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'For Prosperous & Empowered Society': Zimbabwe's Leader Addresses Citizens on National Unity Day

18:06, 22 December 2023

Rasina Musallimova

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On December 22, the Zimbabweans commemorate the signing of the Unity Accord on this day 1987, which ended the discord between the country's key political parties, ZANU and ZAPU.

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Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the citizens of his country on the National Unity Day, calling the country to "accelerate the attainment" of the national vision for "prosperous and empowered society."

"The historic Unity Accord remains a guiding character of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Riding on this timeless heritage, we must accelerate the attainment of our shared national vision for inclusive development and a modernized, industrialized prosperous and empowered society," he said.

As a result of the Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, between ZANU and ZAPU, the country's ruling party ZANU-PF was formed.

The leader underlined that the important day is an opportunity to "recommit to safeguarding, preserving and promoting [Zimbabwe's] rich heritage for the benefit of both present and future generations."

"Together as a united people, we are the only guarantors of our independence, peace, stability, freedom and development. Let us, therefore, remain patriotic and continue wholeheartedly serving our great motherland, Zimbabwe. Through hard, honest work, we are realizing success and prosperity. Step by step, brick by brick and stone upon stone, the Zimbabwe we all want, is becoming a reality," the president highlighted.

The head of state urged to "reject regionalism, tribalism, self-hate and all forms of violence," citing the "duty and responsibility to work harder with honesty and integrity to utilize the [country's] vast opportunities."

"Increased production and productivity, across all sectors of the economy, remain our collective priority," he said.

Earlier, during an interdenominational prayer service at State House to mark the National Day of Prayer, Mnangagwa emphasized the nation's resilience in the face of difficulties, particularly the punitive measures imposed by the West for over 20 years.

For over 20 years, Zimbabwe has been under the sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union due to alleged human rights violations and a lack of democracy in the country. According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations, the sanctions affected Zimbabweans' access to necessities.