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Columbus Mabika

Herald Reporter

Burundi is seeking Zimbabwe’s support for admission into the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Burundian Senate president Mr Emmanuel Sinzohagera said when paying a courtesy call on his Zimbabwean counterpart, Cde Mabel Chinomona, at Parliament Building yesterday.

Mr Sinzohagera said Burundi had similar history with most SADC member states, hence joining would strengthen the already existing relations. 

Burundi largely lies between SADC members DRC and Tanzania.

‘’We went almost through similar situations with nations like Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Mr Sinzohagera. “Those are countries we are very close to, so we have long ties so joining our friends will also bring us to easy situations when you are working with nations and people that you are close to.” 

Mr Sinzohagera hoped his country’s application to join SADC would be successful and called on Zimbabwe to support its bid.

“Burundi will benefit more and it is a great advantage to join SADC taking into account and consideration its geographical location and again political relations that long exists,” he said.

Mr Sinzohagera said his country had a lot to offer to SADC if its application was successful.

Cde Chinomona said Zimbabwe as the sitting chairperson of the African Parliamentary Union for the next year will advocate for Burundi interests in joining SADC.

“We call on Burundi to join APU, this will reduce on the requirements needed while considerations on Burundi joining SADC are being looked into,” she said. “APU controls parliaments, since I will be APU chairpersons for the next 12 months, we will look into Burundi’s aspirations.”