Staff Reporter
The 11th Secretary Generals of Former Liberation Movements (FLMs) meeting in Victoria Falls marked a significant moment, not just for the region but for the entire African continent.
The meeting saw the handover of the chairmanship from Zimbabwe's ZANU PF Secretary General, Obert Mpofu, to South Africa ANC`s, Fikile Mbalula, which underscored the enduring unity and commitment to collaboration among these historic parties.
Representatives from the six influential African FLMs, namely ZANU PF, ANC (South Africa), FRELIMO (Mozambique), CCM (Tanzania), MPLA (Angola), and SWAPO (Namibia), underscored the continent's commitment to unity and collaboration.
Neo-colonialism took centre stage in the deliberations as the Parties unpacked the various threats it presents to African states’ sovereignty. The FLMs, however, vowed to work together to safeguard their hard-won independence and build a more prosperous future for Africa.
Through the sharing of strategies and fostering effective communication, the sister parties were able to equip and prepare themselves to tackle contemporary threats to African sovereignty and self-determination.
Mbalula's emphasis on unwavering commitment to the collective struggle resonated throughout the event. His words echoed the understanding that a united Africa is a stronger Africa, better positioned to address its challenges and achieve its full potential. Building on unity, Mbalula reaffirmed that the FLMs are united not just on paper but in action.
He cited the Julius Nyerere Leadership School and the 2023 political parties’ dialogue in South Africa as concrete examples of fostering solidarity and building a progressive front against imperialism. Mbalula further emphasised the continued need for solidarity within liberation parties in recognition of the ongoing threat of neo-colonialism. He highlighted the importance of vigilance against proxies planted in NGOs to weaken the liberation movements.
ZANU PF Secretary General, Obert Mpofu, called on the FLMs to guard the gains of the liberation struggle. Mpofu emphasised that regular meetings among heads of state created a buffer against infiltration. He further pointed to exemplary successful collaborative achievements such as the African Liberation Movement Museum in Zimbabwe. He urged unity and collaborative effort by helping in the upcoming elections in South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Namibia.
The FLMs' meeting serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for Africa. Through continued collaboration and a commitment to shared goals, these parties can pave the way for a more unified, prosperous, and self-reliant continent.
