<h2>Full statement by Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere to mark Zimbabwe’s 43rd Independence Anniversary on 18 April 2023.</h2>
<blockquote>
Today, Zimbabwe celebrates 43 years of independence. We join the nation in honouring this important day as we look to the sacrifice made by those who fought on our behalf for the constitutional entitlement of one man, one vote.
The liberation struggle was anchored on the fight for free, fair and credible elections.
We seek to complete the mission this year to ensure we win Zimbabwe for change by winning the election and taking power.
As a citizens’ movement, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change acknowledges the effort and sacrifices of the soldiers, war veterans, war collaborators and citizens, living and departed, who contributed to attaining the liberation of our nation from colonial rule.
We acknowledge and respect all national processes that relate to the history and legacy of Zimbabwe as this is the collective definition of our identity as a people.
Independence Day belongs to all Zimbabwean citizens. It is a national event which, in a functional nation, ought to be inclusive, non-partisan and be a moment of pride and celebration for all members of our society.
When our forebears took up arms, they were guided by liberation ideals including universal adult suffrage, sovereignty of the people and their will, as well as shared prosperity for the masses.
For this reason, the movement participates in these platforms, standing on the belief that these are national events, not partisan processes. We do so for our country and for the collective being of the people.
As election day beckons, we are mindful that the 43-year-old bad governance crisis has rendered the Liberation promise empty. Our aspirations for Zimbabwe are yet to be realized.
The latest corruption expose betrays a sad pattern of a rich nation being poorly managed and looted by political elites at the expense of the citizens.
Like every other corruption scandal that has preceded it over the last 43 years, it is an indictment of the liberation dream and the promise of independence.
This is not the Zimbabwe that the citizens had hoped for. We urge every citizen to ensure that they perform their civic duty by voting en mass in the coming election for ethical, competent leaders who will usher in a New Great Zimbabwe with dignity, prosperity and freedom for all.
</blockquote>
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"Not Yet Uhuru", CCC Statement On Zimbabwe's 43rd Independence Anniversary

Amnesty International (AI) says as Zimbabweans mark forty-three years of independence from colonial rule, the reality is that the civic space is shrinking rapidly.
In a statement released this Tuesday, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa Flavia Mwangovya, said Zimbabwean authorities have criminalised dissent against political activists and human rights defenders. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Forty-three years after independence, authorities are still yet to guarantee in practice the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly which are increasingly being threatened despite being guaranteed under the constitution and international law.
The right to freedom of peaceful assembly has continuously been violated and undermined with the authorities refusing to give clearance for some of the main opposition party’s rallies, arresting and convicting peaceful protesters and using unnecessary and excessive force to stop protests.
As Zimbabwe approaches elections later this year, freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly have come under increasing attack.
Dissenting voices are being criminalized, with some opposition activists put in lengthy pre-trial detentions.
Authorities must stop criminalizing dissent and ensure the levelling of the playing field as the country fast approaches the elections.
The opposition must be free to carry out their campaigns and individuals and groups must be protected from politically motivated violence.
Authorities must promote, protect and uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as guarantee the socio-economic rights of every Zimbabwean.
</blockquote>
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Zimbabwe's 43rd Independence Commemoration Marred By Decline In Freedoms - Amnesty International

The United States of America has congratulated Zimbabwe on the occasion of the country’s 43rd independence anniversary.
In <a href="https://www.state.gov/zimbabwe-national-day-2/">a statement</a> issued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 April 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country remains committed to standing with the people of Zimbabwe to promote democratic institutions. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Zimbabwean people as you celebrate the 43rd anniversary of your independence.
The United States remains committed to standing with the people of Zimbabwe, as we have since your independence in 1980, to work together to promote democratic institutions, equitable economic growth, public health, and food security.
Zimbabwe has the chance to set itself on a path to promote citizen engagement and to respect human rights. We will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe to live longer, more prosperous, and healthier lives.
As you celebrate your independence, please know that our friendship with the Zimbabwean people endures.
We wish all Zimbabweans a very happy Independence Day.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and the United States have had strained relations since the turn of the Millenium when the former embarked on the land redistribution programme.
The United States responded to Zimbabwe’s land reform policy by imposing economic sanctions on the southern African country through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001.
A <a href="https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011221-15.html">statement</a> issued by then U.S President George Bush on 21 December 2001 after signing ZDERA reads in part:
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Section 4(c) of the Act purports to direct the executive branch to oppose and vote against the extension of loans or the cancellation of debt in international financial institutions unless and until I make a certification or national interest determination.
I am concerned that this provision burdens my constitutional authority in the area of foreign affairs to conduct negotiations and cast votes in international organizations.
I will construe the provision as being subject to my exclusive authority to negotiate or vote in international financial institutions.
</blockquote>
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United States Congratulates Zimbabwe On 43rd Independence Anniversary

The Pfura (Mt Darwin) Rural District Council says the hosting of Independence Day celebrations in Mt Darwin has brought with it a lot of benefits to the community.
All the feeder roads in Mt Darwin Township are undergoing maintenance by the local authority and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), formerly the District Development Fund (DDF).
Also, the community has seen load-shedding hours being restricted to about four hours daily.
The curtailment of load shedding hours has resulted in improved water supply from ZINWA as it requires a minimum of 18 hours to pump water to all the reservoirs, which supply the eight locations in Mt Darwin.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/independence-celebrations-bring-benefits-to-mt-darwin/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, Pfura Rural District Council chief executive officer Stanslous Nyachowe, said:
<blockquote>
Mt Darwin will never be the same again as the hosting of the celebrations has brought with it a number of infrastructural developments, chief among these being the construction of a new stadium which will be the main venue.
It has changing rooms, public toilets, a tartan athletics track, a security fence, a solar-powered borehole for irrigation and some flood lights are to be installed.
Terraces for the stadium are on the cards as well.
Pfura Stadium is also having a face-lift as the surrounding precast wall, and changing rooms are being upgraded.
The much-needed public toilets, which were non-existent, are under construction and will be ready for use when the children’s party is held on 17 April 2023.
The local authority has also written to all business owners to spruce up their buildings and this is improving the aesthetics of the centre.
</blockquote>
Mt Darwin is home to more than 10 000 people, who will benefit from the activities associated with Independence Day celebrations.
The Independence Anniversary Celebrations will be held on 18 April at Mount Darwin High School, Mount Darwin Centre.
The Mt Darwin community will also be treated to Zimbabwe’s biggest football fixture dubbed the Battle of Zimbabwe pitting Dynamos and Highlanders in the Independence Day Cup.
An estimated 45 000 people are expected to attend the Celebrations.
Alick Macheso and Paradzai Mesi will provide entertainment for the main Independence celebrations.
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