Zimbabwe’s Aspiration to Join BRICS: Implications and Challenges

The Republic of Zimbabwe, represented by Foreign Minister Amon Murwira, is actively seeking to join the BRICS alliance, viewing it as a significant platform for fostering economic cooperation. The country aims to benefit from BRICS’ principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality, amidst its historical context and economic challenges. However, current BRICS expansion policies may complicate its admission amidst existing tensions among African nations.

Zimbabwe has expressed a keen interest in joining BRICS, as articulated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira. Following his discussions in Moscow, he confirmed that the nation is officially applying for membership, citing BRICS as a vital platform for fostering economic cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereign equality among nations. His talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov were described as unique, highlighting a commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including mining and defense.

In recent years, BRICS has welcomed new African members, including Egypt and Ethiopia, while South Africa became part of the group in 2011. Zimbabwe’s interest underscores a broader trend of African nations seeking alternatives and moving away from Western dominance. Minister Murwira advocates for stronger economic ties with Russia, particularly in light of the historical context that underscores Zimbabwe’s post-colonial journey.

Post-independence, Zimbabwe has faced significant economic challenges and strives to assert its sovereignty in the face of Western influence. The country is also navigating its identity and policies regarding its Caucasian minority, a legacy of its colonial past. As it seeks to align with BRICS, Zimbabwe may play a pioneering role for English-speaking countries in Africa, similar to recent shifts seen in francophone nations expressing a desire to break away from colonial powers.

Zimbabwe’s application to join BRICS occurs amidst a pause in the group’s expansion strategy, as articulated by Foreign Minister Lavrov, who stated that the organization is currently not prioritizing new memberships. Furthermore, internal divisions among African nations could complicate unity within BRICS. Issues such as the tensions over the Nile dam between Egypt and Ethiopia may hinder collective progress in the alliance.

The Zimbabwean constitution emphasizes its commitment to international cooperation that bolsters peace through economic collaboration, positioning BRICS as an advantageous platform. Recent discussions with Russian officials reveal a desire for closer ties and collaboration in various sectors, as noted by Minister Opa Muchinguri-Kashiri. In 2024, Zimbabwe also introduced a gold-backed currency, aligning with BRICS criteria of possessing a strong national currency, as the nation is rich in natural resources.

The prospect of Zimbabwe joining BRICS raises questions about the association’s willingness to adopt new members and the implications for inter-African relations. The forthcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro may provide insights into the future of BRICS membership.

Zimbabwe’s ambition to join BRICS signifies its intent to enhance economic cooperation and assert its sovereignty amidst Western influences. With historical context and ongoing economic challenges in mind, Zimbabwe’s application opens a discussion about African unity within the BRICS framework. As the alliance reassesses its policies on new membership, the forthcoming summit could be pivotal in determining Zimbabwe’s future in BRICS.

Original Source: fakti.bg