Africa must help Zimbabweans to work together - AU
By Luyanda Makapela
Sharm-El-Shaikh – Africa must assume its responsibilities and do all in its power to help the political parties in Zimbabwe to work together in the interest of their country, says African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Jean Ping.
"We need to work together as a continent to find workable solutions in the current situation happening in Zimbabwe while bringing peace and stability in the area," Mr Ping said while addressing the official opening of the AU Assembly in Sharm-El-Shaikh on Monday.
Mr Ping's plea came just few hours after Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe landed in Sharm-El-Shaikh to attend the summit.
Mr Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term on Sunday, having been declared the overwhelming winner of a one-man election run-off after the opposition candidate withdrew.
Speaking at the summit, AU President and Tanzania State President Jakaya Kikwete said the AU had noted that Zimbabwe faced many challenges during its second phase of elections and campaigns.
"Despite these challenges, the AU will continue in its efforts to help our brothers in Zimbabwe thought this difficult period facing them with regards to peace and security in their country," said Mr Kikwete.
He thanked the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers for their work done during the Zimbabwe elections.
“I would like to congratulate member states of the SADC especially South African President Thabo Mbeki for his big efforts in trying to resolve the political crisis in Zimbabwe," he said.
He urged African leaders to avoid crises of such a nature.
"Leaders must always avoid plunging the continent into political crises which could be avoided by pursuing political objections which are not in the interests of people they represent," said Mr Kikwete.
Also addressing the summit, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Asha-Rose Migiro said UN and AU countries shared a joint responsibility to ensure that African countries live in peace and stability.d
"We must stand by people of Zimbabwe who are facing an extremely grave crisis"
This is the single greatest challenge to regional stability in Southern Africa, not only because of its terrible humanitarian and security consequences, but because of the dangerous political precedent it sets," said Ms Migiro.
She added that the entire UN system was firmly committed to supporting the AU's efforts to build peace and prosperity on the continent.
"We will spare no effort in our work with the African Union to ensure a better future for Africa's population," said the deputy secretary general. - BuaNews
Sharm-El-Shaikh – Africa must assume its responsibilities and do all in its power to help the political parties in Zimbabwe to work together in the interest of their country, says African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Jean Ping.
"We need to work together as a continent to find workable solutions in the current situation happening in Zimbabwe while bringing peace and stability in the area," Mr Ping said while addressing the official opening of the AU Assembly in Sharm-El-Shaikh on Monday.
Mr Ping's plea came just few hours after Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe landed in Sharm-El-Shaikh to attend the summit.
Mr Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term on Sunday, having been declared the overwhelming winner of a one-man election run-off after the opposition candidate withdrew.
Speaking at the summit, AU President and Tanzania State President Jakaya Kikwete said the AU had noted that Zimbabwe faced many challenges during its second phase of elections and campaigns.
"Despite these challenges, the AU will continue in its efforts to help our brothers in Zimbabwe thought this difficult period facing them with regards to peace and security in their country," said Mr Kikwete.
He thanked the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers for their work done during the Zimbabwe elections.
“I would like to congratulate member states of the SADC especially South African President Thabo Mbeki for his big efforts in trying to resolve the political crisis in Zimbabwe," he said.
He urged African leaders to avoid crises of such a nature.
"Leaders must always avoid plunging the continent into political crises which could be avoided by pursuing political objections which are not in the interests of people they represent," said Mr Kikwete.
Also addressing the summit, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Asha-Rose Migiro said UN and AU countries shared a joint responsibility to ensure that African countries live in peace and stability.d
"We must stand by people of Zimbabwe who are facing an extremely grave crisis"
This is the single greatest challenge to regional stability in Southern Africa, not only because of its terrible humanitarian and security consequences, but because of the dangerous political precedent it sets," said Ms Migiro.
She added that the entire UN system was firmly committed to supporting the AU's efforts to build peace and prosperity on the continent.
"We will spare no effort in our work with the African Union to ensure a better future for Africa's population," said the deputy secretary general. - BuaNews
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