"Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Western Sahara" AU Chairperson appeals



Harare, Zimbabwe 26/05.2015. On behalf of the African Union (AU) Chairman, President Robert Mugabe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Honorable Simbarashe Mumbengegwi appeals African Countries and peoples not forget the people of Western Sahara who is still fighting for independence and self-determination.

In the a Statment read by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Presidend Mugabe said "While the liberation agenda of OAU/AU has largely been achieved, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Western Sahara, who are still fighting for their independence and self-determination. Theirs is the last outpost of colonial occupation in Africa which has to be dismantled in fulfilment of the vision of our founding fathers, to fight for a fully independent and sovereign Africa".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with African diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe yesterday  night celebrated Africa Day in a truly African spirit with music, dance and food from the African continent.

The guests to the celebrations were greeted miles away with warm African hospitality  with the beating of the African drum, African marimba and African dance moves.

Proceedings began with the singing of the national anthem of Zimbabwe and the African Union (AU) followed by a word of prayer from Reverend Andrew Utawunashe who prayed for African leaders and African people.

Government ministers, legislators and diplomatic attended the celebrations among the Ambassador of Saharawi Republic H.E Mohamed Cheij Saleh .

Malawian ambassador to Zimbabwe,  Jane Kambalame gave an overview of the significance of the day and the AU theme of women empowerment under agenda 2063.

Lined up for entertainment were the Beni Arinoti, a military dance which originated from Malawi soldiers who served in the world wars.

A Form 3 student, Ruvimbo Mafuva wowed the guests with her poem in praise of the richness of the Arican continent and the founding fathers.

She also highlighted the problems being faced by the African child such as child labour, abuse, early marriages and child soldiers.

Africa's youngest nation, South Sudan also added a flavour with its cultural group performance.

A local cultural group, the Hwamanda Group thrilled the crowd with their antics on the African drum.