Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing landmines and supporting victims.
The country has made significant progress by clearing over 96 percent of minefields since gaining Independence.
Speaking at Zimbabwe’s National Stakeholder Dialogue, Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said it was important to collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve the goal of a mine-free zone.
“To achieve a world free of landmines, there is need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the donor community,” she said.
“There is also a need to engage affected communities, foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and demonstrate unwavering commitment by all state parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed hope that the workshop would help secure funding for mine clearance efforts.
Speaking during the same event, ZIMAC Director Colonel Maregerere said:
“I am not very sure whether it would be possible to then call back the colonisers to come and remove what is a danger to us.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that we remove this danger.”
He also said that as part of the Anti-Mine Convention, Zimbabwe has committed to mobilising resources to remove all mines within its borders.
“By becoming a state party to this convention, we bound ourselves to try and mobilise all resources available and make sure that we remove all the dangers caused by landmines that we have in our country,” he said.
