Britain rejects Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin Commonwealth, cites rights abuses

The British government has publicly expressed its opposition to Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record, governance, and democratic principles.

In response to a question in the House of Lords, British Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, stated that the UK does not believe Zimbabwe has made sufficient progress in these areas to warrant readmission to the Commonwealth.

While acknowledging some progress, Lord Collins emphasised that further steps are necessary to align Zimbabwe with the shared values and principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.

“The UK has always been clear that we would like to see Zimbabwe return to the Commonwealth when the time is right. However, currently we do not share the Secretariat’s assessment of Zimbabwe’s progress or readiness in line with the shared values and principles laid out in the Commonwealth Charter,” Lord Collins stated.

“Whilst we recognise there has been progress, we believe further steps are needed on democracy, governance and human rights before Zimbabwe makes a formal application to re-join the Commonwealth.

‘We note some of the findings in the Commonwealth Election Observation Report and support the recommendations.”

The UK has called for a further Commonwealth assessment mission to Zimbabwe in 2025 to monitor progress in these areas.

“We would encourage a further Commonwealth assessment mission to Zimbabwe in 2025 to follow up on these areas. The UK strongly values our partnership with Zimbabwe and stands ready to support further reforms in this regard, through the Commonwealth and other fora,” he said.

The British government’s stance comes after Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, issued a 52-page report to Commonwealth Heads of Government, seeking their views on Zimbabwe’s readmission by November 26, 2024.

“Should the broader membership agree, the Secretariat is well equipped to support Zimbabwe further strengthen its democratic and human rights credentials, and maintain its commitment to upholding the integrity of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, as a member of the family.

“In this regard, I recommend that Zimbabwe’s membership process progresses to the next stage of the membership process, which entails my consultation with member countries,” Baroness Scotland said in her articles.

“Stakeholders from all sides in Zimbabwe have expressed their support for re-joining the Commonwealth, as have an overwhelming number of Commonwealth members who see membership as an opportunity for Zimbabwe to continue the path of improving on its democratic processes and reforms.

“Therefore, I hereby request Heads to consider allowing me to invite Zimbabwe to submit its formal application for readmission. In the absence of any objections submitted to me by the date specified on my letter, I will invite Zimbabwe to submit a formal application in line with the 2007 agreed membership process.”

Zimbabwe has been seeking to rejoin the Commonwealth since 2018, after withdrawing from the organization in 2003 following a suspension for human rights violations.

The country’s bid has been backed by some African nations, but its human rights record and democratic credentials remain a concern for other member states.

Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003 after being suspended from the organisation for a year.

In the early 2000s, Zimbabwe’s government, led by the late former President Robert Mugabe, faced criticism from the international community for its human rights record, particularly with regards to land reform and the treatment of opposition parties.

In March 2002, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) suspended Zimbabwe from the organization for a year, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record, electoral irregularities, and the rule of law.

The Zimbabwean government rejected the suspension, calling it “unjust” and “biased.” President Mugabe accused the Commonwealth of interfering in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.

On December 7, 2003, President Mugabe announced that Zimbabwe would withdraw from the Commonwealth, effective immediately.