Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the historic bonds between Zimbabwe and Mozambique are deeply rooted in their shared struggle for freedom, resilience, and sacrifice.
The head of state said this as he handed over a consignment of relief items to his counterpart, President Daniel Chapo, in Mozambique following the devastating cyclone Chido, which hit the country in December last year.
Bound by their history, Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s relations go beyond the surface and have continued to be cultivated through close cooperation.
With Zimbabwe attaining independence a few years after Mozambique had attained theirs, Zimbabwean freedom fighters were housed in the sister nation.
It was in Chimoio where some of Zimbabwe’s fighters were trained for the battlefield.
Cyclone Chido had devastating effects on the communities in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Tete, and Sofala.
Recognising the impact such a national disaster can have on affected communities, Zimbabwe, through ZimAid, has compassionately responded to the needy communities.
As he handed over the items, which included food, maize seed, and building materials, President Mnangagwa reflected on the assistance Mozambique extended to Zimbabwe, particularly during the days of the liberation struggle.
“I am happy to come back home. When we were fighting the Ian Smith regime, we were housed here. You kept us when we got sick. When we were training our people, you helped us to achieve independence. I am here, my dear brother. What you are witnessing today is a historic bond between two nations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said being in Mozambique ahead of Zimbabwe’s Heroes Day commemorations is a tribute to the country’s heroes and heroines.
“Our presence here on the eve of our National Heroes and Defence Forces Day is equally a tribute to the many fallen heroes who fought side by side for our independence and for the freedom we all enjoy. This legacy of unity and comradeship must continue to define our relationship as we forge a shared destiny,” he added.
As he reflected on the now all-too-common occurrences of natural disasters like Cyclone Chido.
President Mnangagwa called for regional cooperation in ensuring that Africa builds greater resilience against the effects of climate change.
“ The world today presents a different enemy in the form of climate change, characterised by floods, droughts and resultant loss of lives and livelihoods,” he noted.
President Chapo was happy to receive the consignment to assist the communities affected by Cyclone Chido.
He hailed the unbreakable ties between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“We thank you for the donation that you have brought to us. We thank you for this humanitarian aid. Together, we fought to free our countries from colonial rule. We share a lot as brothers,” President Chapo said.
At least 94 people were killed by Cyclone Chido in Mozambique.
