FORUS President Manyara Irene Muyenziwa (file photo)
By Edward Makuzva
HARARE, Zimbabwe– As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit this August, Manyara Irene Muyenziwa, President of the FORUS party has expressed a mix of pride and concern regarding the nation’s readiness for the significant event.
In a heartfelt press statement, Muyenziwa emphasized the importance of this summit as an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its commitment to peace and unity. “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 stated, reflecting the anticipation felt across the nation.
Zimbabwe has long been regarded as a beacon of hope and resilience, even in challenging times. Muyenziwa highlighted this historical context, saying, “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.”
However, the FORUS President raised alarms over recent arrests of politicians, activists, and human rights defenders, which she described as a dark cloud overshadowing the country’s preparations for 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 urged the government to reconsider its approach and to release those detained on what she termed “baseless allegations.” She passionately implored, “Let us not allow fear and intimidation to mar the spirit of peace and progress that we have worked so hard to cultivate.”
As Zimbabwe gears up to welcome leaders and delegates from across the region, Muyenziwa called on her fellow citizens to embody the principles of peace, tolerance, and respect. “Let us showcase to the world the true essence of Zimbabwe – a nation of peace, unity, and unwavering determination,” she asserted.
In closing, Muyenziwa reminded everyone of the pivotal role that unity plays in Zimbabwe’s future. “May our actions speak louder than words, may our unity shine brighter than any darkness that seeks to divide us,” she concluded, instilling hope and determination as the nation steps into this crucial moment.
With the SADC Summit on the horizon, Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads, ready to reaffirm its commitment to peace and collaboration while addressing the challenges that threaten its unity.
