Mphoko to head Russia mission

Mphoko to head Russia mission

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By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWE'S controversial envoy to Botswana who once said the Gukurahundi genocide was a "Western conspiracy" has been reassigned to be the country's envoy to Russia.

Phelekezela Mphoko, a keen photographer with strong links to Zimbabwe's intelligence services will test his barbed diplomacy against the hostile Russians.

President Vladmir Putin recently called on President Robert Mugabe to quit and has supported European Union travel restrictions on Mugabe's lieutenants.

The announcement on Mphoko's reassignment came as Mugabe appointed three new ambassadors and re-assigned two others last Friday. Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) chief executive officer, Thomas Mandigora, replaces Mphoko.

Dr Misheck Sibanda, Mugabe's chief secretary, published the announcements in a Government Gazette.

Pavelyn Tendai Musaka, formerly head of public relations at the Foreign Affairs ministry is the country's new ambassador to Ghana while Gabriel Machinga has been reassigned from Canada to be new ambassador to the United Kingdom. The position had not been filled since Simbarashe Mumbengegwi was recalled and made Foreign Affairs minister.

Florence Chideya takes over as ambassador to Canada, while Kelebert Nkomani has been moved from his France posting to head Zimbabwe's embassy in Kenya.
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