President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sadc Liberation Square at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare.
In his address, Mnangagwa described the construction of the Museum of African Liberation as a "continental project" that embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
He expressed Zimbabwe's pride in hosting the Museum of African Liberation, which he said would serve as a repository of the continent's history for the benefit of present and future generations.
"Zimbabwe remains inspired by our collective national history and the spirit of Pan-Africanism," Mnangagwa said.
He acknowledged the support of Sadc in securing the official endorsement of the Museum by the African Union.
According to Mnangagwa, the Museum of African Liberation, spearheaded by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), aims to institutionalise African narratives and perspectives on decolonisation.
"It is time that we set the record straight,” he said.
“Otherwise, history will judge our generation harshly for having watched, with disinterest, while our history is falsified.”
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The Sadc Liberation Square, a key feature of the Museum, will be a dedicated space where each member state can construct a monument commemorating their struggle against colonialism.
"Our protracted liberation struggles remain invaluable and imprinted in our psyche at national and regional levels," Mnangagwa said.
He paid special tribute to the Frontline States, whose political and economic sacrifices were instrumental in the liberation of Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa also recogniaed the support of countries like the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, then USSR, stating, "We are forever indebted to you all and shall never forget that history."
He officially handed over a hectare of land for the Sadc Liberation Square to Tanzanian President Samia Hassan, who is the new chairperson of the regional block’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
Mnangagwa said the site, strategically located overlooking Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Acre, was chosen for its symbolic significance.
Following the ground-breaking ceremony, Sadc executive secretary Elias Magosi planted a tree at the site, affectionately named the Sadc Tree, symbolising the unity and growth of the region.
Meanwhile, the Museum of African Liberation is envisioned as a central hub for preserving and showcasing the history of Africa’s liberation struggles.
The museum will house exhibitions that celebrate the heroic efforts of African countries in their fight against colonialism and oppression.
The project is part of a broader Pan-African initiative, which includes the Sadc Museum in Gaborone, Botswana, and the Liberation Museum in Tanzania.
These institutions collectively aim to solidify the Pan-Africanist agenda through bold inscriptions and artifacts that chronicle the continent's journey to independence.
