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African Union and Sadc chairperson President Mugabe shares a lighter moment with former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba (left), while Zambian President Edgar Lungu (centre) looks on at Mozambique’s 40th Independence anniversary celebrations in Maputo yesterday. — (Picture by Presidential Photographer Joseph Nyadzayo)

Munyaradzi Huni recently in MAPUTO, Mozambique
President Mugabe has said “Mozambique’s achievements are Zimbabwe’s achievements” because the two countries share a common history that dates back to the days of the liberation struggle.

The President said the attainment of independence by Mozambique in 1975 meant that Zimbabwe now had a neighbour it could use as a launch pad for its struggle for independence.

Speaking in Mozambique yesterday soon after laying a wreath at the Monument to the Mozambican Heroes to celebrate that country’s 40th independence anniversary, President Mugabe praised the solid relations between Harare and Maputo, adding that it was always an honour to attend such celebrations.

As has become a common sight wherever President Mugabe, the current chairperson of the African Union and Sadc, goes, journalists jostled to get an interview with the revolutionary fighter and they were not disappointed.

“The freedom of Mozambique meant that we (Zimbabwe) now had a country next to us which we could use as a launch pad for our own revolution,” he said.

“Not only that, it meant that people of Mozambique were now also free to join us in our own struggle.

“We commemorate this day with that perspective but of course, we commemorate with sadness. Those we worked with, the great ones like (Eduardo) Mondlane and Samora Machel are no longer with us, but this is their legacy. Their legacy which produced other legacies. A revolutionary legacy.

“But we are glad that we still have the likes of Chissano, Guebuza and others. That’s why as long as we are still alive, we will join in celebrating our achievements together. That’s why I am here and I understand KK (Dr Kenneth Kaunda) is also here.”

President Mugabe added: “This is the making of our freedom in Southern Africa. Its our achievements together. So, we say congratulations to the Mozambicans.”

Several Heads of State and Government, among them Presidents Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Peter Mutharika (Malawi), Hage Geingob (Namibia), Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) and former Heads of State including Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia), Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia) and Benjamin Mkapa (Tanzania) attended the colourful independence celebrations.

Speaking in Portuguese, Mozambican leader Filipe Nyusi addressed the capacity crowd at Machava Stadium and it was clear from the cheers he received that the people of his country were warming up to their leader who got into power in January this year.

Since its independence on June 25 1975, Mozambique has been ruled by Frelimo which has defeated small opposition parties in the country, including Alfonso Dhlakama’s Renamo.

Meanwhile, President Mugabe returned home yesterday evening and was met at the Harare International Airport by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of Defence Sydney Sekeramayi, service chiefs and other Government officials.