adminHerald Reporter
Twelve of the remaining 20 re-called top diplomats are expected back in the country on April 1, Foreign Affairs secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha has said.Ambassador Bimha told The Herald on Monday that eight ambassadors had already returned.
Those who have arrived include Zimbabwe’s former ambassadors to the United States, Belgium, South Africa, Mozambique, Italy, Egypt, Nigeria and Germany.
“They are coming in batches and the last batch is expected on the 1st of April,” said Ambassador Bimha. “We give them different dates and no one is overstaying.”
Ambassadors serve four-year terms that can be renewed depending on foreign policy considerations.
During the subsistence of the inclusive Government (2009-2013), MDC-T nominated four ambassadors for posting by President Mugabe, while MDC seconded Mrs Trudy Stevenson to Senegal.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Australia, who was seconded by MDC-T, Ms Jacqueline Zwambila sought asylum in that country after she was re-called. Ms Zwambila’s antics have been condemned by Zimbabweans with her party also distancing itself from her actions.
Zimbabwe’s embassy in Canberra also dismissed Ms Zwambila’s actions, saying it was a ploy by the former ambassador to remain in that country after losing her diplomatic privileges.
Online Reporter