Gukurahundi community outreach launch soon -President Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday said the community outreach program on the Gukurahundi issue will be launched in the coming few months with the budget already confirmed and now in place.

The Gukurahundi conflict occurred in the early 1980s and mostly affected the Matabeleland and parts of Midlands regions, ending with the signing of the Unity Accord between former President Robert Mugabe and his former deputy Joshua Nkomo in 1987.

Addressing members of the Chiefs Council during an interface at the Bulawayo State House, President Mnangagwa said no amount of political posturing and disinformation will derail the process until its finality.

He urged those who will be involved to be on high alert for external forces bent on derailing and returning the country to internal conflict.

The interface with the Chiefs is the fourth since the government in February 2019 embarked on the initiative to resolve the Gukurahundi issue through an internal and home grown process that would see the participation of all those who were affected.

After extensive consultations with stakeholders, President Mnangagwa mandated the National Council of Chiefs through its selected members to spearhead the initiative.

“It is with no small measure of satisfaction that I stand before you today and announce that the implementation of the initiative to resolve the Gukurahundi issue has reached an advanced stage,” he said.

“As we embarked on this process, we were not unaware of, nor had we forgotten the external factors that ignited this conflict in our midst.

The decision to resolve this issue on our own amongst ourselves is based on the realisation that none but ourselves can determine our destiny as a nation.”

President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to jealously guard the prevailing peace and unity against dictators, both internal and external.

“As we approach the official launch in the first quarter of this year, I want to acknowledge the challenges we face. Disinformation and political posturing have attempted to cast a shadow over our efforts.

“This is not a recent phenomenon, the Unity Agreement of 1987, which serves as the foundation of our current initiative, was consummated against the efforts of hostile elements, some of who were instrumental in the sowing of seeds of division amongst us.

“These challenges are not insurmountable and as was the case in the past they shall not succeed. In the face of these challenges, we stand united, driven by a shared commitment to reconciliation, and healing,” he said.

He said that that will participate in the exercise have been availed with necessary equipment to enable them to achieve the noble objectives of the initiative, which is being implemented for the benefit of the people.

“Our commitment to a victim-centered approach remains steadfast, ensuring that the process is not just efficient but also empathetic,” he explained, adding the commitment of the government to the resolution of the Gukurahundi issue is unwavering and emphasises on the need to bring closure to the matter.

“The National Council of Chiefs as the custodians of our culture, traditional practices and values are best placed to handle this issue through their intimate and close relationship with the people.

“A Comprehensive report and a manual guiding the conduct of this exercise have been developed, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards healing,” he said.

President Mnangagwa commended the Matabeleland Collective for their active role in the process since its inception, adding it was not about addressing the wounds of the past, but building a stronger and more united Zimbabwe for the future.

So far, over 1 008 service providers, including chiefs from the affected regions, have been capacitated and trained to conduct the Gukurahundi community outreach program with their commitment and dedication exemplifying the spirit of unity that defines Zimbabweans as a nation.

New Ziana