‘President Mugabe is the pride of Africa’

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 secessionist 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 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.

“I want him (President Keita) to succeed; I want Africa to succeed. The success of Mali in getting unity is success for us all. So, I am happy that I have been to the country of Modibo Keita. God willing, we will want to see you (President Keita), too, in Zimbabwe and build strong bonds.”

He added: “. . .So, it’s a really overwhelming experience and we wish, in the name of God, for this unity to succeed and we hope those who are hesitating will not continue to hesitate, and join others and have the people of Mali together.

“That’s what we said.

‘‘That’s the story I will tell the African Union Summit that we will have in South Africa in June; that we succeeded in having most of the contenders agreeing with government and signing this agreement. It’s a peace agreement, to us, which must get to the people of Mali.”

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 and was welcomed at Harare International Airport by Vice-Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko; Ministers Sydney Sekeramayi (Defence), Saviour Kasukuwere (Environment, Water and Climate), Christopher Mutsvangwa (War Veterans, War Collaborators, Political Detainees and Restrictees Welfare Services) and Miriam Chikukwa (Harare Provincial Affairs); Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda; his deputy, Colonel Christian Katsande, and service chiefs.