Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
Following the attainment of political independence by African States through sacrifices made by past generations in fighting colonialism, the onus of developing the continent now lies in the current crop of its citizens, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President said this in a statement yesterday to mark the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).
He added that Zimbabwe was pleased to celebrate, together with the rest of the continent, Africa’s unity and solidarity, freedom, and vibrant culture.
President Mnangagwa said as Africa reflected on its past, it should equally examine it looking towards its future with hope and a great sense of optimism and confidence.
“Sixty-two years ago, African nations stood at the crossroads of history, emerging from the shadows of colonial rule and seeking to define the shared destiny of the peoples of this great continent,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The establishment of the OAU was undoubtedly a bold declaration that Africa was no longer willing to be divided by oppressive racist regimes. It was an affirmation of our sovereignty, cultural identity, and inalienable right to self-determination.
“That defining moment in our shared history must remain a source of inspiration in our collective determination to consolidate our independence, unity, quest for dignity and a higher quality of life for our people.”
The President, who is also the Sadc’s Chairman, said unity was Africa’s greatest strength and stressed the importance of solidarity among African nations, especially in providing “African solutions to African problems”.
“The freedom we enjoy today across our motherland, and the mother continent of Africa, was not handed over on a silver platter,” he said.
It was the result of unparalleled sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of the soil, many of whom paid with their lives.”
The President expressed Zimbabwe’s gratitude for Africa’s support during its fight for independence through the OAU’s Liberation Committee.
“This helped to usher our hard-won independence and that contribution was not in vain. Today, us, the present generation, must do our part to bring to fruition the realisation of the AU Agenda 2063,” he said.
“The transformation of the OAU to the AU was a testament to our collective determination to boldly face the future as a free and independent people, equipped to play our part in the community of nations as equal partners.
“Having successfully fought against colonialism and achieved independence, our focus has now shifted towards fostering economic freedom, regional integration and sustainable development that benefits our peoples, for generations to come,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added that as the continent celebrates this year’s Africa Day commemorations, it should stand united in shared commitment to justice, equality, and the dignity of all people of Africa and African descent.
This year’s AU’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” is timely as a clarion call to right the wrongs of the past.
“Like the rest of Africa, Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in history continues to be a target of desecration. Colonial powers systematically looted cultural artefacts and human remains, often under the guise of “scientific exploration” or to enrich their museums and private collections. Our precious relics and heritage must be repatriated to us, their rightful owners,” he said.
“We join the continent as we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, a rules-based international relations order and stronger political representation of Africa at international fora.”
President Mnangagwa said elevating Africa’s voice is of urgent and strategic necessity for consolidating equality of nations as enshrined in the UN Charter as well as fostering inclusive global governance, peace, security and prosperity.
“Zimbabwe joins Africa in calling for a more representative and inclusive global political and financial architecture,” he said.
“Africa’s voice with regards to our unique challenges, including conflicts, the debt albatross, climate change and economic disparities, among others, must be heard in the discourse that shapes global peace and security towards sustainable social and economic development.
“The imperative for reforms of the International Financial Institutions, to ensure fair terms for Africa is of urgent importance. Our nations can no longer be bound by exclusionary relics of colonialism that perpetuate inequality.”
The President said Zimbabwe will continue to take ownership and charge of its development trajectory, leveraging on our home-grown solutions and rich natural resource endowments.
“Our collective expertise, resources and resilience of our people will be harnessed as we remain masters of our own destiny. Similarly, we stand ready to play our part within Sadc and other Regional Economic Communities for the integration, industrialisation and shared development of our economies, as envisioned by the African Continental Free Trade Area,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also said the African Diaspora was an inseparable part of Africa and was welcome to contribute to its development financially or their expertise.
“Let me underscore that Africa must remain vigilant and always aware of the ever-looming threats from colonialists bent on negating the socio-economic and political potential as well as achievements of our countries,” he said.
“Never again should our countries and continent be under foreign subjugation, by whatever guise. It is, therefore, our duty to constantly rekindle the flames of independence, freedom and sovereignty bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
“The unity, peace, stability, development and prosperity of our great continent must be the common objectives and goals, for all of us.”
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