President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe made a bold declaration of support for Russia’s military operation in Ukraine during the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum held in St Petersburg. His stance made Zimbabwe the second African nation to openly side with Russia on the matter.
While many African countries opted for a more neutral approach by abstaining from UN resolutions, only Eritrea voted in favor of the invasion. Political analyst Alexander Rusero pointed out that Mnangagwa’s statement contradicts his efforts on re-engaging with the West and could have implications for a country struggling with economic challenges.
During his visit to Russia, President Mnangagwa had high hopes of signing significant trade deals with President Vladimir Putin. As a gesture of support, Putin gifted Mnangagwa a presidential helicopter.
Addressing the gathering, Mnangagwa urged cooperation among countries affected by sanctions. In response, Putin announced that Zimbabwe would receive 50,000 tons of grain from Russia as a humanitarian aid initiative.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has faced economic and trade sanctions due to human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law and property rights under the Robert Mugabe regime. While Mnangagwa has pledged to re-engage with the international community, many sanctions still remain in effect, and achieving set targets has proven challenging.
"Logically, victims of sanctions must co-operate, and this is the co-operation we are seeing. We are grateful. Zimbabwe is surviving as a result of this co-operation both in agriculture and in the promotion of technology and education." @edmnangagwa pic.twitter.com/R4ORXO21gb
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) July 27, 2023
