zimbabwe is possible.
Post published in: Politics