UK regrets The Gambia's withdrawal from Commonwealth - BBC News BBC News UK regrets The Gambia's withdrawal from Commonwealth 3 October 2013 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Media captionGambian President Yahya Jammeh told the UN he was determined to defend Gambia's dignity 'by whatever means necessary' The Gambia's decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth 48 years after joining is something to "very much regret", the UK Foreign Office has said. The west African nation branded the 54-member grouping, which includes the UK and most of its former colonies, a "neo-colonial institution". The withdrawal was announced on state TV but no other reasons were given. Two years ago President Yahya Jammeh accused the UK of backing his political opposition ahead of elections. Commonwealth officials said they only heard about the move through the media and had not yet been contacted by The Gambia. A spokesman said Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma had seen the reports with "dismay and disappointment" and had asked for "clarification" from the country.

Guide to The Gambia Official name is The Gambia to distinguish it from the River Gambia One of Africa's smallest countries, it is surrounded on three sides by Senegal Its borders are said to have been set in the 19th Century by the distance a naval cannon could fire from a British gunboat on the river Tourism, fishing and peanuts are major industries Governed since 1994 by President Yahya Jammeh, who seized power aged 29 Last year he vowed to stay in power for "a billion years", if God willed it Claims he can cure Aids and infertility with herbal concoctions Warned in 2008 that gay people would be beheaded There is a history of tension between President Jammeh, who came to power in a 1994 coup, and the UK. Earlier this year, a Foreign Office report singled out The Gambia for its human rights record, citing cases of unlawful detentions, illegal closures of newspapers and discrimination against minority groups. On Thursday a Foreign Office spokesman said: "Decisions on Commonwealth membership are a matter for each member government.

We would very much regret Gambia, or any other country, deciding to leave the Commonwealth." In August last year The Gambia was criticised by Amnesty International and others for executing nine prisoners by firing squad. 'Colonialism extension' The Commonwealth was founded in 1931 but acquired its modern shape after 1949 as former British colonies and protectorates, including The Gambia, started to achieve self-government and varying degrees of independence. According to the Commonwealth's charter, member states should communicate and co-operate "in the common interests of our peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and world peace". In its statement, The Gambian government said it had "withdrawn its membership of the British Commonwealth". It said it had "decided that The Gambia will never be a member of any neo-colonial institution and will never be a party to any institution that represents an extension of colonialism". Media captionPresident Jammeh's action is a "disaster", says Gambian journalist Ebrima Sankareh But Bakary Dabo, former vice president of The Gambia and chairman of the country's campaign for democratic change, said people there are generally "very happy" to be part of the Commonwealth.

He said the government had recently begun "picking up war against poorly specified enemies called 'western powers'". Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Dabo said this rhetoric had "accelerated" in recent years and been used when President Jammeh gave a "rambling" speech at the United Nations General Assembly last month Aids claim Also at the UN, President Jammeh said homosexuality was one of the three "biggest threats to human existence". He has also drawn international criticism for claiming he can cure Aids with a herbal body rub and bananas. BBC Africa analyst Farouk Chothia said despite its image as an idyllic holiday destination, The Gambia, and its population of less than two million, were kept under tight control by its eccentric leader. The latest decision was bound to come from him, our analyst added. The Royal Commonwealth Society, an education charity which works in Commonwealth countries, said The Gambia's announcement was unexpected and appeared to be undemocratic. Society director Michael Lake said President Jammeh had made the decision "without consulting The Gambia's people" and the country's withdrawal would be "a loss felt by both its people and the wider Commonwealth network".

He added: "Far from being a 'neo-colonial institution', the modern Commonwealth operates on a consensus model and its voluntary membership is predicated primarily on a country's commitment to upholding shared values and principles." Image copyright (C) British Broadcasting Corporation Image caption Apart from its Atlantic coastline, The Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal The last time a nation left the Commonwealth was in 2003, when Zimbabwe withdrew. The Queen, who is 87, is the head of the Commonwealth, which holds its next heads of government meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, next month. However, the gathering will be the first that the Queen has not attended since 1971. She will send her son, the Prince of Wales instead. Buckingham Palace said she would make fewer overseas trips because of her age. Three African countries have joined the Commonwealth in recent years. Rwanda was admitted in 2009 after applying for membership the previous year, while Cameroon and Mozambique became members in 1995. BBC iWonder - What is the point of the Commonwealth today? BBC iWonder Featuring James AstillExternal The Economist 1.

Uniting nations, dividing opinion FeaturingPeter OborneJournalist Featuring James AstillExternal The Economist The Commonwealth encompasses almost a third of the world’s population, bringing together people of many faiths, races, languages and incomes. It is showcased through the Commonwealth Games every four years. Yet it is an institution which remains a mystery to many, polarising opinion as to its role and relevance. Journalist Peter Oborne believes the Commonwealth represents a friendly network of nations, based on education, culture and history, which will continue to play a vital role. But for the Economist's James Astill, the Commonwealth is “a large and somewhat anomalous club, which devotes most of its energies to maintaining its strange existence”. Commonwealth Day, an annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, will be marked on 14 March 2016, with a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey. But what does this organisation actually do? Is the Commonwealth merely a British consolation prize for the loss of the Empire, or does it have an important role to play in today’s geopolitical climate? 2. Emerging from Empire Why is Prince Philip considered a god in one Commonwealth nation? Nick Squires investigated for Radio 4's From Our Own Correspondent.

(Footage from BBC News reports) Transcript (PDF 19 Kb) The early 20th Century saw some colonies within the British Empire acquiring varying degrees of independence. A new constitutional definition of their relationship with one another was required. The Statute of Westminster of 1931 defined the United Kingdom and the Dominions as ‘autonomous communities, equal in status, united by a common allegiance to the Crown and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations’. The terms of the association were reformulated in the 1949 London Declaration. The word British was dropped from the Commonwealth's name, the allegiance to the crown removed from its statute, and it became an association for decolonised nations. The British monarch remained as a ‘symbol of their free association and as such Head of the Commonwealth’. The member list has since grown to incorporate 53 nations, including some independent countries. Its two most recent additions, Mozambique and Rwanda, have no historical ties to the British Empire and there are more nations on the waiting list to join. The Commonwealth cannot sanction member states by force, but when governments persistently violate Commonwealth principles, they can be suspended.

This was the case with Zimbabwe in 2002 following allegations of rigged elections in the country. As membership is voluntary, countries can also withdraw from the association. The Gambia was the most recent example, withdrawing in 2013, describing the Commonwealth as a “neo-colonial institution”. Previously devoid of a constitution, the Commonwealth adopted its charter in December 2012. This commits members to 16 core values of democracy, gender equality, sustainable development and international peace and security. Each member nation is considered equal regardless of size or wealth. The relationship between the Commonwealth of Nations is acknowledged every four years with the Commonwealth Games, and every two years with meetings of political leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Commonwealth Secretariat, based in London, works with member governments to deliver on the agreed priorities that emerge. Commonwealth organisations work in diverse areas ranging from education to urban planning and meteorology, with observers often present at elections in an attempt to ensure fairness. On Commonwealth Day each year, the second Monday in March, the Queen broadcasts a message to all member nations. 3.

The Commonwealth in numbers ¹ This figure covers from 1990, when Nauru first entered the Commonwealth Games. 4. An important role in the 21st Century Queen Elizabeth II with President Nelson Mandela in South Africa in March 1995, following South Africa's reintroduction into the Commonwealth in 1994. (WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images) Journalist Peter Oborne argues the case for the Commonwealth: “The Commonwealth is a way of nations staying in touch without binding formal obligations, but rather through goodwill, friendship and historical ties. It is not a formal group like NATO and allows instead for a relaxed and enriching meeting of minds and cultures. The attraction of joining is that you don’t become part of a system of triumph states, like NATO, nor are you giving away sovereignty to a bureaucratic system, like the EU. The Commonwealth is a curiously gentle, civilised way of viewing the world. While there is no formal trade agreement, the Commonwealth enables prime ministers and trade ministers to meet informally, which provides positive side effects for trade. The Commonwealth has very few sanctions, which in a curious way is an advantage. Any despot that emerges can be talked around gently, rather than threatened.

I give the Commonwealth a lot of credit for helping end military rule in Pakistan in 2007 and it played a pivotal role in championing the boycott of apartheid South Africa. I think it has a strong future. We are no longer in a world of warring empires. The world is more of a network system, where relationships of the kind that the Commonwealth promotes really matter. The Commonwealth fits in better with the 21st Century than the EU, which has reached the end of its time. If the 21st Century is not to repeat the successive bloodbaths of the 20th Century, then the system of the Commonwealth will play an important role as it has no army, but instead relies on friendship and understanding.” 5. A tangled and ineffective bureaucracy A 2012 protest by Indian activists concerning the funding of the 2010 Commonwealth Games (RAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images) James Astill, Washington correspondent of The Economist, questions the institution's purpose: “The Commonwealth has hardly any geopolitical role or relevance. It is a large and somewhat anomalous club, which devotes most of its energies to maintaining its strange existence.

Being a former member of the British Empire is useful, as there is evidence that former colonies are more likely to trade with each other than with other countries. But the Commonwealth does very little to reinforce this. What is its purpose? Many citizens of Commonwealth countries don’t really know what it does or who its members are. A quarter of Jamaicans, when asked, said they thought Barack Obama was head of the Commonwealth. Otherwise, the club runs a good scholarship programme, development projects for its poorest members and a tangled and ineffective bureaucracy, including at least 70 different organisations, which appears to exist chiefly to provide junkets for a well-heeled Commonwealth elite. More lamentable is the club’s record on enforcing its members’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law, for example, when Sri Lanka’s abusive regime was permitted to host last year’s biennial Commonwealth leaders meeting. But I don’t really think there is a persuasive argument for disbanding the Commonwealth. It's a curiosity, which retains a clear and unfulfilled potential to boost trade among its members. There is no reason to think the world would be better without it.” 6.

A journey through the years Zimbabwe withdraws from the Commonwealth | The Commonwealth Home > About us > History >Zimbabwe withdraws from the Commonwealth Zimbabwe withdraws from the Commonwealth 2003 The Commonwealth of Nations - African History African History Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations Commonwealth Nations in Africa. Image: ©2007 Alistair Boddy-Evans. Used with Permission Updated August 08, 2016. What is the Commonwealth of Nations? The Commonwealth of Nations , or more commonly just the Commonwealth, is an association of sovereign states consisting of the United Kingdom, some of its former colonies, and a few 'special' cases. The Commonwealth nations maintain close economic ties, sporting associations and complementary institutions. When was the Commonwealth of Nations Formed? In the early twentieth century, the government of Britain was taking a hard look at its relationship with the rest of the British Empire, and particularly with those colonies populated by Europeans – the dominions . The dominions had reached a high level of self-government, and the people there were calling for the creation of sovereign states. Even amongst the Crown Colonies, Protectorates, and Mandates, nationalism (and the call for independence) was on the rise.

The 'British Commonwealth of Nations' was first noted in the Statute of Westminster on 3 December 1931, which recognized that several of the United Kingdom's self-governing dominions (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) were "autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge " What was new under the 1931 Statute of Westminster was that these dominions would now be free to control their own foreign affairs – they were already in control of domestic affairs – and to have their own diplomatic identity. Which African Countries are Members of the Commonwealth of Nations? There are 19 African states who are currently members of the Commonwealth of Nations. See this Chronological List of African Members of the Commonwealth of Nations, or Alphabetical List of African Members of the Commonwealth of Nations for details. Is it Only ex-British Empire Countries in Africa Who Have Joined the Commonwealth of Nations?

No, Cameroon (which had only partially been in the British Empire following World War I) and Mozambique joined in 1995. Mozambique was admitted as a special case (ie could not set a precedent) following democratic elections in the country in 1994. All its neighbors were members and it was felt that Mozambique's support against white-minority rule in South Africa and Rhodesia should be compensated. On the 28th November 2009 Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth, continuing the special case conditions under which Mozambique had joined. What Kind of Membership Exists in the Commonwealth of Nations? The majority of African countries who had been part of the British Empire gained independence within the Commonwealth as Commonwealth Realms . As such, Queen Elizabeth II was automatically the head of state, represented within the country by a Governor-General. Most converted to Commonwealth Republics within a couple of years. (Mauritius took the longest to convert – 24 years from 1968 to 1992). Lesotho and Swaziland gained independence as Commonwealth Kingdoms, with their own constitutional monarchy as head of state – Queen Elizabeth II was recognized only as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth.

Zambia (1964), Botswana (1966), Seychelles (1976), Zimbabwe (1980), and Namibia (1990) became independent as Commonwealth Republics. Cameroon and Mozambique were already republics when they joined the Commonwealth in 1995. Did African Countries Always Join the Commonwealth of Nations? All those African countries still part of the British Empire when the Statute of Westminster was proclaimed in 1931 joined the Commonwealth except for British Somaliland (which joined with Italian Somaliland five days after gaining independence in 1960 to form Somalia), and Anglo-British Sudan (which became a republic in 1956). Egypt, which had been part of the Empire until 1922, has never shown an interest in becoming a member. Do Countries Maintain Membership of the Commonwealth of Nations? No. In 1961 South Africa left the Commonwealth when it declared itself a republic. South Africa rejoined in 1994. Zimbabwe was suspended on 19 March 2002 and decided to leave the Commonwealth on 8 December 2003.

What Does the Commonwealth of Nations do for its Members? The Commonwealth is best known for the Commonwealth games which are held once every four years (two years after Olympic games). The Commonwealth also promotes human rights, expects members to meet a set of fundamental democratic principles (curiously enough spelt out in the Harare Commonwealth declaration of 1991, given Zimbabwe's subsequent departure form the association), to provide education opportunities, and maintain trade links. Despite its age, the Commonwealth of Nations has survived without needing a written constitution. It depends upon a series of declarations, made at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. Gambia to leave the Commonwealth - Telegraph Gambia Gambia to leave the Commonwealth Gambia has announced its withdrawal from the Commonwealth, barely six weeks before the Prince of Wales is due to open the club's biennial summit. The man who likes to be called "His Excellency Sheikh Professor Doctor President" has acted entirely in character Photo: Reuters Comments President Yahya Jammeh, a despot who seized power in the West African state almost 20 years ago, became the first leader to pull out of the Commonwealth unilaterally since President Robert Mugabe chose to withdraw Zimbabwe in 2003.

Mr Jammeh, who claims to have personally discovered a cure for Aids, has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, notably by ordering a national campaign against "witches". His government announced last night that Gambia had "withdrawn its membership of the British Commonwealth and decided that the Gambia will never be a member of any neo-colonial institution and will never be a party to any institution that represents an extension of colonialism". The sudden departure of one of the Commonwealth's African members is an unexpected blow on the eve of a summit due to be held in Sri Lanka on Nov 16. Unusually, the Queen will not attend; instead the gathering will be opened by the Prince of Wales who will be joined by David Cameron and about 50 other heads of government. On a continent famous for its wayward leaders, Mr Jammeh stands out for his sheer eccentricity. Related Articles The Commonwealth has never been stronger 02 Jan 2013 The man who likes to be called "His Excellency Sheikh Professor Doctor President" has acted entirely in character by announcing his country's departure from the Commonwealth, apparently on a whim.

This display of caprice is in keeping with the way he has governed his tiny and tormented nation. It was only last year that Mr Jammeh chose to mark the Muslim festival of Eid by announcing that 38 prisoners with capital sentences would all be shot. Traditionally, this celebration at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is supposed to be marked by gestures of clemency. Mr Jammeh, typically, chose to invert the custom. But in another display of presidential caprice, he later lifted the threat and ordered a stay of execution. On Aug 19 last year, however, Mr Jammeh announced that capital sentences would be carried out "to the letter", adding: "There is no way my government will allow 99 per cent of the population to be held to ransom by criminals". Four days later, eight men and one woman held in Mile 2 jail near Gambia's capital, Banjul, were executed by firing squad. Last month, speaking at the UN, he declared that homosexuals were "very evil" and posed the greatest single threat to human existence. All homosexuals should leave Gambia, he added, and any who disobeyed this order would be beheaded.

Mr Jammeh seized power 19 years ago when he was a 29-year-old Lieutenant. His predecessor, Sir Dawda Jawara, had long experience of being overthrown: the first time this happened, Sir Dawda was toppled while attending the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in London in 1981. When the military coup of 1994 took place, Lt Jammeh, as he then was, managed to be his successor by the simple expedient of being the first army officer to reach the presidential palace in Banjul. Since then, Mr Jammeh's rule over Gambia, a tiny enclave within Senegal which achieved independence from Britain in 1965, has become of steadily greater concern to human rights organisations and Western governments. One United Nations official based in Africa has privately questioned the president's sanity. In 2007, Mr Jammeh announced that a potion he made from local herbs was a cure for Aids. Some Gambians who were HIV-positive were persuaded to abandon the anti-retroviral drugs that really do prevent full-blown Aids and adopt the president's invention instead. What became of them is unclear.

In 2009, Mr Jammeh declared that someone had killed his aunt by casting a malign spell over her. He announced a national campaign against "witchcraft" designed to rid his country of this evil. About 1,000 alleged "witches" were then rounded up across Gambia. Once in prison, many suffered beatings and some were forced to drink hallucinogenic potions to supposedly remove their wicked powers. Some are believed to have suffered this treatment at Mr Jammeh's personal farm. Last year, Mr Jammeh declared that all his critics could "go to hell", adding: "Those who accuse me of human rights abuses, I leave them to Allah." The Foreign Office appeared to be taken by surprise by his decision to leave the Commonwealth, saying only: "Decisions on Commonwealth membership are a matter for each member government. We would very much regret Gambia, or any other country, deciding to leave the Commonwealth." Q & A: Gambia and the Commonwealth - Telegraph Gambia Q & A: Gambia and the Commonwealth Gambia has announced its departure from the Commonwealth, insisting it will not be "a member of any neo-colonial institution".

We look at the history of the club of former British colonies and its relationship with the West African country. Mr Jammeh was happy to be a member of the Commonwealth for the first 19 years of his rule Photo: ALAMY Follow Why has Gambia left the Commonwealth? The statement from President Yahya Jammeh’s regime says that “Gambia will never be a member of any neo-colonial institution and will never be a party to any institution that represents an extension of colonialism”. But Mr Jammeh was happy to be a member of the Commonwealth for the first 19 years of his rule, before discovering its supposedly “neo-colonial” purpose. The truth may be that he is increasingly anti-Western and leaving the Commonwealth is the next obvious step along this path. Has this happened before? It is very rare for a country to choose to leave the Commonwealth. There are only two precedents and, in both cases, the option was more or less forced upon the leader concerned. President Robert Mugabe formally withdrew in 2003, but only after Don McKinnon, then secretary general, declined to lift the suspension of Zimbabwe’s membership.

Apartheid South Africa chose to leave in 1961, but the Commonwealth had effectively compelled its departure by making racial equality a founding principle. Related Articles Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh Can a country simply leave the Commonwealth? Yes. Membership is entirely voluntary. If a government decides to withdraw, then that is the end of the matter. As Mr Mugabe said when he pulled out: “Zimbabwe quits and quits it will be”. What will be the consequences for the Commonwealth? Minimal. This club of former British colonies will have 52 members after Gambia’s departure, including international heavyweights like India, Canada, South Africa and Australia, not to mention Britain. With a population that embraces about a third of humanity, it will remain a unique association that draws together countries of every continent, rich and poor. The loss of Gambia, with only 1.8 million people – or 0.08 per cent of the Commonwealth’s total population - will make little difference. What will be the consequences for Gambia? Membership of the Commonwealth provides practical benefits that are of particular importance to small countries. The scholarships and technical advice offered by the Commonwealth Secretariat will be lost to Mr Jammeh’s domain.

Is Gambia’s departure likely to be permanent? As long as Mr Jammeh is in power, Gambia is unlikely to return, although the president is so capricious that this possibility cannot be ruled out. But history suggests that Gambia will not stay in the cold forever. South Africa returned to the Commonwealth immediately after the downfall of apartheid in 1994. Pakistan's various suspensions have always ended with it returning to the fold. If Mr Mugabe ever leaves power in Zimbabwe, his country will probably resume its membership quite rapidly. Has Mr Jammeh abided by the Commonwealth’s principles? Absolutely not. His human rights record is atrocious and his personal eccentricity an embarrassment to all of Africa. Under his leadership, Gambia would have been a candidate for expulsion from the Commonwealth in any event. The Zimbabwe Situation The ZIMBABWE Situation Our thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe - may peace, truth and justice prevail. December 08, 2003 Q&A: Zimbabwe's withdrawal from the Commonwealth Zimbabwe dramatically withdrew from the Commonwealth last night just hours after Commonwealth leaders decided to extend the country's suspension from the organisation. Michael Dynes, Africa Correspondent, examines the significance of Zimbabwe's decision.

Is it a surprise that Zimbabwe withdrew? It was not a surprise at all. Everybody knew it was coming. Mr Mugabe was just waiting for his chance to leave and it was presented to him yesterday when the Commonwealth heads of governments decided to suspend Zimbabwe indefinitely. President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria had been in constant touch with Mr Mugabe throughout the four-day summit and had informed him well before the announcement that an extension of the suspension was the most likely outcome. Mr Mugabe told Mr Obasanjo that if the Commonwealth decided to extend Zimbabweï¿½s suspension, he would have no choice but to automatically withdraw from the body. Commonwealth leaders, therefore, knew well in advance that extending Zimbabweï¿½s extension would automatically lead to Harare turning its back on the group. What is the significance of Zimbabweï¿½s decision? There is not much in the way of practical effect. The most important thing is that Mr Mugabe will not have an international platform through the Commonwealth. He liked that hugely. He liked basking in the reflected glory of his peers. He is one of the oldest of the old-style nationalist leaders in Africa. He is the old man of liberation politics and likes to have other African leaders defer to him.

The biggest effect will be on his personal ego. He was told the suspension was going to be extended and he refused to accept that. He does not believe that he has done anything to warrant suspension and that is the most incredible thing. He really believes that. What consequences does his decision have? It simply means that the Commonwealth's membership of nations has dropped from 53 to 52. Zimbabwe will come back at some time in the future when it has a democratically elected Government. Of that there can be no doubt, just like South Africa came back after 40 years of apartheid. How damaging has this week been to the Commonwealth? The leaders had an agenda about democracy and development and it has been completely eclipsed by the Zimbabwe saga and everybody is annoyed about that. They wanted to talk about things that were important to them: international trade, reducing agricultural subsidies and development, but everything has been thrown into the trash can because of Mr Mugabe. The delegates, and I am not exaggerating, are sick to death of it. Mr Mugabe completely sabotaged the summit in abstensia. Could Zimbabwe open up a black-white divide in the group ? It is not simply a split between black and white.

There are four or five black countries in Africa that supported Britain, Australia and New Zealand on the issue of the continued suspension of Zimbabwe. It is mostly the southern African states, excluding Botswana, who were opposed to the line taken by Tony Blair. ï¿½ UK Official: Mugabe Will Regret Leaving Commonwealth ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Copyright ï¿½ 2003, Dow Jones Newswires ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ LONDON (AP)--President Robert Mugabe and his people may come to regret his decision to leave the Commonwealth, U.K. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Monday. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Straw said Mugabe's decision -announced Sunday night after Commonwealth leaders meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, extended Zimbabwe's suspension for electoral irregularities -was "entirely in character, sadly. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ "I think it's a decision which he and the Zimbabwean people will come to regret," he said.

"Zimbabwe and all its people have strong links with the Commonwealth," the 54-nation club of the U.K. and its former colonies. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ "But President Mugabe will not be there forever and other countries have been out of the Commonwealth -including Nigeria for a period -and come back, and I look forward to a time when Zimbabwe has a democratic government and is back in the Commonwealth," Straw added. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ The decision to extend Zimbabwe's suspension was opposed by some African members of the Commonwealth including South Africa, whose president, Thabo Mbeki, had hoped to use diplomacy to persuade Mugabe to implement reforms. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ The Commonwealth -whose nations represent nearly one-third of the world's 6 billion people -has banned Mugabe from its decision-making councils since 2002, after Mugabe was accused of using massive force and fraud to win re-election at home.

ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ (END) Dow Jones Newswires ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ December 08, 2003 09:59 ET (14:59 GMT) Zimbabwe's Mugabe heads to conference in Geneva HARARE, Dec. 8 ï¿½ Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe left Harare on Monday to attend an international information technology conference in Geneva, a day after he pulled his country out of the Commonwealth. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ He was accompanied by his wife Grace and Information Minister Jonathan Moyo, state radio reported. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Mugabe, facing increased international isolation over charges that he rigged his re-election last year, has been forced to cut down his foreign trips in the last three years after the European Union and the United States imposed visa sanctions on him and some of his officials over his rule.

ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ But Mugabe has managed to get around Europe and the United States to attend United Nations-sponsored conferences like the event in Geneva, which are exempted from the travel restrictions. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Political analysts said Mugabe had isolated himself further by withdrawing from the Commonwealth. Stricken Zimbabwe becomes an orphan 09 December 2003 The real pity of Zimbabwe's decision to quit the Commonwealth is not for the Commonwealth itself, which will survive this damaging upheaval, nor for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, who felt cornered, but for the people of Zimbabwe, The Dominion Post writes in an editorial. Stricken by famine, poverty and tyranny, Zimbabweans need all the help they can get, not further isolation. Commonwealth leaders would have known as they debated extending Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth that a possible, even a likely, outcome would be Mr Mugabe walking out of their grouping.

And though many leaders, like New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, may have preferred not to belong to a club of which Mr Mugabe was a member, she too will rue his resignation because it is another blow for Zimbabwe. Mr Mugabe is not a man who takes kindly to being told what to do. Not by his own people, not by his opposition or neighbours and least of all by a body which he perceives to be dominated by an agenda set by the Commonwealth's "white" nations. He was quoted at the weekend as likening these countries to characters in Animal Farm, where everyone is equal but some are more equal than others. Mr Mugabe sees the Commonwealth as one of Zimbabwe's problems which he has just got rid of. Many Commonwealth countries see Mr Mugabe as Zimbabwe's biggest problem, and getting rid of him is anything but simple. He has led the country for 23 years, becoming more despotic as each anniversary passes. But he also commands a considerable following, not only in his Zanu-PF party but in other parts of Africa, for being the big man who tells the white countries where to go.

Sadly, Mr Mugabe's image is only enhanced in the eyes of his followers by events like his saying at the weekend that he was taking Zimbabwe out of the Commonwealth. Like him, they choose to see problems in terms of a legacy of colonialism and white dominance, as white against black and rich against poor, rather than 20 years of political and economic mismanagement which has taken a country once considered the foodbasket of southern Africa to the edge of starvation. Rather like the Pacific, the Commonwealth prides itself on trying to reach consensus on issues. This is inherently difficult, involving, as it must, mixing national, regional and global politics. The debate to agree on suspending Zimbabwe was plainly a fraught one. Zimbabwe's neighbours, at a top political level, want to support their colleague. Their loyalty is misplaced. It should be to the millions of Zimbabweans existing on minimal food and even less hope. It is they who need support, not Mr Mugabe. The Commonwealth made the right decision to extend Zimbabwe's suspension. Those supporting its readmission to the fold could point to there being no improvement in Zimbabwe since it had been suspended. But the Commonwealth had to take a stand, however symbolic it might be.

All international multilateral bodies, including pan-African groupings, should treat Zimbabwe the same way, till till even Mr Mugabe is forced to see a pattern. In the meantime, ordinary Zimbabweans will recognise the Commonwealth's solidarity, but it will not put food on their tables. And there is the pity. Clark worried for Zimbabwe's people 09.12.2003 By HELEN TUNNAH, NZPA AND REUTERS ABUJA - Prime Minister Helen Clark says she worries for the people of Zimbabwe after volatile President Robert Mugabe pulled his country out of the Commonwealth. Zimbabwe has not yet formally told the Commonwealth it is quitting the 54-nation group, which at its summit in Nigeria over the weekend refused to end the suspension of Mr Mugabe's regime. Zimbabwe's rulers said from Harare it would quit the Commonwealth in protest. Helen Clark said the future of Zimbabwe would be jeopardised if Mr Mugabe did march out of the Commonwealth - as he has often threatened to do - and embarked on a "more ferocious regime of oppression even than we've seen to date". "That wouldn't make things any easier for Zimbabwe.

It'll only make it worse." "I've always worried primarily for the people of Zimbabwe because this is an appalling regime." After learning that Zimbabwe remained indefinitely suspended from the Commonwealth, Mr Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party said the African nation would now walk out of the group, accusing nations such as New Zealand and Britain of running a racist agenda to force them out. A spokesman said only lifting the suspension would have been acceptable to Mr Mugabe. Last night, Zimbabwe's decision to walk away was interpreted by some as a blow to Commonwealth, but that was rejected by both Helen Clark and Secretary-General Don McKinnon. Helen Clark said Zimbabwe's decision was not a disaster. "The disaster would have been if leaders had walked out of here with the suspension lifted. That would have shown the Commonwealth to be a joke." It was "sad" to see Zimbabwe shut the door on an institution that had helped the nation achieve independence from minority white rule. Mr McKinnon said the Commonwealth would continue to try to talk with Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Commonwealth exit hurts SA diplomacy December 08, 2003, 05:47 PM Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's decision to quit the Commonwealth has dented South Africa's policy of "quiet diplomacy" and undermined its standing among its African peers, analysts have said. President Thabo Mbeki has pursued a non-confrontational approach to Zimbabwe and tried to have its suspension lifted at the Commonwealth summit in Abuja, but the suspension held and Mugabe swiftly quit the 54-nation club. "Mbeki never likes to admit that he's wrong, but the softly softly approach hasn't worked. I think that the government's policy is so vague, so subtle, so nuanced, that it scarcely amounts to being a policy," said Tom Lodge, a political science professor at the University of the Witwatersrand. He added: "I think that within Africa Mbeki looks weak and within the Commonwealth he will be taken less seriously in the future." There is little personal warmth between the two former freedom fighters, but Mbeki has stood by Mugabe, shielding him to some extent from the effects of Western sanctions.

Some analysts said Mbeki's commitment to land reform in his own country made him less inclined to denounce abuses committed under Zimbabwe's much-criticised land redistribution programme. Landlocked Zimbabwe is economically dependent on South Africa, from where it gets much of its power and fuel. Analysts say South Africa's policy has become increasingly hard to justify as Zimbabwe's shrinking economy sinks ever deeper into crisis with record inflation and mass unemployment, and Mugabe's security forces stifle political dissent. "Mugabe has not been helpful to South Africa and Nigeria. He is also isolating himself from the leaders on the continent," said Sehlare Makgetlaneng, the head of research for Southern Africa at the Africa Institute in Pretoria. In Abuja, Bheki Khumalo, Mbeki's spokesperson, declined to comment on Zimbabwe's withdrawal, but Zimbabwe's shadow foreign minister told Reuters the summit had tarnished Mbeki's image. "It was most humiliating for him and for his country to attempt to prevent the decision the Commonwealth took in the first place, to be seen to be defending a dictator who has brought ruin to his country," said Moses Mzila of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

"It was diplomatic bungling at such a high level that Mbeki will feel hurt for some time to come that his stand was tossed out the window," Mzila added. Mbeki has repeatedly tried to mollify critics of his policy, saying Mugabe's Zanu-PF party was in high-level talks with the MDC, despite denials by the opposition party itself. South African opposition parties rounded on Mbeki today, deriding his policy as a failure. "The argument by some African states that the readmission of Zimbabwe into the Commonwealth would encourage reform is a joke," said the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). - Reuters Harsh Times Force Workers Onto the Streets Zimbabwe Standard (Harare) Posted to the web December 8, 2003 Caiphas Chimhete FOR three weeks, workers gathered at the company's premises each morning, singing songs denouncing the owner of the firm. Around mid-morning, they would retreat into the shade under trees or nearby buildings to play games to while away the time. For lunch, some ate "maputi" (popcorn) - sucked plastic tubes of fizzy drinks "freezits", while others without any money for these "luxuries" just sat around chatting.

This had become the daily routine at Dunstan Transport Company in Harare where the workers had been on strike for three weeks demanding better wages and salaries. The company's managing director, William Dustan, had not set foot at his firm's premises since the industrial action began and the workers were threatening to take over the beleaguered transport concern and run it themselves. The troubles at Dustan Transport, say economists, are not unique but a microcosm of the general mood among the poverty-stricken workers countrywide. Increasing job actions, with workers from various companies, parastatals and government departments demanding salaries that tally with the levels of inflation and the soaring cost of basic commodities, are clear signs of the difficult times workers are experiencing. Since two weeks ago, specialist doctors, nurses, clerks and postmen at the country's sole postal authority, Zimpost and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) air traffic controllers are among those that have been on strike pressing for better salaries and allowances. And just a couple of weeks earlier, workers at National Breweries, Farm & City, Zimsec, TelOne, the University of Zimbabwe's lecturers and pilots at Air Zimbabwe also stopped work demanding higher salaries.

The strike actions, say economists, are further damaging a fragile economy that has suffered serious decline because of President Robert Mugabe's skewed policies which many blame for the economic meltdown. For instance, the on-going industrial action by nurses and doctors has virtually paralysed the country's health delivery system. Patients are dying in clinics and hospitals, as the strike shows no sign of relenting. That apart, the strike by Zimpost workers has disrupted postal services countrywide and it is feared that it will seriously affect the movement of mail during the festive period. As the economic recession continues, companies are closing down and retrenchments are rampant. For those lucky to be still in employment, incomes have been seriously eroded by the unprecedented 525,8 percent inflation rate resulting in skyrocketing costs of basic goods. As a consequence, many workers now walk to and from work while others forgo lunch to save for more pressing needs. With the economy expected to shrink by 13,2 percent this year, poverty is also expected to claim more victims among ordinary workers. "Economically, no one is in control.

The economy is being directed by the wind to which ever the direction it is blowing," said Lovemore Matombo, the president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). Attempts by the ZCTU to stage protests last month to force Mugabe's regime to address the economic recession, cut taxes and restore the rule of law, were ruthlessly put down by the police. The protestors, who included civic leaders, journalists and photographers, were arrested while others were brutally assaulted for trying to express their displeasure over the continued economic decline. "Government is only concerned with coming down hard on dissenting voices to ensure that they survive a day longer," said Matombo, who was among those arrested by police for staging the peaceful protest. Analysts agree the frequent job stoppages currently being experienced were a clear sign of the hard times at hand and urged the Mugabe government to urgently address the economic anomalies or face "a brewing storm" among millions of hungry workers. "In 1997, it started like this but it later became a national strike that forced the government to reduce tax in 1998.

The government survived by the use of military force but I don't think if it happens again it will survive because everyone is hungry," said Munyaradzi Gwisai, head of local chapter of the International Socialist Organisation (ISO). Gwisai said strikes are reflective of the failure by Zanu PF to run the country and warned Mugabe to take his cue from recent events in Georgia and Bolivia, where presidents were overthrown by angry masses. "The solution to the workers' crisis is in the streets, factories and colleges of our country," said Gwisai. The dreadlocked Uni-versity of Zimbabwe lecturer believes there is an unholy alliance between Zanu PF and the business community to create divisions among ordinary workers. "So the solution lies in the hands of the workers - they have to free themselves," says Gwisai. Matombo said he believes protest is the only language Mugabe's government understands. He said the labour body would stage another demonstration within the next few weeks to demand reduction of tax, respect of human rights and management of prices of basic commodities. National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) spokesperson Nhlanhla Masuku, said the plight of workers could only be addressed through restoring the country's macro-economic stability.

"The cost of living is going up everyday. Supermarkets are raising prices of goods everyday while salaries and wages remain stagnant and as a result workers become frustrated because they are becoming poorer and poorer," said Masuku. Statistics indicate that 80 percent of the country's population are living below the poverty line. Gwisai urged the government to re-introduce price controls and subsidies on transport, food, farming implements and education to cushion workers from the spiralling cost of living. Gwisai, who blasted government for its high tax regime, said that presently a worker needed a salary of at least $1 million a month to live a normal life. "How do you explain a situation whereby a person who earns $375 000 a month is taxed the same as one who gets $30 million a month. It's being insensitive on the ordinary worker," said Gwisai. While workers are clamouring for higher salaries by engaging in industrial action, the economy continues to bleed as production and provision of essential services virtually grinds to a halt in some areas. "Companies are not making much profit these days because the economy is in a tailspin.

How do you expect me to award huge salaries to my workers when I am not making any profit," said one industrialist who declined to be named. But the Nigerian president said he would still act as a Commonwealth mediator between Zimbabwe's government and its opposition, so democratic conditions there could improve and Zimbabwe could regain full membership in the group. "We are determined to do everything humanly possible within the values and the principles that we cherish in the Commonwealth to assist Zimbabwe, to facilitate the return of Zimbabwe to the Commonwealth," he said. Mr. Obasanjo says he will send a Nigerian official to Harare before the end of the year to discuss this. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who was in favor of maintaining the suspension, was also dismissive of Mr. Mugabe's decision to pull out of the Commonwealth. He said extending the suspension was a show of support for people in Zimbabwe suffering from what he called a lack of democracy and poor governance under Mr. Mugabe. If the Commonwealth had walked away from its responsibilities, the essential hopelessness of those people would have been increased," he said.

"At least they know that there are a lot of people around the world inside the Commonwealth who believe that and understand that a restoration of proper democratic approaches inside their country is necessary, and an essential precondition to their lot improving." Several countries from southern Africa had called for the suspension to be lifted, so that Zimbabwe could be less isolated. They argued its problems could be better resolved within the Commonwealth. The division marred the four-day summit and completely dominated discussions. Late Sunday, Mr. Mugabe told leaders of Nigeria, South Africa and Jamaica he was pulling out of the Commonwealth because of the renewed suspension. He has said the group is being hijacked by what he calls racist western countries opposed to his forced redistribution of white-owned land to blacks. Zimbabwe was first suspended in March 2002, after Commonwealth observers said Mr. Mugabe's re-election had been marred by rigging and state intimidation. Leaders from many other African countries say taking part in Commonwealth summits is very beneficial to have their voices heard on global issues, and also to attract investment from within the group. The next Commonwealth summit will take place in two years time in Malta.

Abuja - Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa accused Western Commonwealth members on Monday of forcing Zimbabwe's exclusion through a split summit and said leaders left the Abuja gathering more divided than when they arrived. In strong-worded comments to Reuters before he left the Nigerian capital, the southern African leader said: "The Western countries bulldozed the suspension of Zimbabwe partly because of their economic muscle. "I am very disappointed by that decision and I am disappointed by Zimbabwe's subsequent decision to pull out." Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was suspended from the group of mostly former British colonies last year because of charges he rigged his re-election and persecuted the opposition. Commonwealth leaders extended sanctions against Zimbabwe on Sunday despite strong resistance from a small but powerful minority of African members who lobbied for its readmission. Mugabe immediately announced his withdrawal from the Commonwealth, denouncing a "racist" plot to punish his country for a land reform programme that gave white-owned farms to landless blacks. Some African countries, including Ghana and Kenya, backed Zimbabwe's suspension. But Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique, among others, campaigned to lift it. Mwanawasa said these countries would remain in the group despite their opposition to Sunday's resolution.

"The matter was not handled as well as it should have been, and on this we leave Abuja more divided than when we arrived," he said. "But I do not believe any other countries in the region will quit the Commonwealth in support of Zimbabwe. We will keep our membership and complain from within to make our grievances known." The Commonwealth declaration on Zimbabwe opened the way for it to return swiftly, but only if Mugabe engaged in political reconciliation and stuck to other Commonwealth principles including respect for human rights. Mwanawasa said the African caucus within the Commonwealth will use the African Union and other venues "to express our disappointment and disassociate ourselves" from the Commonwealth decision on Zimbabwe. "Whatever our detractors and critics are saying, for us this is like an escape from hell because Britain and its white allies have turned the Commonwealth into a Zimbabwe lynching club," Didymus Mutasa, external affairs secretary of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, told Reuters. The group of 54 mostly former British colonies renewed Zimbabwe's suspension Sunday, demanding that Harare seek reconciliation with the opposition and respect human rights, prompting a furious Mugabe to carry out a threat to withdraw.

Zimbabwe was suspended early last year on the grounds that Mugabe, 79, who has ruled the country since independence in 1980, rigged his re-election in 2002 and persecuted his opponents. Commonwealth leaders said they regretted Mugabe's response, with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw warning it would hurt Zimbabwe's people the most. "It's entirely in character, sadly, with President Mugabe," Straw said. "I think it's a decision which he, and particularly the Zimbabwean people, will come to regret," he added. Membership in the Commonwealth confers political prestige on an international stage for poor nations and some modest trade and aid benefits. Members see exclusion from the "gentleman's club," which highly values cordial diplomacy, as an insult. But ZANU-PF's Mutasa was non-plussed by what he saw as the Commonwealth's "hypocrisy." "We withdraw our membership and they say we are wrong and we should stay, but stay suspended so that they can demonize our government," he said. Australian Prime Minister John Howard noted, however, that it was not the first withdrawal from the Commonwealth nor was it irreversible.

"Nothing is permanent," said Howard, who took a hard line against Mugabe. "You have to have consistent standards in these matters." Talks on Zimbabwe dominated a four-day Commonwealth summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja which closes Monday, causing the worst split since South Africa's apartheid policies in the 1970s and 1980s and dividing members roughly on color lines. Commonwealth leaders spent three days carefully crafting a face-saving declaration, which did not mention the word "suspension." It only talked of the hope for Zimbabwe's return on condition that it engage in political reconciliation and stick to Commonwealth principles including respect for human rights. Most of Zimbabwe's backers, including South Africa, declined to comment on its decision to withdraw, but one key ally, Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano, told reporters on entering the summit's final meeting: "We are upset." Once southern Africa's breadbasket, Zimbabwe now relies on aid to feed millions. Unemployment is running at more than 70 percent and inflation is above 500 percent. Mugabe accuses Britain and its allies of punishing him for land reforms that have given white-owned farms to landless blacks, an argument that finds resonance with other Africans.

Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) applauded the Commonwealth's decision but said Mugabe's response was not in the country's interests. "We congratulate the Commonwealth for standing firmly on the side of the people of Zimbabwe, and strongly urge the rest of the international community not to be bullied into turning a blind eye to dictatorship, genocide, murder and torture under the guise of sovereignty," the party said in a statement "It's entirely in character, sadly, with President Mugabe," Straw told reporters on his arrival in the Belgian capital for a meeting of European Union foreign ministers. "I think it's a decision which he, and particularly the Zimbabwean people, will come to regret," Straw added, noting the southern African country's traditionally strong links with the Commonwealth. Amid sharp divisions at a four-day Commonwealth summit, the organisation decided to extend Zimbabwe's suspension but opened the way for a possible return if Harare engaged in reconciliation with the political opposition. "President Mugabe will not be there forever," Straw said. "And other countries have been out of the Commonwealth, including Nigeria for a period, and come back.

And I look forward to a time when Zimbabwe has a democratic government and is back in the Commonwealth." Mugabe's information minister Jonathan Moyo told Reuters the suspension proved that "racist leaders in Britain and Australia" had taken over the Commonwealth. "It's disappointing and it's distressing. It means that Zimbabwe is now out of an organisation that had the potential to resolve the current political crisis," Tawanda Hondora of the umbrella NGO, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, told IRIN. "From Mugabe's perspective it's a great Houdini act, stifling international criticism." Mugabe said on Sunday he would not accept a decision by Commonwealth leaders meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, to reaffirm Zimbabwe's suspension and the country would leave the 54-member group with immediate effect. He described the Commonwealth's position, promoted by Britain and Australia, as "pure racism". Zimbabwe was originally suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth after presidential elections in March 2002, which a Commonwealth observer mission said were neither free or fair. A six-member panel, formed in Abuja to deliberate on Zimbabwe's reinstatement, ruled that not enough progress had been made on issues of governance and the suspension should be maintained.

As a result of Zimbabwe's withdrawal from the Commonwealth, "we are moving to a very, very serious stage of isolationism. We are at a dangerous stage where [the government] doesn't think it's now accountable to the international community or that it can be judged by those norms and standards," said Phil Matsheza, director of the Harare-based Human Rights Trust of Southern Africa, Matsheza commented that there was little prospect at the moment of any meaningful dialogue between the ruling ZANU-PF and the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). "Talks are going to be a casualty [of Zimbabwe's withdrawal]; human rights and the rule of law are going to be a casualty. Definitely, there's going to be less conciliation and more nationalism, with the government portraying itself as a victim of racism," he told IRIN. Mugabe stated that a proposed Commonwealth mission to Zimbabwe to promote national reconciliation would not be welcome. Political analyst and pro-ZANU newspaper publisher Ibbo Mandaza said the Commonwealth had left Zimbabwe no other option but to quit, and called on other African countries to follow suit. Several Southern African leaders said in Abuja they were unhappy with Harare's continued suspension.

"There is a question mark over democracy in almost all countries of the Commonwealth, including the host [of the summit] Nigeria. It's hypocrisy. The Harare Declaration [the Commonwealth's principles on good governance] is a subterfuge to be used by the white Commonwealth when it's convenient," Mandaza told IRIN. "The bottom line is: the real issue is not about democracy but regime change, and the issue of land [redistribution instituted by the government in 2000]," he charged. Faced with political stalemate, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Friday that his party would assess "our options, with a view to unveil a detailed programme of rolling mass action in 2004. The suffering majority is ready for such action". Hondora thought such an attempt would likely be "brutally suppressed" by the government. Mandaza said he believed that after a similar attempt at public protest by the MDC in June was declared illegal and broken up by the security forces, the party did not have the capacity to mount an effective disobedience campaign.

Posted to the web December 8, 2003 Osman Njuguna Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe have issued a pastoral statement calling on Zimbabwean authorities and the community at large, to uphold the four pillars of peace, namely truth, justice, love and freedom, in commemoration of a 40-year old Encyclical by Pope John XXIII. The pastoral statement, titled Peace in a Divided Zimbabwe, was released here on November 30. It talks of the current social and political ills the southern African country is currently facing. "We cannot have a lasting peace without truth, justice, love and freedom. These four pillars enable us to build a society that is more humane and peaceful. The Government has a responsibility to create an environment where individuals , children, men and women , learn, appreciate and develop in them, a culture of truth, justice, love and freedom," say the Catholic clergymen in their four-page document. The statement continues: "We, the Catholic Bishops of Zimbabwe, speak to you at a time when life in Zimbabwe is at its lowest ebb.

The political situation is tense, the economic situation is chaotic, and the social situation is unbearable for the majority of the people." In the hard-hitting statement, the bishops have noted that Zimbabweans are suffering economic, social and political ills, saying: "The poor are getting poorer, while the rich are getting richer....Inflation has gone out of hand, (there is ) scarcity of cash, taxes erode salaries, and the poverty datum line is unmanageable." The clergymen have urged Zimbabweans to make serious effort to redress these elements, which will disrupt peace during the forthcoming Advent (Christmas) season. Posted to the web December 8, 2003 Harare THE Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has appealed to members of the public to assist its fieldwork teams who are gathering information for the Poverty Assessment Study (PASS II), a socio-economic survey. The ministry's permanent secretary Cde Sydney Mhishi said in a statement the objective of the study was to assess the current socio-economic situation of households and communities in Zimbabwe. Information collected through this survey would be a major input into the National Poverty Reduction Strategy that would be formulated after the survey through a broad national participatory process involving all stakeholders.

The study would collect information on access to education, health services, employment, income, food security, housing and a number of other socio-economic characteristics. PASS II, Cde Mhishi said, aimed to interview more than 30 000 households throughout the country. He said all information collected during the survey will remain confidential. PASS II started last month and is expected to end towards the end of this month. The ministry in conjunction with other line ministries and agencies is conducting the poverty assessment survey. The study is being funded by various United Nations service organisations that include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children Education Fund (Unicef). It is estimated that more than 70 percent of Zimbabwe's population is now living below the poverty datum and this has been attributed to economic hardships prevailing in the country. Posted to the web December 8, 2003 Diana Nherera THE trial of seven executive members of the Hospital Doctors Association arrested over allegations of allegedly contravening the Labour Relations Act is expected to start tomorrow at the Harare Magistrates Court.

The doctors who include HDA president Phibion Manyanga, vice president Akim Mashoko, Tapuwa Musuka, Toziveyi Muchenje, Leolin Katsidzira, Onesai Chihaka and Tinashe Kanyowa were arrested for organising a strike by professionals who provide an essential service in breach of the Labour Relations Act. The trial comes at a time when salary negotiations between Government and the striking health staff are taking place. The seven who are part of the striking junior and middle level doctors were called for questioning by police last month for contravening some sections of the Labour Relations Act. They appeared in court on November 18 and were granted $50 000 bail each and remanded to tomorrow. It is alleged that on a date unknown to the State, the seven doctors from major referral centres resolved to go on an unlawful collective job action to press the Government for a monthly salary of $30 million. The State further argues that according to a section of the Labour Relations Act under Declaration of Essential Services, doctors are described as an essential service, which therefore makes it illegal for them to go on strike.

Junior and middle level doctors went on strike in October demanding a monthly salary of $30 million. They defied a Labour court order for them to report for duty on November 7 saying they would only resume duties when they received a written undertaking from their employer, the Public Service Commission that their grievances would be addressed. In a related matter, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association national executive which was supposed to meet at the weekend postponed its meeting to tomorrow . The meeting will discuss whether the nurses should resume duty or continue with the strike. Zina acting president Mrs Juliana Njubani said the meeting, which was scheduled for Saturday, did not take place, as some members of the national executive did not turn up. "Four members of the Zina national executive failed to turn up. "We have therefore postponed the meeting to Tuesday and hopefully we would be able to decide whether to return to work or continue with the strike," said Mrs Njubani. Nurses at some referral centres went on strike on November 22 barely three weeks after ending another strike following an agreement between their representatives and the Government for a review of their salaries. Patients at the affected referral centres are only being attended to by senior doctors, health staff from the uniformed forces and student nurses.

Masvingo - The Zanu PF annual peopleï¿½s conference came to an acrimonious end yesterday with a shadowy group calling for the ouster of vice president Joseph Msika from the party for allegedly supping with whites. President Robert Mugabe also reiterated his unwillingness to relinquish power, a development that is set to push intra-party debate on succession underground and anger his critics, who anticipated that the modalities of his exit from power would feature prominently at the conference. The ruling party held its three-day summit, which is supposed to take stock of the achievements, problems and failures of Zanu PF in the past year, in the ancient city of Masvingo from Thursday. The lobby by the shadowy group invited ire from Msika, who hit back by calling it a bunch of "stupid mafikizolos". The Sunday Mirror learnt that some people from within the party, with the reported involvement of Zanu PF intelligence staff, circulated a document that claimed that Msika was "too friendly" to former white commercial farmers who were ejected from their properties during the accelerated land reform programme that kicked off in 2000 and officially ended in August last year.

The document was reportedly availed to Mugabe, who made no comment on it during the conference. However, while talking about the land question, Mugabe expressed disapproval with party officials who had collaborated with the white farmers who intended to stay on gazetted farms. He also accused senior party officials of hypocrisy and double-dealing, pointing out that some of them collaborated with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Zimbabweï¿½s main opposition political party, which Mugabe has often described as an appendage of white interests. "I say this because I know what is happening," Mugabe said in his swipe against "those who want to use money to disrupt our party and create in it a new ideology". Msika, who looked edgey on the last day of the conference yesterday, lashed out at his "detractors" and delivered a strong warning that observers say verged on a threat. He said the originators of the document were merely bent on smearing his image and denting his liberation war credentials. "Beware of (a) backlash! A lot of things are happening in the party and some people have prepared a document, which has been presented to the president.

(The detractors) say Msika is eating with whites, Msika is getting whisky from whites. Thatï¿½s nonsensical and insulting. I am very clear and straight. I am not a sellout (as you will see when you) look at my records," said the eighty-year old Msika, who in recent months told the Herald newspaper that he was ready to take over from Mugabe when he finally stands down. That document was written by stupid people. Mafikizolos (Johnny-come-latelies), I wonï¿½t agree with you on that. I think the party is infiltrated," fumed the livid Msika. He went on to crack the whip over the issue of Mugabeï¿½s succession, warning party members to desist from agitating for the early retirement of the 79 year-old president. On the eve of the conference, documents were circulated calling for the succession issue to be a top item on the agenda of the summit. The document purported to have been written by party members, but senior Zanu PF officials claimed it was the MDC that was trying to sneak the issue in through the back door.

The vice president said those who were calling for Mugabeï¿½s exit belonged in the same category as British premier, Tony Blair, US president, George Bush as well as the MDC, who the ruling party often single out as being bent on undermining the countryï¿½s sovereignty. Without mentioning the name, Msika claimed he was aware that there was a senior party official who wanted to have the issue discussed, saying he chickened out at the last moment. "All those who talk of succession are bloody sellouts. There was someone who wanted to bring up the issue here at the conference. We were going to deal with him if he had brought up the issue," remarked Msika. "Mugabe cannot go whilst things are as they are." Wrapping up the conference, Mugabe accused party officials of discussing his succession behind his back, implying that that amounted to conspiracy. "I will tell you when I feel I need rest, but I havenï¿½t told you that yet. I am still mandated to rule. I have said those who want to talk about succession are free. They should not do it Nicodemusly.

Why should you talk about it behind closed doors if you are genuine?" said Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for the past 23 years. "If you think that Zimbabwe can do better by change of leadership, why not discuss that openly as opposed to clandestinely," Mugabe asked. Early this year he encouraged party members to discuss his exit. This led to reported jockeying and jostling amongst those with presidential ambitions. A succession committee was subsequently formed, but it was disbanded when it was discovered that the group was fuelling intra-party fighting. From ZWNEWS, 8 November The split Last Friday, Don McKinnon was re-elected for a second term as Commonwealth secretary-general. The challenge to his position was highly unusual - secretary-generals are usually returned unopposed for a second term. The challenge, by former Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshma Kadirgamar, was, however, also seen as a test of opinion within the wider Commonwealth with regards to whether Zimbabwe's suspension should be extended. McKinnon won the vote by 40 votes to 11. The vote was held behind closed doors, and details as to which countries voted for which candidate have not been made public.

Nevertheless, below is an analysis of how the vote probably went. It shows that while Mugabe had some success in garnering support from SADC countries, many African states did not support the challenge to McKinnon. Nor did countries from the Caribbean and the Pacific. In other words, the racial split which Mugabe tried to engineer did not materialise: For McKinnon: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Bangladesh; Barbados; Belize; Botswana; Brunei Darussalam; Cameroon; Canada; Cyprus; Dominica; Fiji Islands; The Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; India; Jamaica; Kenya; Kiribati; Malawi; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Nauru; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia St.

Vincent and the Grenadines; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; United Kingdom; Vanuatu For Kadirgamar: Lesotho; Malaysia; Mozambique; Namibia; Singapore; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Swaziland; Uganda; United Republic of Tanzania; Zambia Pakistan; Zimbabwe: Suspended Profile: Commonwealth of Nations - Timeline - BBC News Profile: Commonwealth of Nations - Timeline 26 September 2014 Close share panel A chronology of key events: 1926 - Imperial Conference: UK and its dominions agree they are "equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations." Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Commonwealth has sanctioned members several times, including Pakistan following a coup staged by Pervez Musharraf 1930 - First Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada. 1931 - British parliament enacts the Statute of Westminster, which proclaims the Commonwealth a free association of self-governing dominions united by a common allegiance to the British Crown.

1948 - Ireland leaves the Commonwealth on becoming a republic. 1949 - Commonwealth prime ministers issue the London Declaration, which changes membership from one based on common allegiance to the British Crown to one in which members agree to recognise the British monarch as head of the Commonwealth, rather than as their head of state. South Africa isolated 1961 - South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth after it is criticised by many members for its apartheid policies. 1965 - Commonwealth Secretariat set up in London. 1971 - Singapore Declaration of shared principles is adopted; it includes commitments to individual liberty, freedom from racism, peace, economic and social development, and international cooperation. 1972 - Pakistan leaves the Commonwealth in protest at the latter's recognition of Bangladeshi independence. Rejoins in 1989. 1977 - Adoption of Gleneagles Agreement discouraging sporting contacts with South Africa because of its apartheid policies. 1979 - Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice issued. 1987 - Fiji suspended from Commonwealth following the overthrow of its government. 1989 - Pakistan rejoins.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Sitiveni Rabuka led the coup in Fiji which prompted its suspension from the Commonwealth 1991 - Harare Declaration adds democracy, good government and human rights to the Commonwealth's shared principles. 1994 - South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth following the end of apartheid. 1995 - Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) set up to deal with persistent and serious violators of the Commonwealth's shared principles; Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth after it sentenced to death the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and a group of fellow activists. 1997 - Fiji reinstated after it adopts new constitution more in line with Commonwealth's shared principles. 1999 May - Nigeria reinstated after its return to civilian rule. 1999 October - Pakistan suspended because of military take-over. 2000 - Fiji suspended again after a coup by rebel leader George Speight. It is readmitted in December 2001. 2001 October - Commonwealth ministers visiting Zimbabwe say they think the government has done little to honour commitments to end a crisis over seizures of white-owned land.

Executed for activism 2002 March - Zimbabwe is suspended for a year over President Robert Mugabe's controversial re-election. A Commonwealth observer group had strongly condemned the conduct of the poll, though observers from other African countries endorsed the elections as "transparent, free and fair". 2003 March - Zimbabwe's suspension extended to December 2003. 2003 December - Zimbabwe's suspension extended indefinitely. Zimbabwean government responds by announcing country is pulling out of Commonwealth for good. 2004 May - Pakistan readmitted. 2006 December - Fiji suspended from attending Commonwealth meetings over a military coup. 2007 November - Pakistan is suspended for a second time after President Musharraf declares a state of emergency and sacks top judges. 2008 May - Pakistan's suspension is lifted; Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group says the government has taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations. 2009 September: Fiji fully suspended from membership after military ruler refuses to schedule elections for 2010. 2009 November - Rwanda joins the Commonwealth after applying for membership in 2008.

Despite having no historical ties to Britain the country was allowed in as recognition of its "tremendous progress" since the genocide of 1994, the Commonwealth Secretariat said. 2011 November - The British parliament's foreign affairs select committee recommends better representation for Crown Dependencies such as the Channel Islands in the Commonwealth. 2012 January - The Commonwealth calls for credible elections in Fiji, after military ruler Voreqe Bainimarama announces plans to end martial law and hold elections in 2014. Fiji remains suspended from the Commonwealth and is the subject of international sanctions. 2012 December - The Commonwealth adopts its first-ever formal charter, committing members to 16 core values of democracy, gender equality, sustainable development and international peace and security. 2013 October - Gambia announces its withdrawal from the Commonwealth. 2013 November - Member countries are urged to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka in November because of the host's human rights record. At the summit, Sri Lanka and Britain clash over how to deal with allegations of war crimes at the end the Sri Lankan civil war but a final communique makes no mention of the controversy.

2014 April - Canada says it is suspending twenty million dollars in funding to the Commonwealth while Sri Lanka chairs the group, because of human rights concerns in that country. 2014 September - Fiji re-instated as a member after holding parliamentary elections.

Question: Which country withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003?
Answer: Zimbabwe