Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE is collaborating with the United Arab Emirates, Algeria and other nations to address the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, which poses significant threats to the country’s health, security, economy and social stability.
In April 2024, Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030.
This initiative aims to guide the country’s response to the drug abuse challenge, ensuring that all communities, families and individuals receive adequate support as Zimbabwe works towards its Vision 2030, leaving no one behind.
The Chairperson of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri yesterday met UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Jassim Al Qasimi and Algerian Ambassador Mohamed Seoudi to discuss collaborative efforts in combating drug abuse.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri chats with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Zimbabwe Jassim ALQasimi in Harare yesterday.-Picture:Tinashe Chitwanga.
“We are honoured to host the Ambassador of the UAE as part of our multi-sectoral committee addressing drug and substance abuse,” she said.
“This meeting follows our interaction in 2023 when a UAE delegation visited Zimbabwe.
“During that visit, we engaged with the President, ministers, and senior government officials, sharing experiences related to various sectors, including the economy and social issues.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the meeting was a follow-up to exchange ideas on combating drug abuse between the countries.
“The UAE has more experience in this area, having established an agency dedicated to addressing drug issues. We agreed that they would relay our request for collaboration in training, testing, treatment, and harm reduction, as well as legislative measures aimed at deterring drug-related crimes,” she said.
President Mnangagwa has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards drug and substance abuse.
The committee is actively seeking collaborations with other nations and has already established Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for government-to-government cooperation.
Regarding relations between Zimbabwe and Algeria, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri noted their cordial ties, which date back to the liberation struggle.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the meeting was a follow-up to exchange ideas on combating drug abuse between the countries.
Yesterday’s meeting follows a successful state visit by President Mnangagwa earlier this year. “We are meeting today after a very successful state visit by President Mnangagwa, during which the two Heads of State, along with their ministers, signed several MoUs,” she said.
Next week, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri will visit Algeria to continue discussions on various issues, including information and communication technology (ICT) within the defence forces and climate change, particularly in light of recent disasters in Zimbabwe.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe said Zimbabwe will leave no stone unturned in its fight against drug and substance abuse.
He acknowledged that the issue is affecting many countries.
“We are aware that the UAE has managed to address this issue effectively, and we believe that by collaborating with them on their legislative framework, we can learn valuable lessons,” Minister Kazembe said.
Ambassador Al Qasimi expressed the UAE’s eagerness to collaborate with Zimbabwe in combating drug abuse.
“We are in the same situation, so we need to unite our efforts to fight this scourge,” he said. Ambassador Seoudi noted Algeria’s readiness to cooperate with Zimbabwe in various areas.
“We are excited about Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri’s upcoming visit to Algeria, where we will explore opportunities for cooperation in military, industrial, research, language, mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors,” he said.
“I hope the discussions will lead to a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our two countries. I am confident that Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri will return delighted and excited about the outcomes of these visits.”
