Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub
The absence of traditional donors and humanitarian relief actors during times of national distress is swiftly moving the Southern African region towards closer integration and solidarity among states, Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, General (Retd) Peter Namathanga, has said.
Ambassador Namathanga said these developments, resulting from dynamic shifts in global geopolitics, are shaping new realities and outcomes that regional countries should respond to as a united force.
He made the remarks after Government on Friday dispatched large consignments of humanitarian aid — including maize, tents and blankets — to Malawi and Mozambique in the wake of devastating floods heavily affecting the two countries.
“Regional integration and cooperation are very important. You know we are living in a dynamic world where geopolitics is shifting rapidly and indeed solidarity within the region becomes key in sustaining the livelihood of our citizens,” Ambassador Namathanga said.
He pointed out that as Malawi and Mozambique faced challenges of excessive rain resulting in floods, relying on regional integration from close neighbours becomes key.
“When such calamity is before you, we rely a lot in regional integration and especially from your close neighbours,” he said.
The Government, through its humanitarian agency and assistance mechanism, ZimAID, is leading efforts to mobilise relief and donations from its departments, faith-based organisations, businesses and individuals to assist regional sister republics.
Last Thursday, President Mnangagwa directed that two air-rescue helicopters be dispatched to Mozambique to support search and rescue efforts, particularly for communities marooned by flood waters.
The coordinated effort by Zimbabwe is an expression of its Pan Africanist values to also bridge the gap left following the departure of some Western funded traditional donors and relief and aid workers after they cut aid.
