As Zimbabwe gears up for the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made an earnest plea for peace and tranquillity.
Speaking at the burial of Brigadier General (Rtd) Michael Chaminuka at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Monday, Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful environment for the visiting delegates.
“I, equally, encourage all Zimbabweans to continue working hard to ensure a peaceful, safe, and welcoming environment for our visiting delegates,” Mnangagwa stated. His call comes at a critical juncture as the summit, scheduled to start on July 28 and run until mid-August 2024, approaches. This event represents a significant moment for Mnangagwa’s leadership, one he hopes to navigate without dissent marring his legacy.
Zimbabwe is set to assume the rotational SADC chairmanship, a role that has been lauded by Mnangagwa’s party and allies as a deserved honor. His leadership in this capacity is seen as a testament to his abilities and contributions to the region.
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However, his re-election in August 2023 was shadowed by allegations of widespread irregularities and fraudulent activities, drawing condemnation from both local and international election observers.
Opposition groups and political activists, galvanized by the perceived injustice of Mnangagwa’s victory, are prepared to use the summit as a platform to voice their grievances. Despite successive calls and threats by the police, who have pledged to suppress any protests during the summit, the resolve of the opposition remains firm.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe issued a stark warning to potential protesters. “If you misbehave during the Summit you will bear the consequences. Our country has laws. His Excellency has spoken. Those with ears to hear have heard,” Kazembe declared, his words underscoring the government’s readiness to quell dissent with force if necessary.
Facing criticism for the lavish preparations made for the summit – including the construction of expensive villas and rapid road rehabilitation projects – Mnangagwa made another appeal to the public. He urged all stakeholders to contribute to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Zimbabwe for the summit and beyond.
“Meanwhile, I call upon all the stakeholders, including the private sector, to partner my Administration and our Local Authorities to enhance the environmental ambience, cleanliness, and beauty of our cities in preparation for the Summit, and indeed into the future,” Mnangagwa said.
The 44th SADC Summit represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe, both in terms of its regional standing and the internal political dynamics at play. Mnangagwa’s call for peace and unity is a crucial step in ensuring the summit’s success and the country’s stability. As the event draws nearer, the eyes of the region will be on Zimbabwe, watching to see how Mnangagwa navigates this challenging yet opportune period in his presidency.
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