Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
THE African Union mediation team that is currently addressing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has extended its gratitude to Zimbabwe for its contributions towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
This commendation came during a meeting between Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and a delegation from the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).
The delegation from ALWN, which met VP Chiwenga, included notable figures like former Ethiopian president Sahle-Work Zewde, former chairperson of the AU Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and former president of Liberia and AWLN Patron Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
VP Chiwenga met the delegation on Saturday after officially opening their 7th Intergenerational Retreat of the AWLN which brought together over 300 women leaders from across the continent.
Former president Zewde, who has been at the forefront of peace negotiations in the DRC, stressed the critical role Zimbabwe played during its tenure as chair of SADC. She specifically requested that Vice President Chiwenga convey her appreciation to President Mnangagwa for his commitment to peace initiatives.
“Zimbabwe’s efforts have been instrumental in fostering dialogue and cooperation among the conflicting parties in the DRC,” said Mrs Zewde. “The support and mediation provided by SADC under Zimbabwe’s guidance have been vital in our pursuit of stability in the region. SADC under the leadership of President Mnangagwa has given us that confidence (that peace can be achieved) and through you (VP Chiwenga) I would like to thank him”.
The DRC has faced numerous challenges over the years, including armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, prompting regional leaders to seek collaborative solutions.
Zimbabwe’s involvement, particularly during its SADC chairmanship, was marked by active diplomacy and engagement with various stakeholders.
Vice President Chiwenga expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to regional peace and security.
“I am humbled to meet you, the elders of ALWN and I am proud to have met you. I will convey this to the President,” he said.
“The President would have wanted to be with you personally, but I am happy that I have met this group of vibrant elders on his behalf. We remain committed to supporting our neighbours and ensuring that peace prevails in the DRC and beyond”.
VP Chiwenga said women are not merely beneficiaries of development but innovators, leaders and architects driving Africa towards a prosperous and inclusive future, where all enjoy happy and fulfilling lives.
“This retreat reminds us that leadership entails strengthening bonds between generations, fostering inclusivity and ensuring continuity and sustainability through shared responsibility,” he said.
“Intergenerational engagement does not simply pass the torch of leadership; it illuminates and fortifies it as it moves from one generation to the next.
“For the Government of Zimbabwe, gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable socio-economic development and a driver of national transformation.
“We regard gender equality as pivotal in our stride to become an empowered, upper-middle-income society, where no one and no place, is left behind.”
AWLN patron, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said they leave Zimbabwe satisfied with the model adopted by the country in the empowerment of women and the girl child.
She described Zimbabwe as a model in terms of championing the inclusion of women in leadership positions.
