Zimbabwe at a crossroads 44 years after independence

FROM MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Office
HARARE, (CAJ news) – ZIMBABWE marked 44 years of independence amid typical political polarization, a message to so-called naysayers and the impact of climate change-induced drought.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the nation on Thursday at a well-attended event at the Murambinda breeding point in the eastern province of Manicaland.

Speaking at commemorations in this area about 250 kilometers from the capital, Harare, the president said the country was on the road to recovery after years of inflation.

He said the southern African country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by $16 billion to $47 billion between 2018, when he came to power, and now.

“Despite COVID-19 and the attacks of our detractors, we continue to foster an environment that attracts investment in the country,” Mnangagwa said.

Mnangagwa, the second president elected since independence from Britain in 1980, has led an administration that has fragile relations with the former colonizer and the West.

They maintained the sanctions after allegations of human rights violations and vote fraud.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Zimbabweans on behalf of President Joe Biden’s administration.

He said America remained committed to working with the people of Zimbabwe as they strive for a more just, equitable and healthy society.

“The United States is pleased to support Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights,” Blinken said Thursday.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) congratulated Zimbabwe on its Independence Day on Thursday.

“The SADC family joins the government and people of Zimbabwe in celebrating a happy and memorable 44th anniversary of independence. Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule on 18 April 1980. HAPPY ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENCE DAY,” said a statement by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.

Tanzanian leader Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has congratulated his counterpart, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and Zimbabweans on Independence Day.

“The people of Tanzania and CCM are deeply proud to have friends in the south with whom we fought shoulder to shoulder during the liberation struggle. Our shared history has strengthened a bond of brotherhood that stands the test of time,” said CCM.
On the occasion of #Zimbabwe’s 44th Independence Day and 44th anniversary of diplomatic relations, President Xi Jinping extended warm congratulations to President ED Mnangagwa and reaffirmed our comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

China’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding attended Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in Murambinda, Buhera, Manicaland.

“What a joy to join the 44th Independence Day celebration at Murambinda! My tribute to all those who fought for the hard-won victory against colonialism and who protected unity and development. Happy Independence Day Zimbabwean brothers and sisters,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter

In the second city of Bulawayo, Mayor David Coltart, of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), dismissed the local celebrations, claiming that while a general notice had been sent to councillors, the mayor’s office had not been invited by the government to was presented, the frequency.

“This is a basic courtesy that should be extended to the office, not to me personally,” he said.

ZANU-PF, aligned with the ruling party, slammed it.

“David Coltart did well, he did not attend the independence celebrations. He killed our people,” said the white mayor.

“I defeated him and other soldiers from the Smith regime. He is still bitter. We didn’t want bitter people at today’s independence events.”

Zimbabwe recently declared a state of emergency after its worst drought in years.

The government also introduced a new gold-backed currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), after years of hyperinflation led to the demise of its dollar.

– CAJ news