By Charles Mkoka
KIBAHA, Tanzania, – Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has assumed the chairship of the Liberation Movements Secretariat following a formal handover from South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) at a meeting of southern African liberation parties.
The transition took place at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, where representatives of six liberation movements parties met to discuss regional cooperation, sovereignty and development priorities.
ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula said the handover represented continuity in the work of the Secretariat and included the transfer of records, decisions and ongoing programmes.
“We carried this responsibility with humility and discipline,” Mbalula said.
Delegates from Tanzania’s CCM, Namibia’s SWAPO, Zimbabwe’s ZANU–PF, Angola’s MPLA, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, and South Africa’s ANC attended the meeting, with some joining virtually.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to defending national sovereignty and rejecting international sanctions; and also, reiterated support for decolonisation efforts in Palestine and Western Sahara.
Leaders said liberation movements must adapt their historic mission to modern challenges, including economic transformation, youth empowerment, technological change and climate resillience.
Participants said that the efforts would align with continental frameworks including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
CCM in hopes to mark its 50th anniversary in 2027 since formed, describing the milestone as an opportunity for institutional reflection and renewal among liberation movements in the region.