tawandamusarurwa
Emmanuel Kafe
THE resilience exhibited by Zimbabweans during the liberation struggle should make them revel in achievements made since 1980 and look forward to brighter days as part of celebrating Independence Day, foreign diplomats accredited to the country have said.
In interviews with this paper ahead of Tuesday’s Uhuru celebrations, several foreign diplomats confirmed they will attend the major event to be held in Mt Darwin.
Malawi’s chief envoy to Zimbabwe Ambassador Mwayiwayo Mclloyd Polepole said the spirit of “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” should be at the centre of the celebrations.
“This is the time for all Zimbabweans — regardless of political affiliations, status and class in society — to come together and celebrate in style. This is the time of showing solidarity, peace, loyalty, discipline and unity. The future of Zimbabwe is within the Zimbabweans,” he said.
Ambassador Polepole said Zimbabwe is one of the Southern African countries that experienced the worst and most protracted battles to achieve independence.
“The freedom currently in Zimbabwe was through the shedding of blood of their forefathers. In honour of these heroes, Zimbabweans should show respect and appreciation to the fallen heroes and show them that their efforts were not in vain,” he said.
Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Nourredine Yazid said, for Zimbabwe, independence is a celebration of remarkable triumph against settler colonialism.
“By reclaiming the heritage that colonialism had benefitted from for 90 years, the stride gives a big picture of how Zimbabwe’s developmental framework fits into the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“As a result, inclusive and sustainable development initiatives are being delivered through the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) under the direction of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Ambassador Yazid said, while the future is promising, there is need for more commitment to unshackle the economic entanglements and hindrances brought about by the unjustified and illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
“In this framework, we also take this opportunity to express our solidarity with the people of this great nation, who are paying a heavy economic burden through sanctions,” he said.
Palestine’s chief diplomat to Zimbabwe Ambassador Tamer Almassari said the people of Zimbabwe should guard their freedom jealously and continue to fight neo-colonialism. “There is no one who can develop your country except you. Zimbabwe is a peaceful country. We are thankful to the Government of Zimbabwe, which is working tirelessly to achieve Vision 2030.
“We are also grateful for the support and solidarity we get from the Government of Zimbabwe in all international forums,” he said.
Ambassador Almassari said the State of Palestine rejects economic bullying through illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, which is tantamount to collective punishment.
“Sanctions must be immediately removed for the people of Zimbabwe to fully enjoy the fruits of their independence”
Chief envoy of the Republic of Türkiye in Harare Ambassador Berna Kasnakli Versteden said they remain indebted to the camaraderie shown by Zimbabwe in the wake of the devastating earthquake her country witnessed in February.
“On the occasion of Independence Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Harare warmly congratulates the people and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“We are grateful for the solidarity extended in the wake of the devastating earthquakes. We are confident Türkiye-Zimbabwe relations will continue to enhance,” she said.
Democratic Republic of Congo Charge d’Affaires Mr Michel Kama Mipwele said: “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and the people of Zimbabwe for a happy 43rd Anniversary,” he said. European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Jobst von Kirchmann said: “As Zimbabwe celebrates 43 years of freedom and independence, we join in the celebration and recognise the courage and determination of the Zimbabwean people.
“Independence Day is a momentous occasion to celebrate and reflect on the challenges that the country has faced since gaining independence, and to renew our commitment to building a better future for everyone.
“As a long-standing partner and friend of Zimbabwe, the European Union remains committed to accompanying Zimbabwe towards the realisation of its vision for a brighter future and supporting our common values and interests.
“Our cooperation with Zimbabwe has a rich history, and we will continue to work together to improve the lives of its people.
“May this special day be filled with joy and celebration, and may we all continue to work towards a brighter future for Zimbabwe and its people.”
Online Reporter