The Sunday News
Morris Mkwate recently in Bamako, Mali
African Union Chair President Mugabe is the pride of the continent, and Mali will remain grateful to him for overseeing Friday’s peace signing between its government and cessationist rebels, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has said.
The Malian leader told Zimbabwean journalists in an interview in Bamako yesterday that he had been touched by President Mugabe’s visit.
Flanked by the AU chief, President Keita said: “I am delighted and I (have) just said to my elder how grateful I am to him. All the Malian people are grateful to him for his attendance of so important an event for our country in his capacity as Chairperson of the AU; not only in his capacity as President of Zimbabwe — that great country — not only in his capacity as Chairperson of Sadc.
“Above all, President Mugabe is, for us, the true pride of Africa. So, it was very important for me. I was moved.”
President Mugabe said the AU would steadfastly support Mali’s march towards peace, adding that ending armed conflict would strengthen Africa’s voice in the comity of nations.
He implored the main Tuareg rebel group to sign the peace and reconciliation accord, and restated his promise to pray for the West African country.
He also disclosed his personal attachment to Mali, which, he said, was underpinned by the revolutionary teachings of its revered founding leader, President Modibo Keita.
“Oh, yes, the rest of Africa would want to see Mali united. The unity of Mali is the unity not just of Ecowas and not just giving bilateral strength to whatever activities Mali would want to do with its neighbours, but it is also a real benefit to the African Union, to the continent as a whole.
“And if our continent is strong, then it can also interact with other continents with vivacity, proud that its people are united. But for some of us, me in particular, Mali, the country of Modibo Keita, is my country because I also derived inspiration from Modibo Keita as he worked with Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana’s founding leader), Sekou Toure (Guinea Conakry’s first President) and others, and he has been my inspirer.
“Of course, I come with the weight of the African Union because I am currently the Chairman, and so the combination of being African Union Chairman and my own historical zeal and devotion I had to a country like Mali, that it should be united. I try to do my best.”
The President recounted his emotional speech at the signing ceremony, which saw him unpack love as a conflict deterrent, and receive a standing ovation.
“It was very emotional and I said I carry in my bosom the old story of what happened yesterday, and in my own private way, I will also pray with my family for you (Mali) to succeed.
President Mugabe witnessed the peace signing ceremony in his capacity as AU Chair and at the invitation of President Keita.
Most rebel groups signed the pact, though the main Tuareg formation absconded, pressing for further concessions.
There were indications the AU and President Keita’s government will continue discussing with them.
Armed conflict erupted in northern Mali in 2012 when the traditionally nomadic Tuaregs agitated for greater autonomy, and terrorists — piggybacking their efforts on the rebellion — then seized half of the country.
The peace agreement was signed over months of negotiations and, among other provisions, seeks to ensure greater representation of northern groups in government. The President returned home last night.
Meanwhile, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé has invited African Union and Sadc Chair President Mugabe to attend the AU Conference on Maritime Security and Development set to be held in the West African country’s capital, Lome in November.
Acting President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa received the invitation from President Gnassingbé’s special envoy and Togo Foreign Minister Mr Robert Dussey at his offices yesterday.
Speaking to journalists after delivering the message, Mr Dussey said President Mugabe was being invited in his capacity as AU Chair.
“I brought a special message from President Faure Gnassingbé to President Robert Mugabe because President Mugabe is the chairman of the African Union,” said Mr Dussey.
