Tripoli — The delegation of Zimbabwean chiefs in Libya for the 39th commemoration of the 1st September Revolution threw their weight behind the creation of a proposed Forum of African Traditional Kings, Sultans, Princes and Sheiks.
The eight-member delegation yesterday said it would support the formation of such a union and push for full discussions on the matter at the next African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next year.
Traditional leaders from all over the continent are expected to sign the final agreement after the commemorations in Benghazi City tomorrow.
The head of the delegation, Chief David Malaba said:
"After intense deliberations the chiefs decided that the formation of such a Forum would be in the best interests of Africa."
Should the traditional leaders formally adopt the idea, a chairman, a secretary-general and an assistant secretary-general of the Forum will immediately be elected.
A secretariat, based in the Libyan City of Sirte -- where the annual Summit will be held, will also be set up.
"Forming and establishing the Forum of Traditional Kings, Sultans, Princes, Mayors and Sheik's in Africa as a social framework will effectively contribute to the procession of our African continent to build its unity and to realise its security, stability and the desires for development of its people.
"We further undertake . . . serious and continuous action so that the unity of the continent will be achieved and we commit ourselves to work with our tribes and social institutions to push governments forward for the sake of building the African Union and completing the establishment of its organs.
"We are alert to the danger of delaying the fulfillment of this dream of the African people.
"The sons of the African continent belong to a homogeneous and over-lapping social texture composed of the family and the tribe as basic units in the building of the African community," part of the proposed Charter reads.
The Charter also calls on traditional leaders to press for structures to be put in place for the free movement of Africans across the continent as a "natural right" and that "our African identity" superseded any other bureaucratic considerations.
At the Benghazi meeting, which was supposed to start yesterday but will now commence today, traditional leaders are expected to discuss the issue of the formation of an African Union Government.
Related major discussions will center on the possibility of Africa having a single Foreign Affairs Minister, one person in charge of a continental Defense Ministry and another heading a Foreign Trade portfolio.
The leaders are also expected to deliberate on the establishment of a United African Central Bank and the issuance of a single African currency and a unified continent-wide passport.
Indications yesterday were that the traditional leaders, who have been joined by their counterparts from the Middle East, are likely to issue a statement calling for the cessation of all hostilities and conflicts on the continent and for Africa's politicians to actively promote peace.
Earlier, Zimbabwe's chiefs met with senior officials from the country's Embassy in Tripoli.
CDE Teddy Chadenga, the Charge d'Affairs, met the chiefs with Second Secretary Cde Ernest Muungani and the Head of Chancery Cde Enoscent Chiutsi.
Cde Chadenga said the Ambassador, Cde George Vengesa, was not able to meet the chiefs because he was tied up with official business in Tunisia.
"We had been informed that our fathers were coming to Libya for the 1st September Revolution commemorations and I must say we are really pleased to have you here.
"It is always good to see people from home here and even more pleasing when they are people as important as our chiefs.
"That is why we decided we could not let you leave before we see you. Unfortunately, Ambassador Vengesa is in Tunisia on official business but he has promised to see you before you return to Zimbabwe.
"This is your Embassy and we are at your service so please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if there is anything you need," Cde Chadenga said.
He also took time to explain the significance of Libya's September Revolution as well as Harare and Tripoli's long-standing and mutual beneficial relationship.
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What rubbish? The King of Swaziland is a living example of shame for all of Africa. King Mswati refuses his people a democratically elected parliament.
Buffoon Khadaffi is a bloody dictator, except his money is buying our corrupt leaders.
He wants unity of Africa if he were allowed to head it! Black Africans crossing Libya to reach Europe are viciously attacked and robbed under the very eyes of Khadaffi's police! Libyans behave like the sultans of the 1950s towards black Africans who work mostly as slaves there.
Libya cannot and should not be allowed to fool Africans on the continent!
There is no place to set up a hotch-potch of little dictators who do not represent the will of the people. India did away with little kings after independence in order to riddle the country of bloodsuckers that they were.
These sultans and what not are real bloodsuckers who do not want their people to taste democracy.
Down with them!
I understand your pain my brother or sister but please bear in mind that most people that left Africa with the exception of slavery to Overseas did it in legal way. Why lossing our future brothers and sisters to a tracherous sea and ocean waves when they can stay in Africa work together to fully develop our belove continent. I do surely agreed with the option and laws brought about from some of our lawers in the Africa Union. I strongly support that law, and those Africans who are trying to lose their lives as if Africa can't provide is a disgrace not only to Africa but to Africans themselves. Yes, Africa did a great and tremendous effort to build the world economic; and if we can do that - Africans can build Africa. Please let's stop being negative and focus on the positive for the future of Africa.
Your Brother in Christ and Allah
We must get rid of all the dictators first to enable our citizens to unleash their potentials for the overall development of our continent!
The Mugabe and Khadaffi type of bloodsuckers must join the Mobutu, Doe, Idi Amin, Idriss Déby types into the dustin of history!
Our lads should never be allowed to cross path with such monsters!
Do you raelly know what africa is?its history?were its heading?get an idea first
african are you?guess not.if youare then why go against the forum of a united africa.there is no reasonable doubt that together we can.U.S.A. made it and is making it why not USAfrica.talk to me
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