HARARE – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has once again lashed out at Western countries, accusing them of attempting to undermine Africa’s independence and sovereignty.
Speaking at the burial of national hero Brigadier General (Retired) Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma, Mnangagwa reiterated his government’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and its determination to empower historically disadvantaged communities.
Mnangagwa’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Zimbabwe and Western countries, which have been critical of the country’s human rights record and political governance.
The Zanu-PF leader recently told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the United States government was sponsoring Zambia and Malawi militarily in order to isolate Zimbabwe.
The President has repeatedly accused Western powers of seeking to destabilise his government and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
“As we continue building Zimbabwe and playing our part in regional and continental affairs, we reject hegemonic tendencies and intrusive foreign maneuvers by some Western countries bent on sabotaging the rights of the people of Africa to true independence and sovereignty,” Mnangagwa declared.
“The spirit of Pan-Africanism and the flame of African independence remains alive.
“This is what the likes of our late national hero, Cde Mutsvunguma and his peers in other Liberation Movements achieved through their selfless sacrifices. No amount of neo- colonial machinations or attacks will blunt our ability to pursue programmes of empowering our historically disadvantaged communities.”
A few weeks ago, Mnangagwa met with Putin at the 27th St Petersburg Economic Forum, where he expressed his gratitude for Russia’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
He took the opportunity to publicly criticise the US for allegedly trying to isolate Zimbabwe and undermine its independence, accusing them of consolidating power in the country through security and financial support.
Mnangagwa praised Russia for its support during the war of liberation, saying “You stood by us. I’m happy to be here. If opportunities were availed later on, we would have found time to chat in terms of supporting each other.”
He also accused the West of supporting neighboring countries, Zambia and Malawi, heavily. He alleged that the United States had established a military base in neighboring Zambia.
General Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command and Marine Corps, last week dismissed Mnangagwa’s allegations as “absolutely false”.
Zambia has since sought the intervention of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to mediate its diplomatic rift with Zimbabwe.
The US imposed sanctions on Mnangagwa, his wife Auxillia, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and other high-ranking officials in March.
The sanctions were imposed under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program, which aims to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses and corruption worldwide.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury alleged that Mnangagwa and the other individuals had engaged in corrupt activities or serious human rights violations, including shielding gold and diamond traffickers, instructing government officials to facilitate illegal sales, and accepting bribes.
Kkkkk
As Zimbabweans we’re just burdened by this corrupt thug who is milking the country dry. He took over the tender process and giving it to his runners who are busy buying shoes and cars. Lets not be swayed into racism card. He is trying to raise people’s emotions by these silly accusations of blaming western countries yet he is just a ruthless thug trampling on defenceless people