ZIMBABWE is a country on a developmental trajectory, a nation determined to realise its full potential.
In the mix, is everything required to get the country fully working and growing, a determined leadership and vast natural resources to accelerate economic growth.
But what do the changes in Zimbabwe mean for Zimbabweans who are abroad and on asylum.
Zimbabweans in Britain are so apprehensive of the changes; their trump card has been exposed.
Those who cried persecution, now have nothing to cry about.
In a very interesting turn of events, Britain was the first country to send an envoy to welcome and embrace the change in Zimbabwe.
Britain’s Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart was the first Minister from the UK to officially visit Zimbabwe in two decades.
Britain called on the new President of Zimbabwe to make good on promises to establish a new democracy.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has responded by calling all Zimbabweans abroad to come home.
He has promised to create a situation conducive to prosperity, peace and unity.
‘No Zimbabwean must be a refugee.’
The opposition has also embraced President Mnangagwa and requested the world to give him a chance.
The President in his inauguration speech did not disappoint, he promised to forgive everyone and let bygones be bygones.
This flowery progressive language cast a dark cloud on those who have been in the UK and other countries on asylum.
There is no reason now to hide behind the violence mantra or created human rights abuses.
The curtains have been rolled and the stage is open to view.
In the next few months, Britain will likely intensify sending home Zimbabweans who are here on the basis of fearing for their lives in Zimbabwe.
Many people are here and have remained in the country on the grounds of fearing for their lives, that card no longer works.
President Mnangagwa’s speech has dented hopes of all asylum seekers.
Zimbabwe is now for all Zimbabweans, no one will be persecuted and the nation has closed ranks with one common objective – development.
The President has promised a ‘new and unfolding democracy’ and ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’, raising hope among pro-democracy activists.
President Mnangagwa’s speech was the final nail on the coffin of those staying abroad on asylum basis.
Their position is now untenable.
There is no more hiding behind fear of persecution.
Many Zimbabweans will find their permits not renewed and their request for asylum refused.
Freedom comes with a price and most freedoms are watered with blood, but this one is watered with some economical sacrifice.
Minister Stewart had a good time in Zimbabwe during the inauguration of the new President.
He had the opportunity to experience the country first-hand.
He experienced the peace in the country.
Cde Mnangagwa’s words were no mere rhetoric, even those that supped with the G40 cabal will not be persecuted — express orders of the country and party leadership.
Even those who have committed crimes that include externalisation of foreign currency have been granted an amnesty to bring back the looted funds.
No time shall be wasted victimising anyone.
Every Zimbabwean is free to live and operate in the country.
This is an absolutely critical moment for Zimbabweans in the UK.
The British Minister visited and left with no incident, so claims by anyone that they will not be free in Zimbabwe will not hold.
What is likely to come next is a floodgate of Zimbabweans being sent home to use the skills they have acquired abroad.
The Government of Britain has promised an unspecified package of support for Zimbabwe tied to progress on political and economic reforms.
This aid will come with thousands of those in the Diaspora.
In the House of Lords, deputy leader of the house, Lord Howe said: “As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support a legitimate Government to rebuild the country, working with international and regional partners.”
This statement spells doom to over 300 000 Zimbabweans living in Britain.
In short, the changes in Zimbabwe have left the Diaspora in sixes and sevens.
Their future abroad is not certain and those with unfinished asylum cases might find themselves on the next flight back home.
After all, home is best.
They will be welcome.
For views and comments, email: vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk