Timnotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has departed Harare for South Africa to attend the Former Liberation Movements (FLM) Summit, a gathering of leaders from political parties that played key roles in the liberation struggles across southern Africa.

The summit, which is being hosted by South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), brings together revolutionary parties including Zimbabwe’s ZANU PF, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, Angola’s MPLA, Namibia’s SWAPO, and Tanzania’s CCM. The leaders are expected to deliberate on strengthening party ties, regional cooperation, and safeguarding the legacy of the liberation movements in the face of changing political dynamics.

Mnangagwa’s latest trip adds to a long list of recent foreign engagements that have drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society over his frequent travel amid deepening economic challenges back home.

The summit is set to tackle issues around governance, economic development, and shared ideological values, particularly in the context of mounting pressure from youthful opposition movements and increasing calls for democratic reforms in several member countries.

Mnangagwa is accompanied by senior ZANU PF officials and government aides, with reports indicating bilateral meetings may also be held on the sidelines of the summit.