UK Africa minister upbeat at Zimbabwe’s potential

from NEIL FERGUSON in London, England
LONDON, (APA / CAJ News) – UNITED Kingdom (UK) Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart, is confident Zimbabwe’s vast human capital, education standards and teeming resources could propel the country to greatness with a new administration now in place.

Stewart was speaking upon his return to the UK from Zimbabwe where he had visited days after the resignation of long-time ruler, Robert Mugabe.

He witnessed the historic swearing-in of Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare last Friday.

Stewart said there could be an opportunity for Zimbabwe to progress.

“So I went to listen and to learn,” he said.

He described the former British colony as one of the wealthiest countries in Africa.

“It has incredible human potential, a very educated population and fantastic natural resources but it is a country which has suffered terribly,” the minister said.

“If we’re patient and if we’re careful, this can be a moment of change where Zimbabwe becomes the country its people and its many international friends want it to be.”

In Zimbabwe, Stewart met Mnangagwa and opposition leaders, Joice Mujuru and Morgan Tsvangirai.

The Minister also met Zimbabwean civil society and human rights groups.

– APA / CAJ News