Africa urged to solve own problems

external interference.
Briefing journalists after meeting Vice President John Nkomo at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Phoya said it was disturbing that years after Africa defeated colonialism, some Western countries still wanted to control African states.

“We have our own problems as Africans but those should be addressed by us. No one should come and dictate to us what to do and that requires strong political leaders.
“The Vice President mentioned colonial mentality that still exists in the country. He (VP Nkomo) said although Zimbabwe got its independence in 1980, there are some people who still want to control it,” he said.

Ambassador Phoya said the same problem was still obtaining in his home country and other African states such as Zambia.

MALAWI

He said VP Nkomo chronicled to him how Zimbabwe attained its independence.

“I have met Vice President Mujuru and I thought it was also important to meet VP Nkomo. It is customary for any new ambassador to make calls on people, who matter in the country they are deployed,” he said.
Ambassador Phoya said although Harare and Lilongwe enjoyed good trade relations, it was important that they signed formal trade agreements.

He said negotiations for such agreements were at an advanced stage and would be ratified by the Joint Permanent Commission set to meet in Lilongwe later in the year.
Earlier VP Nkomo had met Norwegian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ingebjorg Stofring who commended the strong ties between the two countries.

She said Oslo assisted Harare in areas of health, education and the ongoing constitution-making process.
“I arrived in the country six months ago and I presented my credentials to President Mugabe in March. Our two countries have strong relations for over 50 years. We are supporting various development projects in

Zimbabwe, including energy, health and education,” she said.
Ambassador Stofring, however, said her country had no control over the constitution-making process, adding that it was up to Zimbabweans to decide when to finish the process.