adminSpeaking at the graduation of 100 Mozambican troops at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru yesterday, Lt Gen Sibanda said the west’s illegal economic sanctions regime was designed to install an undemocratically-elected government in the country.
“We are grateful to the Sadc region for their role because it helped in reducing the effects of the illegal sanctions and the effects of the illegal regime change agenda,” he said.
“As an army, we are also grateful to our citizens for realising and understanding that the sanctions are meant to effect regime change.
“Mozambique Defence Forces and Zimbabwe Defence Forces have a strong relationship which dates back to the days of our liberation struggle and also during the Mozambican disturbances in the 1980s where our armies joined hands in fighting insurgency activities.
“It is our earnest hope that this relationship continues to grow for the benefit of the two countries.”
Lt Gen Sibanda said the language differences between Zimbabwe and Mozambique posed a little challenge to the smooth running of the course as it restricted interaction between the trainers and trainees.
He said the two armies had agreed to exchange troops for the purposes of learning the two languages.
“I am glad that officers will soon be dispatched from Mozambique to teach Portuguese to Zimbabwe Defence Forces officers,” said Lt Gen Sibanda.
“This is a good step as it will facilitate smooth implementation of future joint military programmes between the two countries.
“Exchange programmes of military personnel will enhance the efficiency of the African countries at individual and regional level.”
Lt Gen Sibanda paid tribute to the dedicated training team of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique for their sterling effort.
Commander of the Mozambican Navy Rear Admiral Lazaro Mienete thanked Zimbabwe for training their officers and said efforts should be made to continuously hold joint military training programmes.
“The officers you have trained and are graduating today have an important role to play back home,” he said.
“They will not only serve Mozambique, but the African region and the international community when the need arises.
“We share a strong bond with Zimbabwe and this relationship dates back to the days of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and Mozambican disturbances in the 1980s.
“Zimbabwe also helped in the training of our troops in Nyanga some years ago.”
The officers were trained as specialists in various professional fields and were made up of 21 females and 79 males.
Their course content included foot and arms drill, physical training, section and platoon battle drills, battle procedure, low intensity operations and conventional warfare.
Mozambique is faced with a threat from Renamo rebels who are reportedly training in preparation for war after demanding a re-negotiation of the 1992 peace agreement.
Online Reporter