Rwanda's Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni has congratulated the Southern African country for being elected to a non- permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the year 2028/2029.

Speaking at the celebration of Africa Day held in Harare on Monday 08 May, Musoni, who's also the Dean of African ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, said the election is a defining diplomatic milestone which the African people should celebrate.

"Among what we are celebrating today, is a defining diplomatic milestone, one that the African people and the rest of the world celebrate alongside Zimbabwe," Musoni said.

"On behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the President, His Excellency Dr. Emerson Mnangagwa, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe ... on this outstanding achievement of Zimbabwe being elected through overwhelming support to a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the year 2028/2029."

Musoni noted that Africa has so much potential, and that the continent has both the human and technical resources to secure a brighter future.

"Member States are poised to play a greater role in driving sustainable development, and in achieving the Africa we want,” Musoni said.

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, June 3, elected Zimbabwe as one of five new non-permanent members of the 15-member council for a two-year term beginning on 1 January 2027. It joined Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and Trinidad and Tobago as newly elected members.

Africa Day

Musoni said Africa Day is a celebration of African identity, resilience and rich creativity.

"Today, we commemorate the historic founding of Organization of African Unity — now the African Union. Africa Day is a vivid celebration of African identity, resilience, and rich creativity. It is a time to reflect on the immense strides the continent has made toward Unity, Integration, and development,” Musoni said.

"We honor the struggles of the past, the victories achieved, and the bright, prosperous hopes for the Africa we want as outlined in Agenda 2063."

He said this year’s theme Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Achieving Safe Sanitation Systems to Realize the Goals of Agenda 2063 challenges "us to tackle one of the most critical issues facing our communities."

The event was attended by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who represented the country's First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira told the gathering that the spirit that unites Africa, that of ‘Ubuntu/ Hunhu/ I am because we are,’ has for the past 63 years driven the continent from colonisation and apartheid to political and economic independence, as well as a journey of building the Africa we want.

As part of commemorating Africa Day, the Africa Group of Ambassadors organized several activities including planting of 5000 trees, hosting a Golf tournament, soccer and volleyball competitions in conjunction with Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry