daniel chigunwe
In a historic development, the visiting director general of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House on Tuesday.
The visit is particularly significant as Pope is the first IOM director general to set foot in Zimbabwe since the organisation’s inception 73 years ago in 1951.
After a closed-door meeting, Pope told journalists that her discussions with President Mnangagwa covered a wide array of pressing issues.
“It is an honour to be the first IOM Director General to visit Zimbabwe. Our conversations today highlighted the crucial role this country plays in regional stability and the importance of collaboration in addressing migration challenges,” she said.
She said a key focus of their dialogue was President Mnangagwa’s pivotal role as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“The leadership of SADC is vital for promoting peace and ensuring that migration is managed in a way that respects human dignity,” she said.
Pope also highlighted the necessity of engaging the diaspora, encouraging their return to Zimbabwe.
She stressed on the need to leverage the knowledge, skills, and networks of the returning nationals as their contributions can significantly enhance Zimbabwe’s development and resilience.
Pope said conflict has caused worldwide displacement of people and solutions needed to be worked out to support the affected.
“Conflict-related displacement remains a pressing issue. We must work together to provide support and find solutions for those affected.
“Climate change has also increased migration of communities from one place to the other. As climate change increasingly drives migration, we need urgent interventions to support communities that are vulnerable to environmental shocks. It’s essential for us to act now to mitigate these impacts,” she said.
The IOM, which is an arm of the United Nations, advocates for safe, orderly, and dignified migration, ensuring that the rights and well-being of migrants are respected.
The organisation also fosters collaboration among countries to develop effective migration policies and share best practices.
The discussions held with President Mnangagwa could pave the way for collaborative efforts to tackle these urgent challenges facing Zimbabwe and the broader southern African region. – NewZiana
Bongani Ndlovu