Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe: President Hails Senegal Ties
Morris Mkwate
5 April 2010
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THOUSANDS of Senegalese celebrated their 50th Independence Anniversary here yesterday with President Mugabe hailing the historical relations between Zimbabwe and the West African country.
President Mugabe was among the 19 African Heads of State and Government who attended the ceremony in the city centre.
Others included African Union chair and Malawi President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika; President Toumani Tourè of Mali; Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh; President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia; President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equitorial Guinea and Ivory Coast’s President Laurent Gbagbo. AU Commission chairman Dr Jean Ping was also present.
The festivities kicked off mid-morning with scores of joyous citizens lining the General Charles de Gaule Boulevard — the venue of the celebrations.
The expectant crowds were treated to cultural performances as well as displays by the country’s uniformed forces who took two hours showcasing their military might.
The airforce also wowed many with its wide range of aircraft which flew past in spectacular fashion.
Speaking on the eve of the occasion broadcast live on national television, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade announced that his country had resolved to retain control of all military bases held by former colonial power France.
The French remained in charge of the bases since the West African nation’s decolonisation in 1960.
However, most of the 1 200 French soldiers are now set to leave this year, as Senegal moves to assert its sovereignty.
“I solemnly declare that from midnight April 4 Senegal will take back all the (military) bases formerly held by France and intends to exert its sovereignty,” he said after unveiling the Monument of African Renaissance at Ouakam.
“Regarding the timeframe for the release of these bases, I have asked the prime minister and army chief of staff to begin talks with the French side.”
Over the years, this situation has appeared more and more incongruous and has often been felt by our populations, particularly young people, civil servants and the army, as an incomplete independence.”
Speaking ahead of the celebrations at a reception hosted by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador here, Mrs Gertrude Stevenson, President Mugabe described the golden jubilee as a celebration of Africa.
He said Zimbabwe and Senegal shared good historical ties dating back to the formative years of the G15 and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union.
He pointed out the need for the two countries to continue strengthening relations on various fronts, including trade.
“We are here to celebrate Senegal’s 50th Independence Anniversary and we do so whole-heartedly. Of course, it’s Africa we are celebrating and our relations with Senegal,” he said.
“We hope these relations continue to blossom and on a reciprocal basis benefit us. . .We look forward to the mission (here) doing well on the political and diplomatic front and deepening our relations with Senegal.”
Senegal gained independence in 1960 after France agreed to a power transfer pact with all of its African colonies.
The country — like its fellow Francophone States on the continent — has maintained close ties with the French in line with the agreement.
A bulk importer, some of its notable economic activities are tourism, fisheries and trade on the Atlantic Ocean coast.
The Government is focusing on infrastructural development in order to stimulate increased foreign direct investment.
Meanwhile, President Mugabe left the coastal country yesterday afternoon. He is expected to arrive home early this morning.
Copyright © 2010 The Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
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