Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
JAPAN has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s demining efforts, with a total of US$7 million already committed since 2023 towards landmine clearance initiatives.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Shinichi Yamanaka made the pledge during a courtesy call on Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in Harare yesterday.
“I had a fruitful discussion with Honourable Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri,” he said.
“We discussed mainly about landmine clearance activities. Japan has been contributing from 2013 for this landmine clearance, mainly in border areas with Mozambique.”
Ambassador Yamanaka said Japan is proud to support Zimbabwe’s mine action programme and hopes the country’s experiences will serve as a model for other mine-affected nations.
“We provided, so far, US$7 million. We so much appreciate the strong initiative of the Government of Zimbabwe, and it will be a good lesson for other mine-affected countries,” he added.
“I received a request from the Honourable Minister to continue with our support.
“So, I promised to continue our cooperation for mine clearance activities to achieve a mine-free Zimbabwe.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s unwavering support, especially at a time when other international partners have scaled back their assistance.
“We are very happy that Japan continues to work very closely with Zimbabwe when other countries are withdrawing support to Zimbabwe,” she said.
“The United States decided to withdraw humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe and that affected our own programmes, particularly in the Sango border areas in Masvingo and this has caused the closure of APAPO (Asia Pacific Assistance for Peace Operations) offices in Zimbabwe.”
The minister said officials from APAPO informed her of their decision to shut down operations in Zimbabwe and relocate to Cambodia due to funding constraints.
“As depressing as that situation is, we are encouraged by Japan’s continued commitment. We are also pleased that Japan has resumed the presidency of the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which they will hold in 2025,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
“So they are now in the presidency for 2025 and we have been assured by His Excellency (Amb Yamanaka) that they have already allocated some funds to make sure that the operations in Mashonaland Central province continue.”
She added that Japan had also expressed willingness to support communities in affected areas through the provision of water, education and other basic services.
“So, we hope that after the meeting that is earmarked for July and also August, some decisions will be made.
“Currently they are working with UNDP and we hope more resources will be available,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
She expressed gratitude to Japan for remaining a reliable friend since Zimbabwe attained its independence.
“So, we continue thanking the government of Japan for remaining a reliable friend, that has not reneged on its relationship since 1980.
“We thank them very much, that is why they came today, so that we renew that relationship in this particular area to bring peace and stability to our country, not leaving anyone behind.”
