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Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe yesterday sent a message of condolence to the people of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic following the death of that country’s president Mohamed Abdel Aziz.
President Abdel Aziz died on May 31 after a long illness, and was buried on Saturday.
He was 68.
Minister Mushohwe visited the Saharawi Arab Democratic embassy in Vainona, Harare to sign a book of condolences.
He expressed sadness over the death of President Abdel Aziz when he met Saharawi’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mohamed Cheij Saleh Ali.
In the book of condolences he wrote: “On behalf of Government of Zimbabwe, on behalf of my Ministry and on my own behalf, I wish to pay and express my heartfelt condolences on the sad passing on of Zimbabwe’s dear friend and a revolutionary icon of the people of Western Sahara.
“Rest in peace the unflinching revolutionary icon,” read the message.
After signing the condolence book, Dr Mushohwe described the relations between the two countries as mutual, dating back to the liberation struggle.
“We were sharing a lot of information with the president of Saharawi and indeed our relationship dates back to our period of the liberation struggle.
“Zimbabwe is one of those countries in Africa who had stood by your struggle and we will continue to stand by you and to support you however and whenever possible, in your quest for the establishment for liberation and establishment of your state, which unfortunately is under siege not by a European country, but by one of the African countries, Morocco,” he said.
Dr Mushohwe added: “And of course as you know, Morocco was expelled from the AU (African Union) and for that reason many African countries have sealed their bi-lateral relations with Morocco.
“But we are very confident as Zimbabwe that you shall prevail against that struggle, against the imperial domination of your country that denies your people their rightful place in their country; that denies your people from exploiting the resources in their country, which Morocco is exploiting.”
Dr Mushohwe described the late president Abdel Aziz as internationally known for his passion to fight for the victory of his country.
“We hope that his passing on will not mark a relaxation to your struggle. But we know your people are resolute; your people are determined. We will continue to stand side-by-side on your struggle until victory is achieved,” he said.
Mr Ali expressed gratitude towards the Government of Zimbabwe for consoling the people of Saharawi over the death of their leader.
“I would like to thank you very much Minister (Mushohwe) for coming to console the Saharawi people during the sad time of the passing on of its leader,” he said.
He said their country was going to elect a new president after 40 days of mourning.
Online Reporter