Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writers
FROM the shores of Lake Kariba to capitals across Africa and beyond, Zimbabwe’s grief over the loss of 95 lives in the Mbuya Nehanda ferry tragedy has triggered an outpouring of solidarity.
Yesterday, the African Union, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates joined other countries, including South Africa, Palestine and China, in standing shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe, following its worst maritime disaster.
As families continue the painful task of identifying and burying their loved ones, messages of condolence have poured in, assuring Zimbabwe that the Lake Kariba tragedy has not gone unnoticed beyond its borders.
The international show of solidarity came as the Government intensified efforts to recover and identify the remaining victims while launching an investigation to establish what caused the RIDA ferry to capsize on August 11, as it travelled from Kariba to Chalala.
The disaster’s death toll has risen to 95 following the recovery of another body yesterday. The accident has devastated communities in Kariba, Hurungwe and Siakobvu as some families lost several members in the tragedy.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the accident a State of Disaster, enabling the Government to mobilise resources for search and recovery operations, funeral assistance, and medical and psychosocial support for affected families and survivors.
But amid the grief, Zimbabwe has found itself surrounded by a chorus of solidarity; from continental institutions and neighbouring countries as well as friends and partners thousands of kilometres away.
African union Commission chairperson Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf yesterday expressed condolences to Zimbabwe, extending his sympathies to the Government and people, particularly the families and loved ones of those who died.
“At this difficult moment of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and with all those who survived this tragic incident.
“I wish them strength, comfort and healing as they cope with this profound loss,” he said.
Mr Youssouf said the African union Commission stood in solidarity with Zimbabwe and the affected communities during the period of mourning.
“May the souls of those who perished rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The AU message comes as Zimbabwe continues to mobilise its national response to the disaster, with police and other authorities working to account for all those who were aboard the vessel.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said the death toll had risen to 95, with all but one body positively identified.
Police continue to work with families and relevant authorities to identify those who remain unaccounted for.
Members of the public whose relatives or close associates are still missing have been encouraged to contact their nearest police station or the command centre in Kariba for assistance.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden yesterday, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, also expressed condolences.
“I brought a message from the Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda, a message of friendship, a message of good working relations, but the first one was a condolence message,” he said.
“You know the tragedy that happened in Kariba, and it led to the loss of so many innocent people. So, the government of Rwanda expressed deep condolences to the President, to the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The condolence message came against the backdrop of increasingly strong relations between Harare and Kigali.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conveyed its condolences and solidarity with Zimbabwe following the ferry accident.
“The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe over a capsized passenger ferry in Lake Kariba, which resulted in dozens of deaths, injuries, and missing people,” said the UAE in a statement.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “As South Africans, we stand in solidarity today with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life.
“We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities.”
In his statement, Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said: “On behalf of the State of Palestine, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency
President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, following the tragic capsizing of a boat on Lake Kariba.
“We received the news of this tragedy with great sorrow. The State of Palestine stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Zimbabwe as the nation mourns this heavy loss. We pray for the swift recovery of those still missing, wish the survivors a speedy recovery, and extend our comfort to the bereaved families.”
Ambassador Almassri commended the efforts of the authorities, emergency services and all individuals working to locate the missing and assist those affected. “May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding also expressed deep sorrow following the tragedy.
The ambassador said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic boat capsizing on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026”.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish the survivors a full and speedy recovery.
“I also wish to commend the swift and courageous response of rescue teams and ordinary citizens who risked their own safety to save lives.
“Their selflessness is a testament to the resilience of the Zimbabwean spirit. China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in this time of profound sorrow,” said Ambassador Zhou.
While messages of solidarity continue pouring in, attention has also turned to the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said Government had begun formal investigations to establish precisely what caused the ferry to capsize. Minister Garwe said the boat had a fitness certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
“The boat had a fitness certificate or certification through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development,” said Minister Garwe.
“The problems that occurred were as a result of negligence. Cabinet has approved that we go ahead and put in place an inquest to start investigations into exactly what took place.”
The investigation is expected to establish the precise circumstances of the capsizing and determine whether any failures or acts of negligence contributed to the disaster.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, the tragedy has brought together Zimbabweans and people from across the world in mourning.
