In a major boost for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the European Union today said it is ready to review its policies towards Zimbabwe at any moment.
In a statement issued after its council meeting this morning, the EU said the political transition in Zimbabwe was encouraging as it could open the way for a full return to the rule of law in the country.
Mnangagwa is on his way to Europe to attend the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland and is expected to tell the world’s business leaders that his country, which had become a pariah state, is now “open for business”.
The EU said the upcoming electoral process will be an essential step and it will observe the elections if invited by the government.
The elections are crucial for Mnangagwa because he has to win them to get his own mandate to implement his policies to turn around the country’s economy, but they must be free, fair, credible and transparent.
The EU also pledged to assist Mnangagwa to turn around the country’s economy and to create much needed jobs.
“The EU welcomes the stated intention of the Zimbabwean authorities to deliver economic reforms in Zimbabwe, aiming at supporting job creation, growth and sustainable long-term development, and reaffirms its willingness to support the planning and implementation of much-needed structural changes and the promotion of good governance,” the EU said.
“In this context, the EU will support the authorities in establishing as soon as possible a constructive re-engagement with international financial institutions based on a clear and time-bound economic and political reform programme.”
Some observers have, however, warned Mnangagwa to tread carefully because some of the proposed solutions he will be offered might be disastrous for the country.
Below is the full statement by the EU:
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