Zimbabwe has invited five heads of state and two prime ministers from the Southern African region for its 25th anniversary of independence celebrations, according to an official document seen by AFP.
Presidents Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania are expected to attend the silver jubilee celebrations on Monday.
Newly-inaugurated Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia and Festus Mogae of Botswana are also expected to arrive in the country this weekend for the fete.
Zimbabwe on Monday celebrates its 25th anniversary from colonial
British rule.
Prime ministers Luisa Diogo of Mozambique and Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos of Angola will represent their countries.
Surviving former presidents of what were then known as the Frontline States, have also been invited and will receive awards for their contribution towards the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe.
Kenneth Kaunda, the founding president of Zambia, Sam Nujoma of Namibia and Fredrick Chiluba had been the former leaders invited.
But the Zambian government has blocked Chiluba, who is standing trial on corruption charges, from attending Zimbabwe’s national day celebrations.
Algeria is also invited and will be represented by the president of its senate.
The celebrations which started on Thursday have been going on in various parts of the country.
On Friday night more than 50 athletes were awarded with medals for outstanding contribution to sports over the last 25 years.
Saturday will see all night music and cultural galas taking place in various cities and towns across the southern African country.
On Sunday President Robert Mugabe and his wife host a children’s party at a city sports stadium before attending a ceremony at a city five-star hotel to honour African and national liberation icons.
The main celebrations on Monday will include an address by Mugabe, the release of 25 pigeons and a football match between Zimbabwe and Tanzanian national teams. – Sapa-AFP