By Sharon Tawuya
Harare, (New Ziana)— The Parliaments of Zimbabwe and  Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to strengthen their legislative ties, especially in their oversight role in health, governance, sustainable development and accountability.
The MoU was signed at the New Parliament Building by  Margarida Adamugy Talapa, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, who is in Zimbabwe on an official reciprocal parliamentary visit, and Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
The MoU, supported by Africa Risk Management and the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe, will run for two years and focuses on capacity building for MPs, joint research, and constituency-level monitoring.
Speaking after the signing, Talapa said the agreement will equip Parliamentarians with tools and data to better monitor laws and national commitments on health, gender and community development.
“As Parliament, we have a constitutional mandate to represent the people and to hold government accountable. This MoU will enhance our capacity to track progress and ensure policies translate into real benefits for communities,” Talapa said.
She highlighted the historical ties between the two countries.
“Our two Parliaments have always worked together in the spirit of pan-Africanism. This cooperation must now be deepened to address current challenges facing our people,” she said.
On Mozambique’s current situation, Talapa added: “We are going through a period that requires unity and calm. The Assembly of the Republic will continue to play its role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the voices of all Mozambicans are heard as we work towards national reconciliation.”
Also speaking after the signing, Mudenda commended Mozambique’s inclusive approach to peace and raised concern over external interference in the region.
“I am encouraged there is national dialogue in Mozambique that is inclusive of all sectors of the society. It is disturbing to note that a third hand is involved in the destabilization of most African countries including Mozambique where the mineral rich Cabo Delgado province is under attack by insurgency,” said Mudenda.
As part of side events, Chief Whips from both Parliaments met to discuss coordination of parliamentary business.
The Zimbabwe Government Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi proposed a platform for Chief Whips to facilitate dialogue and official visits.
New Ziana
