By A Correspondent
In a move that has raised eyebrows both in Zimbabwe and beyond, President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The statement, posted on social media platform X, expressed a readiness to work with the Trump administration to create a “better, more prosperous and peaceful world.”
However, given the complex and often frosty relationship between Harare and Washington, the question arises: Is Mnangagwa’s gesture a sincere diplomatic overture, or a calculated political move?
“Congratulations to President-elect @realdonaldtrump on your election victory,” Mnangagwa wrote. “
The world needs more leaders who speak for the people. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with you and the American people to build a better, more prosperous, and more peaceful world.”
In his brief but pointed message, Mnangagwa’s words may appear to be an expression of goodwill, signaling Zimbabwe’s openness to a fresh start in its foreign relations with the United States under Trump’s leadership. Yet, beneath the surface, this gesture is more complex when placed in the context of Zimbabwe’s long-standing tensions with Washington, particularly regarding the impact of U.S. sanctions.
The history between Zimbabwe and the U.S. has been marked by acrimony, especially since the early 2000s when the United States imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s government in response to allegations of human rights violations, election rigging, and the violent land reform program under former President Robert Mugabe. These sanctions have remained a significant point of contention, straining diplomatic ties between the two countries for nearly two decades.
Under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has made several overtures to improve relations, yet Washington has remained cautious, demanding concrete political and economic reforms in exchange for the removal of sanctions.
Despite these efforts, Zimbabwe’s strained relationship with the U.S. has continued, with Mnangagwa’s government frequently accusing the West of seeking to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
Mnangagwa’s congratulatory message to Trump seems to be a pragmatic gesture aimed at re-aligning Zimbabwe’s foreign policy in a new geopolitical context. As the U.S. has traditionally held considerable influence in global affairs, a more cordial relationship with Washington could serve to soften Zimbabwe’s international isolation. Mnangagwa’s recent outreach could be seen as an attempt to re-establish a diplomatic channel with the U.S. and potentially improve trade, aid, and investment opportunities.
In his message, Mnangagwa emphasized the need for “leaders who speak for the people,” a remark that could be interpreted as a subtle endorsement of Trump’s populist rhetoric, aligning himself with a leader who often positions himself as the voice of the common man. This may also suggest a recognition of Trump’s strong political base and his potential influence on U.S. foreign policy decisions.
However, some critics argue that Mnangagwa’s gesture lacks genuine sincerity. They point to the fact that Zimbabwe, under Mnangagwa’s leadership, has not made significant strides in addressing the key issues that have kept the country at odds with the West, including political repression and human rights abuses. If anything, Mnangagwa’s rule has seen the continuation of many of the same policies that led to the imposition of sanctions in the first place.
Trump’s unexpected political resurrection has triggered mixed reactions across the globe. While European leaders were quick to extend congratulations and signal their willingness to engage with him, Mnangagwa’s statement stands out, considering the enduring tension between Zimbabwe and the U.S. This raises the question of whether Mnangagwa’s overture is part of a broader strategy to align Zimbabwe with more populist and nationalistic foreign powers, or whether it reflects an honest desire to reset relations with Washington.
Analysts suggest that Mnangagwa is likely keen to capitalize on Trump’s brand of diplomacy, which has been characterized by a more transactional approach to international relations. Unlike traditional Western diplomacy, which has often placed heavy emphasis on human rights and governance standards, Trump’s foreign policy style has been more focused on bilateral agreements that serve mutual interests. This could present Zimbabwe with an opportunity to push for the removal of sanctions in exchange for vague commitments on reform.
While it is possible that Mnangagwa is genuinely hopeful for a new relationship with the U.S. under Trump, the broader context of Zimbabwe’s international strategy suggests that his congratulations are likely more about positioning and political pragmatism than personal sincerity.
As a leader who has repeatedly emphasized Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and resistance to external pressures, it is unlikely that Mnangagwa would fully embrace a U.S. administration without first ensuring that it serves Zimbabwe’s interests.
While Mnangagwa’s message to Trump might be seen as a diplomatic step forward, its sincerity remains unclear. The Zimbabwean president is undoubtedly aware of the opportunities a reset with Washington could bring but must balance this with the realities of Zimbabwe’s domestic and international priorities.
For now, the question remains: will the words translate into meaningful change, or are they simply a diplomatic maneuver designed to extract benefits from a potentially more accommodating U.S. administration? Only time will tell.