ZIMBABWE has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-28 term.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, however, did not attend the high-level 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). He delegated Foreign Affairs minister Amon Murwira to represent him.
The event ran from September 21 to 30, in New York.
The 29th post-Cabinet Press briefing on Tuesday stated that the key objectives of Zimbabwe’s presence were to promote multi-lateral and bi-lateral co-operation, strengthen diaspora engagement and launch its UNSC candidacy.
“In his speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to renewed multi-lateralism,” Cabinet reported.
Mnangagwa’s address underscored calls for reform of the UN Security Council, international financial institutions and global trade systems.
Mnangagwa’s absence at such a critical international forum comes at a time when succession battles within Zanu PF are reportedly intensifying ahead of the party’s annual conference in two weeks.
While Zimbabwe’s campaign for a UNSC seat reflects a growing diplomatic ambition, analysts worry that Mnangagwa’s absence sends mixed signals to international partners, with suggestions that it raises questions in diplomatic and political circles.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
“At this level of diplomacy, presence matters,” said one regional diplomat.
“For a country that says it wants a bigger voice in global affairs, the President needed to show up.”
Others suggest the move may reflect growing pressure inside the ruling party, signalling prioritisation of domestic political stability over foreign policy engagements.
“This is arguably the most important UNGA for Zimbabwe in years,” a local political analyst said.
“You don’t launch a Security Council campaign and stay home unless something
major is happening behind the scenes.”
The speculation has been fuelled by reports of factional infights within the ruling party, with several top figures allegedly positioning themselves for post-Mnangagwa leadership as the President’s second and final term nears its end in 2028.
Whether Mnangagwa stayed behind to manage internal power dynamics or simply for scheduling reasons remains officially unclear.
Neither the Cabinet statement nor Murwira’s remarks addressed why Mnangagwa did not lead the delegation.
Despite his no-show, Cabinet praised the mission’s achievements, noting that over 200 delegates attended Zimbabwe’s UNSC campaign launch event in New York.
The post-Cabinet briefing said Murwira hosted a business roundtable with American investors from sectors including agriculture, energy, mining, cyber security and health.
It said the minister took the opportunity to reassure Zimbabweans in the diaspora of government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and promoting investment opportunities back home.
