Story by Oleen Ndori
AN African Peer Review Mechanism Mission is in Zimbabwe to assess strides the country has made regarding democracy and good governance since joining the entity in 2020.
Zimbabwe voluntarily joined the African Peer Review Mechanism on the side lines of the 33rd African Union Heads of States and Government summit held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa in 2020.
The peer review is meant to assess progress member states have made with regards to democracy and good governance.
This Tuesday, the African Peer Review Mechanism Mission which is Zimbabwe on an assessment tour met Vice President General Rtd Dr Constantino Chiwenga in Harare.
“Zimbabwe has been adhering to the expectations of the mechanism since it joined in 2020 and we are here to assess mechanisms being put in place,” said AU African Peer Review Mechanism head of delegation, Aly El-Hefney.
He also spoke on the discussions surrounding the formation of a national review committee that will be supported by the continental body.
“We also discussed the possibility of Zimbabwe establishing a national peer review council which will be supported by us in uplifting the socio-economic lives of the people,” he added.
The mission earlier met the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and business leaders.
The delegation is also expected to meet members of the civil society among other key stakeholders during their three-day visit to Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the South Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Ambassador Park Jae-Kyung, who also paid a courtesy call on Advocate Mudenda, has emphasised his country’s commitment to cement already existing ties with Zimbabwe in various sectors.
“We discussed several issues which include business, tourism and technology. In the coming weeks Zimbabwe will receive a business delegation from my country and we also expect some business and Parliamentary exchanges between the two countries,” he said.
South Korea is preparing to host the first ever Korea – Africa Summit next year with Zimbabwe expected to attend.
