Commonwealth withdrawal

Zimbabwe formally informs the Commonwealth of its withdrawal from the 54-nation group over its extended suspension.

The principles of equality, fair play and respect for the national sovereignty of member states for which the club stands have sadly been compromised…In the light of the…threats to its cherished and hard won independence and sovereignty, the Republic of Zimbabwe has chosen to terminate its membership of the Commonwealth effective from 7th December, 2003 rather than continue to subject itself to such racist humiliation, arbitrariness and arrogance.