FORUS Leader Muyenziwa’s Stirring Call for Unity Ahead of SADC Summit
By Staff Reporter
As Zimbabwe prepares to host the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit this August, Irene Manyara Muyenziwa, the convener of the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) and leader of the opposition FORUS party, has issued an emotional call for unity and peace.
In a statement brimming with national pride and anticipation, Muyenziwa highlighted the significance of the event for Zimbabwe, emphasizing the country’s historical commitment to peace and resilience.
“As we stand on the threshold of a momentous occasion, the upcoming SADC Summit in Zimbabwe this August, my heart swells with pride and anticipation for our nation. We are on the cusp of an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the essence of our unity and the strength of our resolve,” she said.
Muyenziwa’s message highlights the importance of the SADC Summit as a platform for Zimbabwe to highlight its values and commitment to progress.
“Throughout our history, Zimbabwe has been synonymous with peace, a beacon of hope and resilience even in the face of adversity. It is this very spirit of peace that has carried us through turbulent times and allowed us to emerge stronger, more united than ever before,” Muyenziwa said.
She called on the nation to seize this chance to forge new partnerships and chart a brighter future, expressing optimism about the possibilities the summit presents.
“The forthcoming SADC Summit presents us with a chance to showcase our unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and progress. It is a platform for us to exhibit our values, forge new partnerships, and chart a course towards a brighter future for all Zimbabweans,” she said
However, Muyenziwa also expressed deep concern over the recent arrests and persecution of politicians, activists, human rights defenders, and clerics, who are accused of planning to incite unrest during the summit.
“It pains me to witness the arrest and persecution of our own people – politicians, activists, human rights defenders, and clerics – under the guise of alleged plans to incite unrest during the Summit. This dark cloud of oppression threatens to overshadow our efforts towards unity and tarnish our reputation on the global stage,” she lamented.
Muyenziwa implored the government to reconsider these actions and release those detained on what she described as baseless allegations.
“I implore the government to consider the repercussions of these arrests and to release all those detained on baseless allegations immediately. Let us not allow fear and intimidation to mar the spirit of peace and progress that we have worked so hard to cultivate.”
Muyenziwa called on Zimbabweans to embody the principles of peace, tolerance, and respect as they prepare to welcome international leaders and delegates.
“As we prepare to welcome leaders and delegates from near and far, let us embody the principles of peace, tolerance, and respect that define us as a nation. Let us showcase to the world the true essence of Zimbabwe – a nation of peace, unity, and unwavering determination.”
She added “The successful hosting of the SADC Summit in our beloved country serves as an opportunity for us to remind the world that we are a united nation, a nation that puts its people first, and a nation that believes in the power of unity and development. May our actions speak louder than words, may our unity shine brighter than any darkness that seeks to divide us.”
