By Nigel Pfunde
Harare- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s relationship with the late former President obert Gabriel Mugabe remained cordial until the time of Mugabe’s death and rooted in a long history of comradeship that dates back to the liberation struggle.
Speaking on the matter, President Mnangagwa explained that his association with Mugabe was forged during the formative years of Zimbabwe’s fight for independence when both men were part of the nationalist movement that ultimately ushered in majority rule in 1980.
“My relationship with Mugabe remained cordial until the time of his death.”
The two had a long history of comradeship dating back to the liberation struggle.
Mnangagwa said after independence, the two continued to work closely within Government, with Mugabe serving as Prime Minister and later President while he held various senior portfolios including State Security, Justice, Defence and Parliamentary Affairs.
He said this long period of working together helped entrench mutual respect despite political and administrative challenges that emerged over the decades.
The narrative of permanent hostility between him and Mugabe is misleading.
Mnangagwa emphasized, adding that their relationship should be understood within its full historical context, spanning the liberation struggle, decades of governance and shared responsibility in shaping the Zimbabwean state.
Even during moments of political strain later in their careers, particularly towards the end of Mugabe’s tenure (Operation Restore Legacy), channels of communication and respect were never completely severed.
The differences that arose were political in nature and did not erase the historical bond forged during the struggle years.
“Differences that arose were political in nature and did not erase the historical bond forged during the struggle years,” Mnangagwa emphasized.
Mnangagwa further said that following Mugabe’s departure from office in 2017, efforts were made to maintain dignity and respect befitting a former Head of State and Government.
The Government continued to recognise Mugabe’s role in Zimbabwe’s history.
The spirit of respect and comradeship endured until Mugabe’s death in September 2019, and President Mnangagwa personally ensured that the former President was accorded a State assisted burial in line with his status as a founding leader of the nation.
Mnangagwa described Mugabe as “not only a political mentor but also a lifelong companion whose absence I continue to feel profoundly,” recalling their shared journey through the liberation struggle and nation-building.
