Five African presidents to attend Zimbabwe's independence celebrations

Heads of state and senior government officials from 13 African countries are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe starting on Sunday to attend Zimbabwe's 25th independence celebrations, it was learned here Saturday.

Among the leaders expected are President Festus Mogae of Botswana, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, Hafikipunye Pohamba of Namibia and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania.

Former presidents expected to attend the ceremony are Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Kaorl Osfmann of Mauritius.

Countries such as Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland shall be represented by prime ministers while Algeria will be represented by president of the Senate and South Africa by Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula.

Other officials are from the African Union, the United Nations and the Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Zimbabwe on Monday celebrates 25 years of independence following a protracted war against colonialism.

Various African leaders contributed immensely toward the emancipation of the country and will on Sunday receive posthumous awards in honor of their support.

Among the guests are the wives of the late former presidents Agostino Neto of Angola, and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania who will receive the honors awards on behalf of their late husbands.

Samora Machel junior will receive the award on behalf of his father, the late Samora Machel, Mozambique's first president while that of the late former Botswana president Seretse Khama, will be received by Tshekedi Khama.

Source: Xinhua