The Canadian-Rwandan born official was deported barely two months after he assumed the managing director’s post in Harare, this came after his work permit was withdrawn under unclear circumstances.
Sources told IT News Africa that Mpore, who previously was deported by the Cote d’Ivoire authorities for allegedly “discrediting” Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, returned to Zimbabwe.
Immediately after his deportation, Mpore was replaced by former MD Rex Chibesa.
“Telecel Zimbabwe managing director Aimable Mpore is now back in Zimbabwe and back at work, after his appeal against the withdrawal of his work permit succeeded.
“He returned to work Tuesday, after arriving back in Zimbabwe on Monday”, said a company official.
Mpore left Zimbabwe early in February, after his work permit had been withdrawn. He remained outside the country while his appeal against the decision was being considered.
The Telecel Zimbabwe managing director said he was pleased to be back in Zimbabwe.
He said he was happy to be able to announce that his return coincided with the number of Telecel Zimbabwe subscribers passing the one million subscriber mark.
“We want to continue the programme we have already started, of growing the company and improving services to our customers”, said Mpore.
He added that growing the customer base from around a quarter-of-a-million to more than a million subscribers within a matter of a few months was a remarkable achievement.
Mpore, who was born of Rwandese parents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressed his surprise and disappointment at the deportation he underwent.
He referred to press reports that criticized his appointment and that of two other senior managers because they were foreigners.
“I am surprised that certain people view a fellow African as a foreigner. This is completely contrary to moves towards regional and continental integration”, he said.
Mpore said he was grateful to the authorities for restoring his work permit and allowing him to resume his work at Telecel Zimbabwe.
by Mercy Mujuru
