Africa Stands With Zimbabwe

Sudanese President Omer Hassan Al Bashir, right and Zimbabwean Deputy President Joyce Mujuru, left , upon his arrival in the resort town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP), a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

‘Africa a tag team’

Sunday, 26 May 2013 00:00
Sunday Mail Reporters

Acting President Mujuru has hailed Africa for standing with Zimbabwe in its fight against Western-imposed economic sanctions, saying such solidarity demonstrates the values of oneness which led to
the formation of the Organisation of African Unity 50 years ago.

Speaking at celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Africa Union in Harare yesterday, Cde Mujuru said the support of African countries and institutions has set the country on the road to economic recovery.

“On our part, African solidarity with and support for Zimbabwe has been consistently demonstrated by the AU in refusal of African countries to attend Africa-EU summits if Zimbabwe was barred from taking part,” she said.

“Africa was guided, rightly so, by the principle that Africa is one and indivisible. Africa has also been united in its opposition to the unwarranted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.

“The sanctions have negatively impacted on the economy and the livelihoods of the generality of the people and must be removed immediately and unconditionally. Furthermore, the AU has played a significant role in political developments in Zimbabwe as guarantor of the Global Political Agreement, a clear illustration of African solutions being developed to deal with African challenges.

“African countries and institutions have also led the way in helping Zimbabwe on the road to economic recovery by providing significant lines of credit. Zimbabwe looks forward to the continued solidarity of the AU as it charts a path to safeguard Africa’s sovereignty and promote sustainable development.”

Cde Mujuru urged the AU to continue championing the values of unity, solidarity, promotion of peace and sustainable development, all principles which were upheld by the OAU.

She underscored the need to find African solutions to African challenges.

“The AU continues to play a central role in tackling the multifaceted challenges confronting Africa and raise the profile of Africa globally.

“In the area of peace and security, the AU Peace and Security Council has been at the forefront in addressing Africa’s peace and security challenges. We need African solutions to African problems.

“Clearly, the AU has been a useful platform for action to address various issues confronting Africa and developing common African positions on areas such as the MDGs, climate change, and the reform of the United Nations, to give just a few examples.”

Speaking on behalf of current AU chairperson, Ethiopian Premier Hailmariam Desalegn, Ethiopian ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Koange Tutlam Dung said the continent’s economic prospects offer the continent good reason to celebrate.

Africa yesterday celebrated the formation of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia, 50 years ago.

The organisation was later replaced by the African Union in July, 2002.

The main commemorations are being held in the East African nation where over 50 heads of state and government along with 41 former leaders are gathered.