By Tichaona Kurewa
GOVERNMENT has expressed gratitude to the African Union for supporting the call for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by Western countries.
While addressing delegates at the official opening of the retreat of the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting in Victoria Falls this Thursday, government reiterated that Zimbabwe is not a threat to global peace and hailed the continental body for its unequivocal stance on illegal sanctions.
“It is equally proper and befitting that I extend Zimbabwe’s sincere gratitude to the Peace and Security Council and the entire AU for the unwavering support towards the removal of the calamitous sanctions imposed on us. We remain grateful to the progressive members of the global community for their principled stance against sanctions. Indeed, Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Frederick Shava.
The AU highlighted that its peace and security organ must lead on matters to do with conflict prevention, resolution and post resolution on the continent.
“The council must be the leading voice in all matters of peace and security, the council must be the centre of excellence in promoting early warning and conflict presentation and finding comprehensive and durable solutions to a myriad of challenges on our continent. The council must be the energiser, the enabler for post conflict re-construction and development,” highlighted Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
The AU Peace and Security Council which is turning 20 in 2024 has a huge responsibility to tame and transform the increasingly hostile peace and security environment on the continent.
