THE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has called on African leaders to prioritise the unfinished business of liberation and self-determination for all communities on the continent.
In a statement during Africa Day commemorations, MRP president Mqondisi Moyo called on African countries to consider the historical injustices that have been committed against the Mthwakazi people and to take concrete steps to address their grievances.
He said for many marginalised communities, including the Mthwakazi people, the struggle was still far from over.
“We continue to face systemic marginalisation, human rights abuses, and denial of our right to self-determination. On this Africa Day, we call upon our esteemed leaders and the African Union to prioritise the unfinished business of liberation and self-determination for all African communities.
“We urge you to recognise the historical injustices that have been committed against the Mthwakazi people and to take concrete steps to address our grievances.
“The historical foundation laid by the Organisation of African Unity, now manifested in the African Union, has been pivotal in fostering unity, independence and solidarity across our continent.”
Moyo said the strength and resilience demonstrated by African nations have propelled them towards significant achievements in promoting democracy, peace and socio-economic development.
“Starkly contrasting its historical solidarity with nations fighting for liberation, the African Union’s support for indigenous and marginalised communities within Africa’s independent nations has been marked by a profound and troubling silence, underscoring a significant absence of meaningful action and solidarity with those struggling for justice, self-determination and human rights in the face of systemic oppression and marginalisation,” he said.
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“The African Union's evolution has led to a concerning shift in its role and purpose. Rather than serving as a champion of human rights, justice, and self-determination for all African communities, AU has increasingly become a platform for nations led by liberation movements to consolidate power and protect their positions.
“This transformation has resulted in an organisation that prioritises the interests of the ruling elite over the needs and rights of marginalised and indigenous communities, undermining its original purpose and values.”
He urged AU to stop protecting ruling parties in member countries.
“This has significant implications for the organisation’s ability to address the complex challenges facing Africa, including human rights abuses, corruption and social injustices.
“As a result, AU’s credibility and effectiveness in promoting the welfare and interests of African communities are being increasingly questioned,” Moyo said.
He said the Mthwakazi people in Zimbabwe were marginalised, adding that they had been subjected to decades of systemic marginalisation, oppression and human rights abuses at the hands of government.
“The geographical separation between Mashonaland and Matabeleland was marked by distinct territorial boundaries, with each region having its own specific characteristics and features.
“The separation between these regions was not merely a matter of administrative or political division, but rather a reflection of the distinct cultural, historical and geographical contexts that shaped the lives and experiences of the people who inhabited them,” he said.
He said MRP’s quest for restoration was rooted in a complex history, adding that it was not merely a matter of addressing contemporary grievances.
“The consequences of this tumultuous history are still felt today, as the Mthwakazi people continue to endure systemic marginalisation, facing significant barriers to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. The Gukurahundi genocide, which claimed the lives of over 20 000 innocent people remains a painful reminder of the atrocities committed against the Mthwakazi community.
“This ongoing marginalisation perpetuates a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement that threatens the very fabric of their identity and existence.”
Moyo said AU should acknowledge the historical injustices committed against them and take concrete steps to address their grievances, ensuring that the Mthwakazi people finally determine their own destiny and build a brighter future.
“We urge the AU to acknowledge its past limitations and take concrete steps to address the ongoing marginalisation and human rights abuses faced by the Ndebele community in Zimbabwe. We demand respect, recognition and the right to be heard.
“The Mthwakazi people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and it is AU’s responsibility to ensure our rights are protected and promoted. We will continue to fight for our freedom and self-determination and we expect AU to support us in this struggle,” he said.
