Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has earned praise after a measured and diplomatic response during a high-level discussion at the World Governments Summit currently under way in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mnangagwa is attending the 3rd session of the World Governments Summit, held under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.”
The global gathering brings together heads of state, policymakers and thought leaders to exchange ideas on governance, leadership and building resilient states in an increasingly uncertain world.
Mnangagwa joins Africa-focused leadership panel
As part of the summit programme, Mnangagwa joined fellow African heads of state in a panel discussion titled “Africa in the Next Decade.”
During the discussion, the Zimbabwean leader was asked an unexpected question about recent developments in Venezuela.
A question many saw as a trap
When asked for his thoughts on what had happened in Venezuela last month, Mnangagwa responded cautiously, drawing laughter from the audience before delivering an answer.
“Venezuela is very far away from Zimbabwe,” he said.
The panel host pressed further, noting Mnangagwa’s long experience as a head of state and asking what he personally made of the situation.
“I don’t know whether what we really read in Zimbabwe actually happens in Venezuela,” he said. “But from what we read, we are interested to know why it is happening.”
Zimbabweans applaud Mnangagwa’s response
A short clip of the exchange has since gone viral on social media.
Many Zimbabweans praise Mnangagwa for what they described as a smart and disciplined response.
Here is how other reacted to Mnangagwa’s response:
@GoodOmen Takure: “An answer that doesn’t create enemies.”
@KingSolomon Zim: “Diplomatic response, it was a trap.”
@Sindi Nyathi: “In brackets the answer means ‘we mind our own business’.”
@Usher Mutandiro: “Such a response will tell you that he is capable of playing the cards to get to 2030.”
Venezuela developments drew global attention
Last month, Venezuela made headlines around the world after a dramatic escalation of political and military events.
On 3 January, a major operation involving United States forces resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from Caracas, a development that reshaped the country’s political landscape.
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice declared Vice President Delcy Rodríguez acting president.
