Terrence Mawawa|Dr Daniel Shumba, President of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has reacted angrily to Mr. Frank Buyanga’s letter to the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, asking him to consider Zimbabwe for a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member, saying the peace and stability the country has enjoyed over the years deserves such recognition.
“I am perturbed by Mr. Buyanga’s ambitious letter not least because he seems to be oblivious to the reality of life in Zimbabwe but also he is under the mistaken impression that the transfer of power was based on consent and transparency.
Zimbabweans need the rule of law and constitutionalism before we can even think of flying our flags high to the world when at home were are concerned daily about the safety of my cash.
Mr. Buyanga wrote as follows: “Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Africans need your support on many issues, including being able to voice their views on matters of security, those deliberated by the Security Council,” as if he has the competency and capacity on behalf of Africans.
Who gave Mr. Buyanga the right to think and express an opinion on behalf of the entire continent?
He then stated as follows: “The African Union is leaving the selection of who will represent Africa on the UN Security Council to be determined by foreigners. This, Mr Guterres, opens a gap for manipulation and only the ‘big’ countries will forever be selected to sit on this powerful council.”
The African Union is a community of member states, a point that Mr. Buyanga seems to ignore. He fails to explain in what capacity he finds it fit to poke his nose in the matter which the African Union Commission should be seized with.
Mr Buyanga opportunistically states as follows: “There is no threat to peace and security in Zimbabwe. Secretary-General, with your help and guidance we hope and trust that Zimbabwe will get the recognition it deserves,” when it is generally accepted that there can never be peace and security where there is no justice and the rule of law.
I have not heard Mr. Buyanga being vocal on matters that I think are germane in lifting Zimbabwe from its current economic mess.
We have left the future of our country to opportunistic, delusional and small-minded people like this Buyanga,”