President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in the central Mozambican city of Chimoio on Saturday to personally hand over a consignment of humanitarian aid to communities devastated by Cyclone Chido, which struck the region in December 2024.
The cyclone, one of the most destructive storms in recent years, claimed over 100 lives and displaced more than 600,000 people across central Mozambique, leaving widespread destruction and compounding the hardships faced by already vulnerable populations. Zimbabwe’s timely relief effort, coordinated through its disaster response agency ZimAid, aims to bolster recovery and provide critical support to the hardest-hit areas.
Upon arrival, President Mnangagwa was warmly received by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. The two leaders held a private meeting before the formal handover ceremony where Mnangagwa presented the aid consignment, which included food supplies, essential medical equipment, and emergency shelter materials intended to alleviate immediate suffering and aid ongoing relief operations.
Accompanying Mnangagwa were Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba, and other senior Zimbabwean government officials, signaling the importance Harare places on regional cooperation and humanitarian solidarity.
In brief remarks following the closed-door meeting, President Mnangagwa emphasized that Zimbabwe’s assistance transcends mere aid delivery, underscoring the shared history, values, and responsibilities binding the two nations. “This is more than a gesture of solidarity—it is a reaffirmation of our shared history, values, and responsibility to one another in times of crisis,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional humanitarianism is well established. In 2023, the country launched a significant relief operation in Malawi following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Freddy, donating maize, medical supplies, and temporary shelter materials to support displaced families. Zimbabwe has also provided food aid to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, where communities continue to grapple with the effects of ongoing insurgency and displacement.
President Mnangagwa Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Mozambique Following Cyclone Chido
“Zimbabwe’s approach to regional diplomacy includes a strong humanitarian pillar. In this regard, our government continues to respond swiftly and meaningfully to the needs of our neighbours,” said Professor Murwira, highlighting the central role humanitarian aid plays in Zimbabwe’s foreign policy agenda.
The visit was not limited to aid delivery. Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo held a private bilateral meeting that is believed to have covered a range of issues beyond disaster response, including disaster preparedness, cross-border infrastructure development, and trade relations. This engagement underscores the deepening ties between Harare and Maputo, forged during the era of liberation struggles and now strengthened by mutual economic and humanitarian goals.
Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique in late December 2024, unleashing torrential rains and flooding across the provinces of Sofala, Manica, and Tete. The storm’s aftermath has rendered many areas inaccessible, severely hampering relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations warn of escalating food insecurity and the looming threat of waterborne diseases, making timely assistance critical to preventing further loss of life.
The Zimbabwean aid package is expected to play a vital role in supporting relief efforts in Manica Province, which shares a border with Zimbabwe and is home to a significant number of Zimbabwean nationals. The province bore the brunt of Cyclone Chido’s impact, experiencing severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
President Mnangagwa’s visit thus symbolizes not only solidarity but also the imperative for regional unity in addressing the growing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters across southern Africa. As climate change continues to increase the unpredictability and intensity of weather events, cooperation among African nations is essential to mounting effective, coordinated responses.
Experts argue that such regional collaborations are indispensable in building resilience, facilitating resource-sharing, and fostering preparedness plans that can mitigate the human and economic toll of natural disasters. Zimbabwe’s proactive stance in Mozambique exemplifies this spirit of mutual support, highlighting the role of neighborly assistance in times of crisis.
The Chimoio visit marks another chapter in Zimbabwe’s evolving role as a key player in regional disaster response and humanitarian diplomacy. As the southern African region faces escalating environmental challenges, partnerships like the one between Zimbabwe and Mozambique offer hope for stronger, more unified responses to shared threats.
In closing, President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to standing with its neighbors through adversity. “In these challenging times, we must remember that our destinies are intertwined. Together, we can overcome the hardships wrought by nature and build a more resilient future for all our peoples,” he affirmed.
As aid distribution gets underway and reconstruction efforts commence, the solidarity displayed by Zimbabwe is expected to strengthen the bond between the two countries and provide much-needed relief to the communities struggling to rebuild their lives.
Source- Bulawayo24
