Zim, Russia to fight neo-colonialism
ZIMBABWE and Russia should join forces in the fight against neo-colonialism for the mutual benefit of both countries, Zanu PF has said.
Speaking at the inauguration session of the International Forum of Supporters of the Fight Against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism held in Russia yesterday, Zanu PF’s Secretary for External Relations Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said all hands should be on deck in fighting emerging neo-colonialism tactics.
“As we all know, contemporary neo-colonialism is a planned and deliberate policy of some developed countries to maintain their influence in developing countries and former colonies,” he said.
“What we are witnessing in our times is simply a continuation of past practices. We are under existential threat. We have to respond or we perish. The strategies may have changed but the objectives remain the same.
“It is urgent that we create alliances between our political organisations and movements to denounce and confront neo-colonial strategies that exploit other people and countries.
“These modern practices of Neocolonialism have become more sophisticated, complex and hideous. Truly, today’s meeting will have definite outcomes which will place our parties in readiness for countering neo-colonial practices.
“In the face of these mounting challenges and threats posed by the modification of Neocolonialism, we believe that it is imperative to close ranks and unite as we strategise to transform our world, for the better.”
Cde Mumbengegwi said the threat to multilateralism wrought by the interference of Western powers in sovereign countries’ affairs should be dealt with.
He urged countries facing Western interference to not be oblivious but remain aware.
“At the heart of the destructive manifestations of the neo-colonial agenda is the unlawful external interference in the sovereign affairs of States,” said Cde Mumbengegwi.
“We must not be oblivious to the role of the Western powers in shaping a world order in their own image. Clearly, this poses a great threat to multilateralism and the international order.
“There is growing evidence that neo-imperial and neo-colonial strategies of dominance are increasingly articulated through emerging universal ethics of democracy and human rights.
“All arguments and manoeuvres about spreading liberal democracy and human rights are merely a disguise and ruse.
“If we dig a little deeper we will discover that the true motives of these rapacious States are power and wealth. We have seen their efforts at regime change all over the world.”
Zanu PF, Cde Mumbengegwi said, was determined to decisively deal with neo-colonialism.
He said it was incumbent upon Zimbabwe and Russia to ensure their sovereignty is preserved and not undermined.
“Our revolutionary party, ZANU PF believes that this forum has provided us a historic opportunity as well as a unifying vision to address existing and emerging threats arising from modern neo-colonial practices,” he said.
“We are marching towards the decisive success of building and developing a constellation of forces against vestiges of colonialism and imperialism.
“That is why, in the context of the preparations for this Forum, ZANU PF welcomes and support the text of the International Appeal by the Organising Committee of the Forum of Supporters of the Fight Against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism. What we need is willpower and resolve.
“After all, we have all the resources and determination to tackle our shared challenge of defeating neo-colonialism and its ancillary, neo-imperialism.”