African Leaders Gather in Zimbabwe Amid Mpox Crisis and Human Rights Concerns

African leaders will meet in Zimbabwe for the Southern African Development Community summit to discuss the mpox outbreaks that have been declared a global health emergency by WHO. The summit may overlook Zimbabwe's human rights issues, despite calls from UN experts and Amnesty International for addressing alleged political crackdowns.

African leaders are set to converge in Zimbabwe on Saturday for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit. There is anticipation that the growing issue of mpox outbreaks across Africa will be a key discussion point.

This follows the World Health Organisation's recent declaration of the mpox outbreaks as a global health emergency. Congo, a member of SADC, has reported over 90 per cent of cases. Scientists warn that a new, possibly more infectious form of mpox identified in Congo might cross international borders, with Sweden recently reporting its first case.

Amidst the health crisis, concerns are growing over Zimbabwe's human rights record. The UN and human rights organizations like Amnesty International have criticized the alleged political crackdown under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Despite calls to address these issues, regional leaders are unlikely to challenge Zimbabwe during the summit.

(With inputs from agencies.)