Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 15th June 2024

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/53793740158/sizes/m/

One topic that easily caught the attention of activists this week turned out to be Wicknell Chivayo’s leaked audios, in which he laid bare the extent of state corruption in the awarding of government tenders and the massive looting of state resources by those linked to President ED Mnangagwa and the Vene associates.

Such is the anger amongst activists that they decided to do a petition to the UK authorities given the close relationship now enjoyed by  the Zanu PF government and the wider EU. The close UK / Zimbabwe ties were also on display when leaders of all political shades were seen cosying up to each other at the King’s birthday bash at the British embassy in Harare, as if everything had gone back to normal in Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately, Vigil activists were aggressively confronted by a rogue, self-declared Zanu PF member, accusing activists of being ‘sell-outs’ and ‘desecrating Zimbabwe, my country’. He only walked away when Vigil activists pointed out to him Wicknell Chivayo’s trending corruption audios and the blatant lack of freedom in Zimbabwe.

Hats off to those who came today to give the hapless citizens of Zimbabwe a voice, some coming from as far afield as Scotland and Cardiff: Milton Bingwa, Shepherd Gandanga, Simbarashe Jingo, Charles Kanyimo, Jonathan Kariwo, Patricia Masamba, Mellisa Mbavarira and Ephraim Tapa. For photos see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720317949099/with/53793740158/.

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 6^th July from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
• ROHR Barbecue and Beach Party. Saturday 13^th July.
• 2024 ROHR sponsored 15 mile walk. Saturday 3^rd August. More information as plans develop.
• 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.