Staff Reporter
Political Analysts have criticised the head of the SADC Observer Mission, Dr. Nevers Mumba for leaving Zimbabwe without paying a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His abrupt departure following the release of a damning and biased preliminary report, raises questions about the mission's objectivity and the missed opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
According to political analyst, Nevermay Makande, Dr. Mumba's preliminary report that was laced with overt bias against the Zimbabwean Government followed by his sudden departure are evidence of an external hand that neither cares nor fosters peace within the SADC region.
“The report's contents have sparked controversy, as it favours a particular narrative that undermines the legitimacy of the ruling Zanu PF Party and questions the country's democratic processes. Such an unbalanced report erodes the credibility of the observer mission and undermines its mandate to fairly assess the electoral process.
“The departure of Dr. Mumba without paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa represents a missed opportunity for the much-needed diplomacy. While the preliminary report may have highlighted concerns, a constructive dialogue between the observer mission and the Zimbabwean Government could have paved way for addressing these issues. By leaving without engaging in diplomatic discussions, the mission missed a chance to collaborate on potential reforms and explore possible avenues of improvement,” said Makande.
Furthermore, Makande argues that the behaviour by the Head of the SEOM to nichodemously exit the country in the dead of the night without bidding farewell to the country’s Head of State, casts a heavy shadow over the legitimacy of his report.
“The manner in which the SADC Observer Mission has conducted itself in Zimbabwe has raised questions about its credibility and independence. The rushed release of a preliminary report, coupled with the absence of a courtesy call to the president, suggests a lack of professionalism and impartiality. This perception of bias undermines the observer mission's role as an objective monitoring body, potentially casting doubt on its future endeavours within the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mumba’s questionable exit did not stop the country from celebration and taking party in President Mnangagwa’s inauguration. Mumba’s secret exit without diplomatic engagement becomes a missed opportunity for Zambia to form lasting diplomatic engagements with Zimbabwe as it is essential to restore trust, establish constructive dialogue, and enhance the credibility of both the observer mission and Zimbabwe's electoral processes.
