Mnangagwa Running Out Of Options

By Staff Reporter
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92690
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August 30, 2020

The government's denials that Zimbabwe is facing deep-seated economic and political crises will only delay the resolution of the multifaceted problems facing the country, analysts have warned.

On Friday Western diplomats expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis in Zimbabwe and said President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government must stop using the Covid-19 pandemic to curtail citizens' freedoms

Churches, the African Union and United Nations have also spoken out against what they said was worsening repression in Zimbabwe, but the government continues to brush aside the global condemnation.

Ibbo Mandaza, a renowned academic, said continued denials that there was a crisis in Zimbabwe were no longer making any sense.

"Things on the ground speak for themselves that we have a huge crisis abductions, torture stories, unwarranted arrests and even the story of a young woman [Noxolo Maphosa] being tailed in South Africa by Zimbabwean state agents, the dramas at court, all point to a deep-rooted crisis," Mandaza said in an exclusive interview with The Standard.

"The response of the international community such as the African Union, European Union, diplomats for western countries also points to an admission that there is a crisis in the country.

"Denials by the Zimbabwean government now look ridiculous and foolish."

The director of the local think-tank Sapes Trust said only a political settlement with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance would take the heat out of Mnangagwa's corner.

"The decision by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy envoys to Harare shows an admission that something is wrong," he said.

"Denials are a defence by people, who have failed, who are weak, vulnerable and helpless.

"Zimbabwe needs a political settlement like yesterday, Mnangagwa is a besieged man, and he has a lot of pressure from his party.

"His approach that other political stakeholders can only talk to him through Polad [the Political Actors Dialogue] will not work."

Mnangagwa has consistently refused to hold talks with Chamisa outside Polad, which is made up of Zanu-PF and other fringe political parties.

Chamisa rejected the Zanu-PF leader's July 2018 election victory on the grounds that the elections were allegedly rigged and this plunged Zimbabwe into a political crisis.

Ross Harvey, the director of research and programmes at Good Governance Africa, said South Africa could not afford to ignore Zimbabwe's problems any longer, which could force Ramaphosa to push for mediation.

"South Africa its political leaders and its businesses with interests in Zimbabwe (such as Anglo Platinum, Implats, Old Mutual and Pick n Pay) will, therefore, have to intensify efforts to intervene fruitfully in Zimbabwe," Harvey wrote in an opinion piece for South Africa's Business Day newspaper.

"A serious second envoy, including President Cyril Ramaphosa himself, is surely the next step."

Ramaphosa early this month sent three envoys to Zimbabwe, but they returned without any meaningful progress after Mnangagwa denied them the opportunity to meet opposition political parties.

Lindiwe Zulu, the head of South Africa's ruling ANC international relations department, told The Standard yesterday that the party was talking to fellow liberation movements in the region so that they can come up with one voice on Zimbabwe.

A fortnight ago Zulu said the ANC could no longer afford to remain silent about the Zimbabwe crisis as it was affecting South Africa.

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Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney

When your future, family, job, or immigration status is on the line, choosing the right immigration lawyer matters.

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A good immigration lawyer does more than fill out forms. They help you understand your options, identify risks, prepare evidence, respond to government notices, and build the strongest case possible.

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Family-based green cards
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Why Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Immigration paperwork can look simple at first. But many cases involve hidden risks.

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USCIS warns that people seeking immigration help should use authorized legal representatives, such as attorneys or accredited representatives.

When Should You Contact an Immigration Attorney?

You should consider speaking with an immigration lawyer if:

You received a Notice to Appear in immigration court
You are facing deportation or removal
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If the person is not an attorney, they may still be allowed to help only if they are a DOJ-accredited representative working with a recognized organization.

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Immigration law is its own field. A general lawyer may not know the latest immigration procedures, court rules, or agency requirements.

Ask:

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Reviews can help, but do not rely on them alone. Look for patterns.

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Immigration lawyers may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or consultation fees.

Ask for:

Written fee agreement
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Whether filing fees are separate
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Expected timeline

USCIS filing fees change, so applicants should verify current fees using the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, ask:

What are my immigration options?
What are the risks in my case?
What documents do I need?
How long could this take?
What happens if USCIS asks for more evidence?
Will you personally handle my case?
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Are government filing fees included?
What happens if my case is denied?

A good attorney will not promise guaranteed approval. They should explain strengths, weaknesses, and realistic possibilities.

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid anyone who:

Guarantees approval
Tells you to lie on forms
Uses fake documents
Claims special government connections
Refuses to provide a written agreement
Will not explain fees
Is not licensed or accredited
Asks you to sign blank forms
Does not give copies of filings
Rushes you into paying immediately

Immigration scams can cause serious damage. The wrong help can lead to denial, deportation, or future immigration bars.

Final Thoughts

Searching for an “immigration lawyer near me” is often the first step toward protecting your case.

The right lawyer should be experienced, honest, organized, and clear about your options. They should help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and prepare your case carefully.

Immigration decisions can affect your family, career, and future. Choose someone who takes that responsibility seriously.

Contested Divorce Attorney: What Happens When Spouses Cannot Agree?

A contested divorce attorney helps when spouses cannot agree on custody, support, property, debt, or other major issues.

Contested divorce can involve court hearings, discovery, financial disclosures, mediation, expert witnesses, and trial preparation.

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A contested divorce requires preparation and strategy. Legal guidance can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes.