Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s latest foreign excursion has triggered widespread condemnation, with many Zimbabweans accusing him of neglecting pressing national issues while engaging in yet another international ceremony.

Mnangagwa’s office announced on Tuesday morning: “President Mnangagwa has arrived in Luanda, Angola, where he will join fellow Heads of State and Government in commemorating the country’s 50th independence anniversary.”

While his government highlights the diplomatic importance of the event, critics argue the visit is ill-timed and demonstrates a worrying disconnect from the realities ordinary citizens face daily. Zimbabwe continues to grapple with inflation, poor service delivery, and widespread unemployment, yet the President is seen jetting off to celebrations abroad.

Opposition commentators labelled the trip “irresponsible” and “self-serving,” saying the President should be prioritising solutions to domestic crises instead of attending foreign ceremonies. Some Zimbabweans expressed frustration on social media, questioning the value of such trips when hospitals lack basic drugs, public transport is unreliable, and workers struggle to feed their families.

“People want real leadership, not endless flights and photo ops,” one analyst noted, echoing the sentiments of many who feel abandoned.

As Mnangagwa stands among fellow leaders in Luanda, his critics are using the moment to highlight what they see as a persistent pattern — a President more comfortable abroad than addressing the suffering of his citizens at home.