MetroTV, Emmerson Mnangagwa sparred with US journalist Tucker Carlson during a discussion on land reform, sanctions, and sovereignty at the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai. The Zimbabwean leader defended the country’s land policies, blaming decades of Western sanctions for economic challenges and rejecting claims that land seizures were racially motivated. Mandatory credit: World Governments Summit VIA VIORY
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai in early February 2026, where he participated in a panel discussion titled “Is the Next Decade African”. He defended Zimbabwe’s land reforms, asserted the nation’s independence from Western influence, and engaged in discussions on economic, development, and diplomatic issues.
Key details of Mnangagwa’s participation include:
- Defense of Land Policy: Mnangagwa told a panel with Tucker Carlson that land seizures were necessary to reclaim colonial-era land, stating, “The land never belonged to a race, it belonged to Zimbabweans”.
- International Relations: He emphasized that Zimbabwe no longer needs to “please the West” and is focused on independent development despite international sanctions.
- Global Engagement: The President engaged in high-level dialogues on “Africa in the Next Decade” and Agenda 2063, aiming to strengthen international ties and attract investment.
- Arrival: He was welcomed in Dubai by UAE officials and Zimbabwean diplomats, marking a push for re-engagement.
He was joined by leaders such as Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio and Botswana’s Duma Boko at the summit.