Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE’S efforts to achieve a landmine free environment have been recognised by international organs such as the African Union, with the country targeting to complete the demining exercise by 2026.
An African Union Commission delegation led by Ambassador Limam Jalil paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Defence Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the Defence House in Harare this Friday.
The deliberations included collaboration in the demining exercise around the country.
Ambassador Jail said, “We are there to support their effort in clearing and demining. This is part of the African Union’s commitment to work hard for a mine-free Africa. We are here by both political and humanitarian commitment. We as Africans, have to work hard to achieve and to meet our mine-free continental goal.
The British top envoy to Zimbabwe Ambassador Pete Vowles also met the Minister of Defence and noted his government’s contributions towards Zimbabwe’s demining exercise.
“We have been proud to support the land mine clearance process since 2018, working with the government, ZIMAC and HALO and Trust and MAG, mine action group to clear the mines. I had the chance to go and visit Rushinga a few months ago to meet the communities who suffer from landmines in their communities, but also to meet the hard-working Zimbabwean men and women who are working so hard in such terribly difficult conditions to clear those landmines,” he said.
Government noted that it is within reach of its target to establish a landmine free environment.
“We are grateful for the ties we have with the British office. We have received a cumulative 22 million towards our landmine demining exercise. I’m proud that Zimbabwe has demonstrated will by setting aside at least 2 million on the 2025 budget,” Honourable Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Government is not only clearing landmines but is also assisting communities once infested with landmines to build road networks, clinics and schools for the attainment for Vision 2030.
