Zimbabwe Prepares for SADC Summit as President Mnangagwa Takes Rotational Chairmanship

Zimbabwe is gearing up to host the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in mid-August, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa will assume the annual rotational chairmanship of the regional bloc from Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema. The event, set for August 17-18 in Harare, marks the first time Zimbabwe has held the chairmanship since 2014 under the late Robert Mugabe.

In preparation, the Zimbabwean government has spent over R3.8 billion to spruce up Harare and the surrounding areas. This includes constructing villas for delegates, resurfacing major roads, planting new trees, and acquiring luxury buses fitted with amenities like heated massage sofas and onboard kitchens. The main venue will be the Chinese-built parliament building in Mount Hampden, complemented by 18 newly built villas for high-profile attendees.

President Mnangagwa sees the summit as a significant opportunity to enhance Zimbabwe's international image. "I commend the government and people of our country who are accelerating preparations and works related to the event," Mnangagwa stated at a recent national hero's burial.

However, the extensive preparations have drawn criticism for diverting resources from essential public services. Critics argue that the funds could have been better spent on addressing shortages in hospitals and other public sectors.

The summit takes place nearly a year after a disputed general election that SADC criticized as flawed. During the past year, the Zimbabwean government has cracked down on opposition, with at least 80 activists in prison on charges of inciting violence, some accused of planning demonstrations during the summit. The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported over 3,137 victims of political violence between January and June, with the ruling party Zanu-PF responsible for over 65% of incidents.

In response to the government's actions, Amnesty International has called for respect for freedom of assembly and association.

As Zimbabwe prepares to welcome SADC delegates, the government is hoping that the event will bolster its image, despite ongoing domestic and international scrutiny.