We Please Ourselves, Not the West or East – President Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe reaffirmed his country’s independent foreign policy during the Dubai World Summit on Tuesday, stating that Zimbabwe does not seek to align with either Western or Eastern powers, but will prioritize its own national interests.

The panel, moderated by American commentator Tucker Carlson, included the presidents of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, and Botswana.

The discussion focused on global power shifts, the growing influence of China versus the West, economic sanctions, sovereignty, and the state of democracy worldwide.

“Zimbabwe is not here to please the West or the East. We are here to please ourselves as a sovereign nation,” Mnangagwa told the audience.

“Our engagement with the world is based on mutual respect and shared interests, not dependency or control.”

President Mnangagwa said, “Zimbabwe will continue to seek partnerships and investment opportunities on terms that respect the country’s independence and development priorities.”

He reiterated that foreign aid and economic cooperation must not come with political conditions that compromise sovereignty.

The Zimbabwean leader’s remarks come amid intensifying global competition for influence in Africa, with both Western nations and Eastern powers expanding economic and political ties across the continent.

Other leaders on the panel highlighted similar themes of sovereignty and self-determination.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio stressed the importance of domestic decision-making in the face of global pressures, while Botswana’s president called for balanced engagement with both Western and Eastern powers to ensure sustainable development.

The Dubai World Summit, which gathered political and business leaders from across the globe, served as a platform for African heads of state to articulate their perspectives on navigating a multipolar world while safeguarding national interests.