President Mugabe's popularity continues to grow
President Robert Mugabe’s popularity continues to grow at continental level where his Pan-Africanist stance has earned him respect and adoration.
The welcome and reception that the African Union (AU) and SADC Chairman received on his recent visit to Mali is a clear demonstration that he indeed is a revered and iconic statesman in Africa.
The signing ceremony for the Mali Peace and Reconciliation Agreement was attended by various heads of state and government from the West African region, as well as senior United Nations (AU), AU and ECOWAS officials.
From the moment President Mugabe set foot on the West African nation, his Malian counterpart, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was on hand to give the AU Chairman a befitting welcome.
Members of the Malian cabinet also turned out in full force at Senou International Airport where various traditional groups performed.
While the presence of leaders like President Mugabe’s predecessor at the AU, the President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Allasane Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Alpha Conde of Guinea Conakry, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan and former Burundi president Pierre Buyoya, among others at the signing ceremony was acknowledged, it was President Mugabe who stole the limelight.
After a passionate speech encouraging Africa to be united and to cherish and emulate the values of peace and unity as espoused by Africa’s founding fathers, Cde Mugabe capped the night’s proceedings with a powerful message that saw the delegates including representatives of the armed groups giving the statesman a standing ovation.
When Mali’s President Mohamed Keita paid a courtesy call on President Mugabe, the elated leader acknowledged that indeed Cde Mugabe is an iconic statesman.
A recent survey conducted by a South African-based group called Afrobarometer and titled ‘Public Perceptions on Corruption,’ revealed that 63% of Zimbabweans who participated in the survey gave President Mugabe the thumbs up.
Even on his recent state visit to South Africa, President Mugabe mesmerised even the usually hostile media in that country. ZBC
