by Nyasha Mutena
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of The South) – Of the 68.5 million displaced persons in the world, 40 million are internally displaced, 25,4 million are refugees and 3,1 million are asylum seekers and Africa is home to 14.5 million internally displaced and 6.3 million refugees, Professor Eamon Murwira unveiled this at this year’s Africa Day Celebrations.
The spruced celebrations featured an energetic performance by the Zimbabwe Police band and Zimbabwe College of music band. Varieties of scrumptious cuisines and dishes from across the African continent made the night even a memorable one.
Professor Murwira, who was guest of honour, bewailed this state of situation saying there was need for a hands on approach to alleviate the plight of Refugees, Returnees and Internally displaced persons. He said particular attention must be directed towards the social group hardest hit which include women, the youth, children and people with disabilities.
Professor Murwira also said this year’s theme, “Refugees and internally displaced persons in Africa: Towards durable solutions to forced displacement’, is both auspicious and opportune as it resonates well with what transpired when the catastrophic Cyclone Idai hit the Southern of Africa region.
“Southern Africa, a region ravaged by Cyclone Idai with devastating impact on Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, I will not belabour this point as we all too familiar with what transpired but allow me to express my deep gratitude to the countries that have come to Zimbabwe’s and the broader region’s help during this challenging time,” he said.
Egypt Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E Mohammed Mostafa Fahmy commended the work done by AU in spearheading the continents’ combined efforts through the landmark AU agenda 2063 in addition to playing a major role in addressing the major issues that face Africa such as the proliferation of conflicts, rise of terrorists, the surge in numbers of migrants and internally displaced people and climate change.
Honourable Fahmy said there was need to encourage investment in infrastructure projects in addition to championing several landmark mega projects that will transform Africa such as the VICMED project which aims to establish a navigational route between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea and the North-South Corridor (Cairo/Cape Road).
He also said such ambitious goals cannot be achieved without ensuring peace and stability which continues to suffer from multiple intractable conflicts. H.E emphasized that these goals require considerable support from the International community and development partners.
“The historic transformation of the continent is being spearheaded by African themselves in line with the principle of African solutions for African problems however International support is needed at this juncture of African history.
“There is need to enhance the existing African union’s existing international partnerships in addition to building networks with all relevant stakeholders who are committed to our African cause,” he also said.
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