By RFIPalled on 12-03-2019Modified on 12-03-2019 at 19:54
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday. 45 bilateral agreements have been signed. A visit taking place while Zimbabwe is kneeling economically. Last week the European Union and the United States renewed their sanctions against Harare.And President Mnangagwa desperately tries to get financial help to revive the economy.
On his Twitter account, Cyril Ramaphosa publishes the video of his arrival in Harare, thanking his Zimbabwean counterpart for his " warm and dynamic welcome. Zimbabwe is home to many South Africans who have spent many years as guests of the Zimbabwean people during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Indeed, we feel at home here, "he writes.
Your Excellency President @EDMnangagwa thank you for a warm and most vibrant welcome. Zimbabwe is home to many South Africans who spent many years as members of the Zimbabwean people during the struggle against colonialism
apartheid. Indeed we feel at home here. pic.twitter.com/7UoZJOoSVQ
At the center of Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to Harare: financial assistance from Pretoria. Since his election last year, the Zimbabwean president promises a recovery of the economy, a return of investors that has not materialized.
Emmerson Mnangagwa tried to obtain help from the main donors, but without success. Highly indebted, Harare is ineligible with the IMF or the World Bank. Mnangagwa turned to his neighbor.
During a joint press conference this morning, he reiterated his determination to revive the economy of his country, recalled the reforms put in place by his government since his arrival, called for regional solidarity, while vilifying international sanctions that he considers unfair.
" We will not succeed alone, not without the help of friends like South Africa, " he told the South African president.
Cyril Ramaphosa had a cautious response: " South Africa is ready to support Zimbabwe in its economic recovery efforts to the extent of its means, " he said at the press conference, noting that South Africa is itself emerging from a difficult period. But not a word of a concrete offer of assistance. Last December, Pretoria declined a request for Harare emergency credit.
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