“Who Cursed Us?”: Outrage As President Mnangagwa Takes A Zimbabwean Delegation Of 238 To COP29 in Azerbaijan

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly took a Zimbabwean delegation of 238 people to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

President Mnangagwa Takes A Zimbabwean Delegation Of 238 To COP29 in Azerbaijan

ZimLive reported that the trip cost the nation an estimated US$2 million. Critics have highlighted the expenses, with each delegate reportedly receiving a $1,000 daily allowance for the five-day conference, totalling $1.2 million in allowances alone.

Zimbabwe’s trip expenses cover accommodation, commercial flights, and allowances.

President Mnangagwa departed Harare on Sunday aboard a luxury Boeing 737-700 BBJ, rented from Royal Jet Services at an estimated US$12,700 per hour, ZimLive revealed.

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The chartered flight, with an 18-hour round trip between Harare and Baku, is expected to cost Zimbabwean taxpayers over US$200,000, excluding the expense of returning the jet to Dubai for its “empty leg” return. Royal Jet’s plane features VIP seating and a private bedroom

Alongside the official delegation, an additional 44 Zimbabweans listed under an “Overflow” category have travelled to COP29, independently covering their costs. Zimbabwe’s combined 282 representatives contrast sharply with other nations’ delegation sizes, including South Africa’s 51, France’s 63, and Botswana’s 39.

Zimbos online expressed reservations about Zimbabwe’s huge delegation to Cop29.

Dr Walter Mzembi:

“How is this possible? 238 constitute part of the audience they address, rent a crowd!“

Flacko:

“Nice vacation for them 😂”

Onson:

“It’s not even about the climate summit. It’s about allowances and a chance to travel.“

Mosa:

“Why are we embarrassed everyday on this Platform 😭”

The Speech In Baku

Zimbabwean Delegation COP29 — *President Mnangagwa Takes A Zimbabwean Delegation Of 238 To COP29 in Azerbaijan [Image: X]*

President Mnangagwa addressed COP29 on Tuesday, calling for immediate action on climate commitments.

“The time for half measures is over, and we all have a duty to implement our agreements,” he told summit attendees.

African nations attending COP29 are expected to negotiate a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, set to replace the US$100 billion annual funding pledge developed countries agreed to in 2009.

Discussions over NCQG have been hindered by disagreements on contributions, distribution, and accountability, raising further concerns over Zimbabwe’s decision to invest heavily in COP29 attendance during this critical time.

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