New Twist As Obasanjo Breaks Ranks With The Opposition Seeks Business Deals With Mnangagwa
28 November 2019
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Own Correspondent | In a new twist to the previously frosty relations between former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the government of Zimbabwe, the former African statesman is in the country seeking investment opportunities from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Obasanjo was instrumental in the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth in 2002, over the controversial Presidential elections which were marred by violence and vote rigging.

The move led to the late former President Robert Mugabe in a knee jerk reaction, immediately pulling Zimbabwe out of the body.

Obasanjo defied protests from Mugabe’s allies in Africa and the Caribbean insisting that Zimbabwe would remain suspended to protect the Commonwealth’s core principles.

He has also been aligned to opposition politics in the country, recently co-authoring a book with MDC Alliance, Vice President Tendai Biti, titled, ‘Democracy Works: Re-Wiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage,’ which they have been promoting on a world wide tour.

The state media reports that Obasanjo, who is also the chairman of the Johannesburg-based think tank Brenthurst Foundation, South Africa met with Mnangagwa at State House today seeking to scout for investment opportunities in the country.

He was accompanied by Brenthurst Foundation executive members, Mr Nicholas Oppenheimer and Dr Gregory John Barrington Mills.

Speaking soon after the meeting Mnangagwa, Obasanjo said they are in the country to seek investment opportunities.

“I have along with me some people who have interests in investing here in Zimbabwe, that is what we have come here for.

“We cannot talk of development without investment, domestic investment, foreign investment and regional investment. The meeting went on very well,” said Obasanjo.