Zimbabwe’s SADC Chairmanship, A Diplomatic Mask Over a Crisis of Legitimacy

Zimbabwe stands at a critical juncture in its political history. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairmanship assumed by Zimbabwe today may provide international legitimacy, but it cannot overshadow the fundamental issues of political legitimacy stemming from the disputed 2023 elections. While President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks to project stability and leadership through this role, the core issues within Zimbabwe remain unresolved. For the country to progress, the issue of legitimacy must be addressed first, as the consequences of ignoring this will lead to a continuous spiral of instability and stagnation.

The 2023 elections in Zimbabwe were supposed to mark a new era of democracy after decades of authoritarian rule under Robert Mugabe. However, rather than heralding hope, these elections have been mired in controversy and accusations of vote-rigging, intimidation, and political suppression. Opposition parties and international observers have raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, citing irregularities in voter rolls, ballot tampering, and the harassment of opposition supporters.

Mnangagwa, who came to power after Mugabe’s ouster in 2017, had promised free and fair elections, but these promises were broken as his administration manipulated the electoral process to maintain power. The assumption of the SADC chairmanship may seem like a diplomatic victory for Mnangagwa, but it fails to address the deep-seated issues of political corruption and lack of electoral transparency.

Zimbabwe’s role as chair of SADC might appear to lend Mnangagwa a degree of international recognition, yet it is an illusion of legitimacy that does not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people. Legitimacy is not conferred by regional diplomatic titles but by the consent of the governed. The people of Zimbabwe remain disillusioned, as their voices have been marginalized in an environment of political manipulation and authoritarian tactics.

While SADC has historically been an advocate for regional stability, its ability to resolve the internal contradictions of Zimbabwe’s governance is limited. Zimbabwe’s leadership crisis cannot be solved by external accolades alone. To restore genuine legitimacy, Zimbabwe must first confront the democratic deficit within its borders. This begins with acknowledging the failures of the 2023 elections and embarking on a path of electoral reform.

One of the main obstacles to progress in Zimbabwe is the persistent use of propaganda to maintain a fa?ade of normalcy. The Mnangagwa administration has attempted to paint a rosy picture of economic revival and political stability, but this narrative is built on shaky ground. For Zimbabwe to progress, the issue of legitimacy must be addressed first. Nothing works if the politics is wrong.

The government’s control of the media and its strategic use of misinformation have created an environment in which dissent is stifled, and genuine dialogue is impossible. Propaganda cannot build a nation, and as long as Zimbabwe continues to operate under a veil of falsehoods, the true potential of its people will remain unrealized. Addressing legitimacy is not just about elections; it’s about restoring trust between the government and the governed, creating an atmosphere where truth can thrive, and meaningful reforms can take place.

The political crisis in Zimbabwe has far-reaching implications for the country’s economic stability as well. Without addressing the legitimacy crisis, Zimbabwe’s economic recovery efforts will continue to falter. Investors, both domestic and international, are hesitant to commit resources to a country where political instability looms large. Economic policies are often unpredictable, as they are tied to the whims of an illegitimate government rather than a stable, democratic process.

For Zimbabwe to rebuild its economy, it must first restore the rule of law, ensure the independence of its institutions, and rebuild confidence in its electoral processes. This requires a concerted effort to reform the electoral system, root out political corruption, and open the political space to genuine competition. The international community must also play a role in supporting these reforms, rather than merely endorsing the status quo through symbolic gestures like regional chairmanships.

SADC’s role in this situation is both crucial and complicated. As a regional body, SADC has the potential to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to undertake meaningful reforms, but its track record has been inconsistent. The SADC chairmanship should not be used as a shield to protect Zimbabwe’s leadership from scrutiny but rather as an opportunity to push for accountability and democratic reforms.

The international community, including regional bodies like SADC, should prioritize good governance, human rights, and free and fair elections over short-term political stability. This is the only way to ensure that Zimbabwe can overcome its current challenges and move towards a brighter future.

Zimbabwe’s political and economic progress cannot be built on a foundation of propaganda and false legitimacy. The assumption of SADC’s chairmanship by President Mnangagwa cannot erase the disputed 2023 elections and the crisis of legitimacy that continues to plague the nation. For Zimbabwe to truly move forward, the political crisis must be resolved through transparent and democratic processes that reflect the will of the people.

The solution to Zimbabwe’s challenges lies not in international titles or regional diplomacy but in restoring the democratic integrity of its institutions. Only by addressing the issue of legitimacy can Zimbabwe hope to achieve long-term political and economic stability.