Latest News Editor's Choice


News / National

'Zimbabwe concerned with situation in Mozambique'

by Staff reporter
16 Nov 2024 at 14:25hrs | Views
Zimbabwe has expressed deep concern over the escalating security challenges in Mozambique, warning that the instability threatens national interests and the broader regional security environment.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Junior Staff Course Number 81 at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare yesterday, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted the deteriorating situation in Mozambique following its recent elections. She underscored its potential impact on Zimbabwe's economic lifeline to the sea and the region's overall stability.

"We continue to monitor with great concern the security threats prevailing in the region, particularly in Mozambique and the eastern DRC. We are following these security developments with a keen eye," said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She emphasized the importance of regional stability to Zimbabwe's economic development, pointing to Mozambique's strategic significance as a trade route to the Indian Ocean.
Regional and Global Security Concerns

The minister also expressed unease about the broader global security environment, describing it as increasingly fraught with tensions between powerful nations. She raised alarm over the rising use of unconventional warfare tactics, including biological weapons, which she said pose grave risks to global safety.
Strengthening Regional Defence Cooperation

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri commended the participation of allied students in the Junior Staff Course, calling it a testament to strong regional defence cooperation. Such initiatives, she said, bolster the interoperability of the African Standby Force and foster collective security in the region.

As part of Zimbabwe's engagement and re-engagement strategy, the minister noted that the government had signed multiple defence cooperation agreements with countries across Africa and beyond.

"These agreements aim to promote military cooperation in areas such as training, intelligence sharing, joint exercises, the transfer of military technology, and the research, development, and production of military hardware," she said.

Commitment to ZDF Welfare

Turning to the welfare of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Muchinguri-Kashiri reiterated the government's commitment to improving conditions of service for its members. While she did not elaborate on specific measures, she assured attendees that the welfare of the ZDF remained a priority for the government.
Regional Stakes

The situation in Mozambique, coupled with unrest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has placed regional security firmly in the spotlight. With Zimbabwe and its neighbors heavily reliant on Mozambique's ports for trade, any further destabilization could have far-reaching consequences for economic growth and regional integration.

The government's proactive stance reflects a broader recognition of the need for stability within Southern Africa to secure both economic and geopolitical interests.

Source - The Herald