On the day after the 24th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Vigil, our activists met once again outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to continue our protest against the human rights abuse and lack of democracy in Zimbabwe perpetrated by ZANU PF, the ruling regime.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/55570963285/sizes/m/
It is a great regret that in the 24 years we have been campaigning there has been no change for the better in Zimbabwe. The greedy, corrupt ZANU PF regime continues stealing from the people and plundering Zimbabwe’s resources with no concern for the increasing poverty of Zimbabwe’s people. The Vigil will continue to campaign for true democracy and the human rights of Zimbabweans. We remain ‘the voice of the voiceless’.
A special thank you to Tatenda Tsumba who brought the Vigil table, register, banners and posters. Thanks also to the others who came today: Naume Chiruwaruwa, Oswel Gombedza, Jonathan Kariwo, Philip Maponga, Sofa Masamvu, Trish Matsikira, Tatenda Nyakudziwanza, Rumbidzai Nzvere and Talent Tsatse.
Vigil activist, Trish Matsikira attended the 24th anniversary and had the following reflections to make.
Zimbabwe Vigil marks 24 years of defiant protests! On 2nd October 2002, about 2 dozen Zimbabweans, black and white, converged outside the Zimbabwe embassy to mark the death of democracy and fight against rampant state sponsored human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. And for the next 24 years, activists braved storms, bitter cold, rain – all kinds of British weather, steadfast in their resolve that the protest presence outside the Zimbabwe embassy would continue until there was a free, fair and credible election in Zimbabwe. They also rallied around the call for respect of human rights, for an end to the terror and corruption of the ZANU PF regime. 24 years later, the goal of a free, fair and credible election remains elusive, state sponsored human rights abuses continue unabated and corruption is on the rise, spearheaded by the first family.
A new phenomenon, drug abuse, has also been added to Zimbabwe’s catalogue of problems, with the first family heavily involved. If anything, ZANU PF has entrenched tyrannical rule; they operate above the law and commit heinous crimes with impunity. They do as they please, whilst the people are either ignored, manipulated into acquiescence or cowed into submission through fear and violence.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Vigil has stood as a community and a safe space for Zimbabweans and supporters who want to speak out, connect with others and keep Zimbabwe’s situation in the public eye. The Vigil has become a place where people feel seen, heard and able to share their experiences, concerns and hopes for the future of Zimbabwe. Through peaceful protests, petitions and conversations, Zim Vigil has provided a platform for people to make their voices heard. The support from the international community has remained strong, and encouraging, with people continuing to attend, sign petitions and happily contribute donations to help sustain the work.
As the Zimbabwe Vigil marks its 24th anniversary, its message remains one of persistence and defiance – ‘no surrender, Zimbabwe must and shall be free again!’. The vigil will therefore continue to provide a platform for Zimbabweans and supporters to stand together, raise awareness and bring the hope until Zimbabwe has free, fair and credible elections.
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 17th October 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/
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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