# Zimbabwean President UN General Assembly visit

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwean-president-un-general-assembly-visit
> Updated: 2026-09-19T13:58:46.000Z. Sources: 251. Developments: 2.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa traveled to New York to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His visit included participation in a Zimbabwe Business Forum intended to attract investment and financing for domestic sectors.

During his absence, executive authority was temporarily transferred to his deputies, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga serving as Acting President from September 18 to 21, followed by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi. The trip took place amid internal political scrutiny regarding ZANU PF succession and the relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. Due to U.S. Global Magnitsky sanctions against the President and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, their travel was restricted to a 25-mile radius around UN Headquarters.

## Claims

- Manhattan's 1st Avenue between 41st and 48th streets will be closed to traffic from September 20-26. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The summit is classified as a ‘high security risk environment’ due to global tensions and expected protests. (disputed by 3 sources)
- President Abinader is scheduled to deliver a speech to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday afternoon. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The theme of the 81st General Assembly is ‘Rebuilding trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that produces results for all’. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The presidential agenda includes discussions on artificial intelligence, trade, investment, and critical mineral supply chains. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Erdoğan will address the General Assembly on September 22. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit the United States from September 20-23, 2026, to attend the 81st UN General Assembly. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The president will deliver the first Dominican biometric passport during the visit. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Abinader will receive the Gold Insigne from the Americas Society. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Brazilian President Lula will advocate for multilateralism and UN Security Council reform during the General Assembly. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Erdoğan is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump during his visit. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A temporary flight ban will be in effect within a 2-mile radius of the UN building. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: UN General Assembly: Global leaders convene for 81st session

World leaders, including Presidents from the Dominican Republic, Angola, and Ghana, have gathered in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly to discuss global security, development, and reform.

248 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-luis-abinader-to-attend-un-general-assembly-in-new-york

### 2026-09-18: President Mnangagwa travels to UN General Assembly in New York

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has departed for the UN General Assembly in New York, temporarily handing executive power to Vice-Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi amid domestic political scrutiny.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-mnangagwa-travels-to-un-general-assembly-in-new-york

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Cite as: Zimbabwean President UN General Assembly visit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwean-president-un-general-assembly-visit