Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 20th April 2024

Another Vigil today continued our protest against the human rights abuse and lack of democracy in Zimbabwe. This week, Zimbabwe marked 44 years of independence from former colonial masters, Britain.

So, Thursday, 18 April 2024, saw thousands of people throng Murambinda, in Manicaland province, the venue for the official celebration,  this year. Notable figures from the now splintered and disorientated opposition movement (MDCs, CCC, NCA, etc) also attended, ostensibly to try and fit in. Amid pomp and flare, there were joyous scenes from mostly ZANU PF supporters and their acolytes, and even more so, their leadership.

This, however, drew a lot of anger when juxtaposed with the realities of the suffering currently endured by the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, from all fronts. In the UK, Zimbabwe Vigil activists painted a gloomy picture of Zimbabwe’s so-called ’44 years of Independence’.

One said, “If there was true Independence, why are millions of Zimbabweans in the diaspora’; ‘It’s because Zimbabwe is now a family owned Private Limited Company, by Vene, (Mnangagwa’s family and associates)’ another one added. Yet another activist voiced concern over why people in Zimbabwe lived in fear – ‘they can’t assemble or express themselves freely, people continue to be killed, tortured or disappeared like we are still under white minority rule’. ‘We are not independent!’,  another said.

One wonders, therefore, if Independence was all about the freedom to choose who the new Zimbabwe’s colonial masters are (Chinese) or the freedom to create a new currency every 4/5 years, kill it and bring another one! And only to leave the masses poorer and confused!

It is, therefore, no wonder that the new currency, the ZiG, is currently being resisted by many in Zimbabwe, as it is widely seen as a ploy to mop up any loose US dollars from the ordinary people into their (leaders’) pockets.

For this reason, Vigil activists have vowed to continue raising awareness on the Zimbabwe crisis and the human rights situation.

Thanks to those who came early today and helped set up the Vigil: Evelyn Chigaro, Dickson Chikwizo, Tendai Chipfumo, Simbarashe Jingo, Jonathan Kariwo, Diana Machingauta, Philip Maponga, Mashama Mazise, Kelvin Mhlanga, Ephraim Tapa and Lynett Chido Tsoka. For phots, see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720316362791.

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:

ROHR general members’ meeting. Saturday 4^th May from 11 am. Venue: Royal Festival Hall. Contact: Ephraim Tapa 07940793090, Chido Makawa 07413024807.

• Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 4^th May 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.
• 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

The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.