Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa, who is also the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, urged the region to remain vigilant against external threats as the bloc commemorated Southern Africa Liberation Day.
Speaking in his official address yesterday, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of safeguarding the independence and sovereignty that liberation fighters sacrificed for.
“We must, therefore, stand in solidarity against the imposition of illegal and unwarranted sanctions, the use of coercive measures and any other actions that undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
He further highlighted the plight of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, calling for its independence. “Africa will not be free until Western Sahara is liberated, free, and independent,” President Mnangagwa declared, reaffirming SADC’s stance on decolonisation.
While acknowledging SADC’s relative peace and stability, he raised concerns over escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The situation in Eastern DRC undermines the aspirations bequeathed to us by our Founding Fathers and outlined in the SADC Vision 2050. The time to ‘silence the guns’, de-escalate tensions and hostilities, as well as engage in dialogue to secure mediated outcomes and long-lasting peace in the DRC, is now,” he urged.
The SADC chairperson also drew attention to the severe impact of climate change, which has caused recurring disasters such as droughts and floods, posing significant threats to food security and livelihoods.
“Our region has been greatly affected by the recurring climate change-induced disasters, leading to far-reaching consequences for our people, economies, and environment. There is a need to enhance our early warning capabilities and build resilience; leveraging the deployment of science, technology and innovation cannot be overemphasised,” he stressed.
President Mnangagwa rallied SADC citizens to unite for regional development, asserting that industrialisation and integration could only be achieved through commitment and collective effort.
“The modern, industrialised, and integrated SADC we all want shall be realised through hard, honest work, focus, commitment, unity of purpose, and collective determination. None but us, the SADC citizens, will build and transform our region,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Southern Africa Liberation Day, marked annually on March 23, was adopted by SADC to honour the sacrifices of liberation movements that fought against colonial rule and apartheid.
The day serves as a reminder of the region’s struggle for self-determination and the need to safeguard its hard-won independence.
