Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 3rd February 2024

Source: Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 3rd February 2024

The vigil went ahead as planned today although getting to the Zimbabwe Embassy was a tall order with a Pro-Palestinian procession underway. Our activists were relieved that the winter weather was beginning to thaw and the cold becoming more bearable.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/53510938141/sizes/m/

As usual, passers-by from all walks of life stopped by to sign our petition calling on the Commonwealth not to readmit Zimbabwe until there is a free, fair and credible election, and respect for human rights.

Many enquired about the outcomes of the August 2023 harmonised elections and a few were curious to know more about the disarray within opposition politics following Nelson Chamisa’s abrupt departure from the CCC. One wondered if this was the solution to the Zimbabwe problem as Zanu PF would still be around to ‘infiltrate’ and play havoc with the existing and new political formations to come.

One activist surmised that far from infiltration by Zanu PF,  the departure of Chamisa was precipitated by an implosion within the upper echelons of the party. Judging from public utterances by senior leaders, it would appear the bone of contention between Chamisa on one hand, and his lieutenants on the other, was the issue of the identity of the CCC, that is, whether it was the CCC that emanated from the MDCA Gweru Congress (that had a constitution and structure) or a new CCC outfit announced on 24 January 2022 (entirely without structure or constitution).

Chamisa’s departure and plans to form a new ‘blue’ party signals yet another split within the once largest opposition movement in Zimbabwe. This has raised fears that the Zanu PF hegemony is set to continue, with no reprieve in sight for the suffering of a poverty-stricken and cowed nation. Wither Zimbabwe?

 

Thanks to those who came today: Kudzai Chikowore, Blessing Chikunya, Philip Maponga and Ephraim Tapa. For photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720314583062.

 

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 17th February from 11 am. Venue: Royal Festival Hall. Contact: Ephraim Tapa 07940793090.

  • Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 17th February 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.

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