Ray Bande in VUMBA
ZIMBABWE, under the Second Republic, is pursuing a mature and stable foreign affairs approach in its interaction with other nations, and in this stance its citizens in the diaspora are heavily discouraged from megaphone criticism of its leaders or leaders of other nations, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking during a three-day Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference in Vumba yesterday (Thursday), Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said the country under the Second Republic’s foreign policy is anchored on promoting coexistence with other nations and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
“In the Second Republic, I repeat, we are pursuing a stable and mature foreign policy. We no longer want people who stand on television and start shouting at people. For what? Don’t you have something better to do? So you are the one who has become angry more than anyone else? We speak through one voice.
“A voice that protects our people in the diaspora and that protects our home turf. No confusion. Some will even go to the extent of eventually apologising saying they were under the influence. Why talk under the influence on issues of national importance?
“You think you can just go and start shouting, in the process exposing 16 million people because of your mouth that is not disciplined. We then developed a doctrine of how Zimbabwe must relate with other nations which is a set of beliefs as codified and directed by the President,” he said.
Minister Murwira urged Zimbabweans in the diaspora to refrain from speaking against international development initiatives meant for the country.
“What is it that we believe in as we relate with other nations? First of all, you must know that it is your responsibility to build your country. Whether you are here or outside, it is your responsibility. You can look for partners, but it is your responsibility to build your country.
“You surely cannot come back home and expect to get clean water, good food and all nice things, but you were busy working against the provision of clean water, good food and nice things wherever you were. You were preventing food from coming, and you were preventing all the good things from coming into the country. So be a good Zimbabweans underground, above ground, in space, in Spain, in Germany or anywhere,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister said complains of what is going on at home are solved on home turf.
“If you have complaints, come and complain here. If you complain while out there, they will think that you are mad because they are themselves. In actual fact, if they hear a person shouting their country in a foreign land, they will question your sanity.
“Because of colonialisation, some people think that the world cares more than you do. They will just take it as comedy and laugh. Let us talk about how we can make this place better. If you are angry, do not talk. Go in a corner and pray. I am trying to say be conscious. It is part of our doctrine in our foreign policy.
“At home and abroad, Zimbabwe always stands for the sovereign equality of nations. We do not have a small country or big country mentality. Everybody has a sovereign right to exercise at international level. At home, we believe everyone, everywhere, no person and no place should be left behind. This is why I said our foreign policy is informed by our domestic policies. We are a friend to all and an enemy to none.
“This means we do not look for adversarial relationships. Not at all. If it was not clear in the past, it must be clear now under the Second Republic. It does not mean there will not be people who hate us, but we can only defend ourselves against them,” he said.
In his welcome remarks during the same event, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza called on Zimbabweans in the diaspora to play their part in the economic development of the country.
“This conference comes at a time when our Government, ably led by President Mnangagwa, is pushing for diaspora participation in the economic development of the country.
“It goes without saying, therefore, that the diaspora community is a key constituency in the economic development of our country. We are grateful that through His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, we are seeing the true meaning of his mantra — leaving no one and no place behind,” said Minister Mugadza.
