The Sunday News
Debra Matabvu, Harare Bureau
AFRICAN leaders have described the late former President Robert Mugabe as a champion of freedom, adding that his commitment to liberation of African will forever be cherished.
Speaking at the State funeral for the founding father at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, sitting and former Heads of State as well foreign representatives praised Cde Mugabe as an icon who sacrificed his life to liberate Zimbabweans and people on the continent.
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said Africa had lost a great leader.
“To me, the whole of Africa is mourning the death of a great fighter. He was an African icon of the liberation of the continent from neo-colonialism and apartheid . . . A strong defender of the sovereign right of the people of Zimbabwe.”
An emotional President Mbasogo also said the people of Equatorial Guinea were highly indebted to the people of Zimbabwe and the policies of Cde Mugabe. He urged the continent to preserve the ideals of the late Statesman.
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta said Cde Mugabe had left an indelible mark in the history of Zimbabwe and Africa. He described the late President as a visionary.
“Cde Mugabe will be remembered as a Pan Africanist and as a great icon of liberation who selflessly dedicated his life to the emancipation of Zimbabwe. He was a visionary leader and relentless champion of African dignity.
“It is now on us to keep the hope alive and deliver on the dream of a truly free and prosperous Africa. This is a befitting tribute you can pay to a departed Statesman.”
Saharawi President Brahim Ghali said Africa had lost one of the most distinguished leaders.
“On this day, we are gathered here to pay our last respects to one of the founding fathers of Zimbabwe and one of the most distinguished leaders on the African continent, who fought all forms of colonialism and racial discrimination. His vision and ideals will be forever be cherished.”
Vice-President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu said Cde Mugabe’s vision and eloquence gave confidence to Africans world over.
“Today we celebrate the life of a fallen giant. His vision made Africans feel proud of themselves and to have confidence. What we ask is to continue where he ended.”
Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings described Cde Mugabe as an impressive moral compass who stood up for what he believed in. He said through his continued presence at the international gatherings such the African Union and United Nations, Cde Mugabe continued to share his vision for Africa.
“(Cde) Mugabe was not only a teacher, but most of all an impressive moral compass. In 1980 the country broke its yoke of colonialism through Robert Mugabe’s and others outstanding leadership. Cde Mugabe continued to show his steadfast leadership and our shared vision of the African resonance. His eloquent speeches and continued presence at important gatherings such African Union Summits and United Nations General Assemblies continued to inspire Africa. He continued to share his vision.”
South African President Cyril Rhamaposa said Cde Mugabe was a friend of South Africa who stood by the southern country during apartheid.
“Cde Mugabe stood with us during our darkest hour. He was unwavering in his support for our liberation. When South Africa became independent, Cde Mugabe was the first to be received by President Nelson Mandela. He was a committed Pan Africanist, unwavering in his belief and above all, he was an African hero. We want to thank President Mugabe and the people of Zimbabwe for the contribution they made to our struggle.”
Long-time ally and friend of Cde Mugabe former Namibian leader Sam Nujoma said Cde Mugabe made a great contribution to the continent.
“We are gathered here to pay tribute to a great freedom fighter, who made great contribution to the liberation of Africa,” he said.
Family Spokesperson, Mr Walter Chidhakwa said Cde Mugabe was a unifying figure who valued togetherness and unity.
“He detested tribalism. He wanted a nation that was united. He always said the liberation struggle was won because of the unity of the oppressed masses of Zimbabwe. That unity and togetherness at family level and level of the State became one of the founding principles of our nation. As we remember him, as we go through his memory, we recall his voice calling us to unite, we recall his voice calling us together as a nation.”
Other Heads of States who attended the State funeral service included Angola President Joao Lourenco, Ethiopia President Sahle-Work Zewde, Nambia President Hage Geingob, Botswana Vice-President Slumber Tsogwane, Lesotho Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Parliamentary Affairs Monyane Moleleki as well as and Kingdom of Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku.
Former Presidents Joaquim Chissano (Mozambique), Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia) Festus Mogae (Botswana), Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) as well as Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki of South Africa also attended the State funeral.
