‘Africa must strive to end conflicts’

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

African countries must remain committed to working towards addressing peace and security issues in line with the call for African solutions to African problems, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.

In his address to the African Group of Ambassadors in Harare yesterday, Prof Murwira reiterated President Mnangagwa’s call to silence guns on the continent.

The continent has in recent times been plagued by instances of instability.

“We are just 39 years away from the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, our ambitious blueprint transformed our continent. In this regard, we are making efforts to silence the guns in line with the AU clarion call, although isolated conflicts present immediate challenges.

“Let us remain committed to work towards addressing peace and security issues in line with African solutions to African problems, as opposed to the reliance on external forces who may be complicit in some of the conflicts,” he said.

Prof Murwira said unity was fundamental in the continent’s development agenda, as such, he added it was important that the continent unites against imperialist forces.

“For us to realise our development and aspirations, we must forever remain united because we are indeed one people. We fought together with a sense of purpose against colonialism to claim our birthright. Having won political independence, we should remain vigilant, knowing that the neo-colonial forces are active and unrelenting.

“The anti-colonial struggle must be taken to its logical conclusion and we are confident together we will overcome, particularly on the economic front, that we should be united in our bid to develop our economies, to industrialise our continent and to make sure that we are part of a world of progress,” said Prof Murwira.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said all efforts should be deployed in advancing the continent’s development and integration.

“We know that you as individual ambassadors are working very, very hard and in an excellent way to enhance our bilateral relations.

“As your hosts and partner, we are committed as a country to work closely with you to facilitate your work for Pan-African progress. Our Constitution implores us and compels us to the Pan-Africanist thinking.

“Our Pan-African foundations and excellent relations are built on the historic and collective fight against colonialism and domination,” he said.

On his part, the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Zimbabwe, Mr Jose Ela Ebang Mbang, commended the Second Republic for its unwavering support during the discharge of their duties.

“The collaboration and support provided under your leadership has been instrumental in the success and achievement of our objectives particularly strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our people and Government,” he said.