Source: 20 years of protest – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 15th October 2022
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/52431038437/sizes/m/
This Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the Vigil. Much has changed during the past two decades but, unfortunately, much remains the same: in particular the repressive and corrupt government by Zanu PF.
Because of the pandemic it has been impossible to gather outside the Embassy every week as we used to. So we resorted to virtual Vigils which allowed our activists to record their protest from home for publication in the Vigil diary.
We were glad that, despite travel problems, old friends from far and wide joined us for the anniversary and our dancers and drummers once again attracted the attention of passers-by.
We were encouraged by the presence of Lord Oates who knows Zimbabwe well and is Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe. We were pleased to receive an encouraging message from another member of the parliamentary group, our old friend Baroness Kate Hoey: ‘I am so sorry it is impossible for me to be there on Saturday at the special vigil. Please convey to the Vigil my congratulations on the persistence and dedication they have shown over the years in the cause of a free Zimbabwe. It is with deep sadness that I observe no change in the situation inside that beautiful country. The continued campaigning by the diaspora to ensure that the world understands just how terrible life is for most Zimbabweans is so important. The complete breakdown of the rule of law has led to so many injustices and the courage of those fighting back through the CCC is remarkable. I send my best wishes and I will continue to do what I can in Parliament to expose the brutality of the Zanu PF leaders.’
The Vigil plans to continue holding two Vigils outside the Embassy every month, with virtual Vigils on the other Saturdays. But we will hold more onstreet protests as the forthcoming elections draw near.
Other points
- Thanks to those who came: Mercy Bayipayi, Dennis Benton, Rose Benton, Anna Chikoti, Kudzai Chikowore, Enniah Dube, Delice Gavazah, Deborah Harry, Heath Jiri, Francesca Kamupira, Kelvin Kamupira, Theo Kamupira, Chido Makawa, Philip Maponga, Charles Mararirakwenda, Dambudzo Marimira, Joyce Mbairatsunga, Wilbert Mukori, Richard Munyama, Tapiwa Muskwe, Mary Muteyerwa, Ulibile Nkwate, Emilia Nyamhandu, Lord Oates, Ian Pocock, Ephraim Tapa, Sue Toft and Kevin Wheeldon. For photos check https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720302931062.
- For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.
Events and Notices:
- Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 5th November from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
- The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages :
Vigil : https ://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil
ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/
ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515
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