Mixed reactions as Mnangagwa backs deportation of 545 Zimbabweans

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, speaks during a state funeral of Zimbabwe's longtime ruler Robert Mugabe.[Photo, AFP]

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fully endorsed US President Donald Trump’s decision to repatriate illegal immigrants, including 545 Zimbabwean citizens.

In a post on social media, Mnangagwa expressed support for the US government’s move, as outlined by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The Government of Zimbabwe supports the United States Government’s decision to repatriate and return our Zimbabwean citizens who may have been residing in the US illegally,” Mnangagwa wrote.

Mnangagwa’s comments have sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning his stance on the issue. 

One user responded, saying, “Now create jobs for them. We don’t want any more influx due to your failures. Do the right thing for your people, it’s good for your health too. For once, leave a legacy that can help your citizens.”

Concerns were also raised about the large number of Zimbabweans living illegally in neighboring South Africa.

“What about those in South Africa?” one user posed. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than half of the Zimbabweans living in South Africa are undocumented.

This situation is compounded by the high cost of acquiring legal documentation in Zimbabwe, with passports averaging Sh19,000 ($150), a significant expense for many citizens.

South Africa is reportedly hosting over 20,000 illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe.

This is not the first time Mnangagwa has supported deportations. 

In May 2024, he encouraged Zimbabweans in the diaspora to return home and invest in the country’s economy.

Other African nations included in the deportation list are Kenya (1,200), Tanzania (301), Uganda (393), Somalia (4,090), South Sudan (136), Rwanda (338), Burundi (462), Congo (795), Ethiopia (1,713), Djibouti (29), Nigeria (3,690), Niger (642), South Africa (379), Zambia (174), Togo (427), Tunisia (160), and Morocco (495).

“The U.S. Government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States. Lack of cooperation from the foreign government delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” a statement from ICE noted. 

Some countries, including Mexico and Colombia, have refused to allow deportation flights to land.

In Kenya, reports surfaced of citizens alerting authorities about illegal immigrants. 

“The way Kenyans are reporting each other for deportation is unbelievable. I’m not sure what anyone gains if a fellow Kenyan is sent back home,” X user Wairimu Kimani remarked.

Additionally, there were allegations that ICE had set up a toll-free hotline for tips regarding illegal immigrants, offering financial rewards for information.