Mugabe shuns #SADCSummit closing ceremony

Zimbabwean ambassador Joey Bihma represents his President at the closing ceremony of the SADC Summit held in Pretoria. Picture: Noni Mokati

Zimbabwean ambassador Joey Bihma represents his President at the closing ceremony of the SADC Summit held in Pretoria. Picture: Noni Mokati

Published Aug 20, 2017

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Pretoria - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was a no-show at the closing ceremony of the 37th Ordinary Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in Pretoria.

Mugabe, who attended the opening ceremony on Saturday, was replaced by the country's Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha. Mugabe flew back home with his wife Grace after she was granted diplomatic immunity by the South African government.

Singning of protocols by different African countries #SADCSummit @IOL pic.twitter.com/vX9FsZl6B2

— Noni Mokati (@Noni_M2) August 20, 2017

Zimbabwe's first lady has been mired in controversy after she allegedly assaulted 20-year-old South African model Gabriella Engles at a luxury hotel in Johannesurg. The young woman had been in the company of the Mugabe sons, Robert Jr and Chatunga Bellarmine at the time of the alleged attack.

Zuma: As a region we have performed exceedingly well.l over the years. Our region is peacedul and politically stable #SADCSummit @IOL pic.twitter.com/bCqsgdX40b

— Noni Mokati (@Noni_M2) August 20, 2017

Meanwhile, the last day of the summit began with swearing in ceremonies of SADC executive ceremony Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and SADC deputy secretary for regional integration Dr Thembikosi Mhlongo. 

The 15 heads of state part of SADC also took time to sign protocols and agreements on various issues. 

Politics and Development

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