HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s stance on protecting its sovereignty, insisting the nation will never compromise on its legitimate rights, interests, and freedom Speaking at the 45th Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day celebrations held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, the Commander-in-Chief underscored the military’s role as a steadfast guardian of peace, security, and socio-economic development “Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy of none However, as an independent and sovereign country, we will never sacrifice our legitimate rights and interests or our peace and security,” said President Mnangagwa He recalled the suffering endured during colonial oppression and the liberation struggle, stressing the country’s unshakeable commitment to peace at national, regional, continental, and international levels The President noted Zimbabwe’s continued participation in peace support operations under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU), and United Nations (UN) He urged the ZDF to align its operations and training with emerging global threats, including cyber-attacks, climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and economic instability “The fast-paced and multi-pronged global developments require that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces expand beyond the traditional role of defending sovereignty against external military threats,” he said, commending ZDF initiatives in border control, combating drug abuse, disaster preparedness, and climate change mitigation Mnangagwa highlighted significant progress in the country’s demining programme, revealing that only 4% of the original 850km of minefields remain The completion of the Rusitu to Muzite Mission minefield in December 2024 rendered Manicaland Province mine-free He expressed gratitude to development partners and humanitarian demining organisations for their support, while pledging continued government investment in the National Mine Clearance Unit The President also praised the ZDF’s role in fostering community development This year’s Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week saw the handover of several infrastructure projects, including classroom blocks, health centres, and bridges In total, 29 projects in the education sector and four clinics are either completed or underway across the country “All of us have a role to play in building our motherland, Zimbabwe,” said Mnangagwa “It is exemplary that our Defence Forces continue to undertake social responsibility projects which are having a transformational impact at the community level.” The commemorations reaffirmed the ZDF’s dual role: maintaining peace and stability while contributing to socio-economic growth through tangible, grassroots development projects Originally published on The Zimbabwe Mail All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com . Source: Thezimbabwemail
Image from Mnangagwa Urges Defence Forces to Safeguard National Interests Embrace Emerging Security 