Online Reporter
We reproduce in full, PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’s statement on the occasion of the 62nd Africa Day celebrations.
FELLOW Zimbabweans and fellow Africans.
Today, marks 62 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union.
Zimbabwe is pleased to celebrate, together with the rest of the continent, Africa’s unity and solidarity, freedom and vibrant culture.
As we pause, to reflect on our past, we equally examine our present and look towards our future with hope and a great sense of optimism and confidence.
Sixty-two years ago, African nations stood at the crossroads of history, emerging from the shadows of colonial rule and seeking to define the shared destiny of the peoples of this great continent.
The establishment of the OAU was undoubtedly a bold declaration that Africa was no longer willing to be divided by oppressive racist regimes.
It was an affirmation of our sovereignty, cultural identity and inalienable right to self-determination. That defining moment in our shared history, must remain a source of inspiration in our collective determination to consolidate our independence, unity, quest for dignity and a higher quality of life for our people.
Unity is our greatest strength.
The emphatic calls made those decades ago, with regards to the importance of solidarity among African nations, “African solutions to African problems” and the importance of Africa’s natural resources to benefit her peoples, must echo louder in our present time.
The freedom we enjoy today across our motherland, and mother Continent of Africa was not handed over on a silver platter.
It was the result of unparalleled sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of the soil, many of whom paid with their lives.
Zimbabwe is grateful and will forever cherish the enduring fruits of Africa’s fraternal support and solidarity we received through the Liberation Committee.
This helped to usher our hard-won Independence and that contribution was not in vain.
Today, us the present generation must do our part to bring to fruition the realisation of the African Union Agenda 2063.
Fellow Zimbabweans and fellow Africans;
The transformation of the Organisation of African Unity to the African, was a testament to our collective determination to boldly face the future as a free and independent people, equipped to play our part in the comity of nations as equal partners.
Having successfully fought against colonialism and achieved Independence, our focus has now shifted towards fostering economic freedom, regional integration and sustainable development that benefits our peoples, for generations to come.
As we celebrate this year’s Africa Day commemorations, we stand united in our shared commitment to justice, equality and the dignity of all people of Africa and African descent.
This year’s African Union theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” is timely as a clarion call to right the wrongs of the past.
Like the rest of Africa, Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in history continues to be a target of desecration.
Colonial powers systematically looted cultural artefacts and human remains, often under the guise of “scientific exploration” or to enrich their museums and private collections.
Our precious relics and heritage must be repatriated to us, their rightful owners.
We join the continent as we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, a rules-based international relations order and stronger political representation of Africa at international fora.
Elevating Africa’s voice is of urgent and strategic necessity for consolidating equality of nations, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter as well as fostering inclusive global governance, peace, security and prosperity.
Zimbabwe joins Africa in calling for a more representative and inclusive global political and financial architecture.
Africa’s voice with regards to our unique challenges, including conflicts, the debt albatross, climate change and economic disparities, among others, must be heard in the discourse that shapes global peace and security towards sustainable social and economic development.
The imperative for reforms of the International Financial Institutions, to ensure fair terms for Africa is of urgent importance.
Our nations can no longer be bound by exclusionary relics of colonialism that perpetuate inequality.
On its part, Zimbabwe will, therefore, continue to take ownership and charge of our development trajectory, leveraging on our home grown-solutions and rich natural resource endowments.
Our collective expertise, resources and resilience of our people will be harnessed as we remain masters of our own destiny.
Similarly, we stand ready to play our part within SADC and other Regional Economic Communities for the integration, industrialisation and shared development of our economies, as envisioned by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The African Diaspora is an inseparable part of the mother-continent of Africa, hence we welcome their contribution, both in terms of financial and human capital, for the advancement of the continent’s development agenda.
Fellow Africans and Fellow Zimbabweans;
Let me underscore that Africa must remain vigilant and always aware of the ever-looming threats from neo-colonialists bent on negating the socio-economic and political potential as well as achievements of our countries.
Never again should our countries and continent be under foreign subjugation, by whatever guise.
It is, therefore, our duty to constantly re-kindle the flames of Independence, freedom and sovereignty bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
The unity, peace, stability, development and prosperity of our great continent must be the common objectives and goals, for all of us.
The responsibility to build, develop, modernise and industrialise Africa, as well as to protect her peoples from instability and conflict, lies with all the children of Africa, including those in the Diaspora.
Zimbabwe shall forever remain committed to the values and ethos of Pan-Africanism and African renaissance.
Together, as the children of Africa, hand in hand, side by side, in peace, love and harmony, let us work together to build the Africa We Want.
With these remarks, I wish you all happy Africa Day commemorations.
Long live African solidarity.
Long live Zimbabwe.
I thank you.
