The African Union and SADC have fully endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa;s presidency.

This was said by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Retired Lieutenant General Dr Sibusiso Moyo.

Gen Moyo said this year’s Africa Day celebration is unique in that it takes place when the people of Zimbabwe, in peace, unity and harmony, resolved to rewrite the history of their country by ushering in the new dispensation.

Dr Moyo was interviewed by the state broadcaster, ZBC ahead of Friday’s 55th anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity now the African Union.

He thanked the SADC and the African Union for their understanding of the events in Zimbabwe and their unwavering support.

He said the visit to Harare by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Mussa Faki Mohamati in February this year and the SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomerna Lawrence Tax in March to pay tribute to the people of Zimbabwe, clearly demonstrates the African solidarity that was envisioned by the founding fathers way back in 1963 when they formed the OAU.

Dr Moyo said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conjunction with the African Group of Diplomatic Ambassadors will on the eve of Africa Day host a dinner for key stakeholders and other pan Africanists to commemorate Africa Day under the 2018 AU theme: ‘Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation’, a mantra that is in tandem with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation.

He said the celebration of Africa Day is a time to reflect on Africa’s successes and failures and challenges’, saying since May 1963 the AU has traversed on arduous journey which has led to the adoption of Agenda 2063 and its first 10-year implementation plan.

He welcomed the signing of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance which is testimony to the new dispensation’s commitment to democracy.

Zimbabwe’s signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area; the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and Single Africa Air Transport Market is also a sign of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the free movement of people, an integral part of Agenda 2063.

Minister Moyo also declared Zimbabwe’s unequivocal support for peace and unity in the continent and the need to silence the guns and resolution of conflicts, including the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic issue.