Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to remain vigilant against external influences seeking to disrupt the ongoing process of resolving the Gukurahundi issue. 

The President has said this during his fourth interface with the Chiefs Council in Bulawayo today.

The President's remarks come on the background of on-going efforts to address the Gukurahundi issue through a home-grown process initiated in February 2019.

Speaking during the meeting with the Chiefs Council, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of national unity and the need to guard against both internal and external forces that might seek to reignite conflict.

“As we embarked on this process, we were not unaware of, nor had we forgotten the external factors that ignited this conflict in our midst. The decision to resolve this issue on our own amongst ourselves is based on the realisation that none but ourselves can determine our destiny as a nation. As we approach the official launch in the first quarter of this year, l want to acknowledge the challenges we face. Disinformation and political posturing have attempted to cast a shadow over our efforts.

"I therefore take this opportunity to urge everyone involved in this exercise to maintain heightened alertness for external influences that seek to derail our processes and drive us back to a scenario of internal disputes and conflicts," stated President Mnangagwa.

Moreover, President Mnangagwa reiterated his administration's commitment to finding closure for those affected and went on to acknowledge the deep pain associated with the Gukurahundi events and the need for a lasting resolution.

"The dedication to the resolution of the Gukurahundi issue is unwavering. We understand the depth of the pain and the need for closure. While we hope that this process will not extend beyond a year, we are prepared to invest the time required to bring about a resolution," said President Mnangagwa.

Furthermore, President Mnangagwa emphasized that the resolution transcends mere wound healing; it is about building a stronger, united Zimbabwe for the future

"In closing let us remember that this journey is not just addressing the wounds of the past, it is building a stronger, more united Zimbabwe for the future. The Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme is a testament to our collective resilience and determination to confront our history with courage and compassion,” the President declared.

Meanwhile, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa continues to walk the talk in facilitating processes to bring about closure to post-independence conflicts to entrench unity in the country. President Mnangagwa has on various platforms emphasised the importance of unity in the country which he believes sets the stage for collective prosperity.