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Written by: Basil Kamombe With Amnesty International & Job Sikhala

Published: 16 November 2024

Hits: 251

SADC Region Faces Instability Under Mnangagwa’s Chairmanship

With the release of a hit list earlier this week, it is evident how compromised the entire SADC region has become under Mnangagwa’s leadership. As chairman, Mnangagwa is causing unprecedented instability, both domestically and regionally. His constant campaigning, whether at home or abroad, has led to significant unrest. For instance, the recent elections in Mozambique were marred by irregularities, prompting widespread protests against the alleged rigging. Amnesty International have written as much on 6th November {see below and full article at the web link}

Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march

"Ahead of a major opposition march planned for 7 November in Maputo following disputed elections, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must halt its violent and widespread crackdown on human rights and respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International said."

"The crisis in Mozambique is the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. Police have killed more than 20 people and injured or arrested hundreds more, according to civil society. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. Authorities say protesters killed at least one police officer."

"“The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force. The number of casualties increases every day, with authorities deploying weapons of war, including rifles and armoured vehicles, on city streets. People cannot even protest in their own homes without risking tear gassing by police,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa."

His interference is also evident in Botswana, where his influence is causing further disruption.

Job Sikhala write on Twitter {Link to Twitter Post Here}

"ZANU PF has become a regional cancer. Addressing a rally recently in Botswana, President Ian Khama said ZANU PF has sent its agents to rig the forthcoming elections in Botswana to be held on the 30th of October 2024 for Masisi.

He says the same ZANU PF party has been involved in the rigging of the recent elections in Mozambique. He also points out the party's nocturnal involvement in the SA elections held in May this year. As Zimbabweans, we are being risked to be hated everywhere in the region because of a stinking party that loves to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.

They are the loudest to cry against interference in the domestic affairs of our own country but found practising exactly the same in other nations. The rigging cancer has been spread throughout the region. Everyone is crying against the activities of ZANU PF. They must not create problems for our people living in those countries through their activities in the region. They are no different from those countries sponsoring terrorism in other regions!!!

Mnangagwa’s relentless pursuit of an unconditional presidency by 2030 is leaving a trail of destruction. The international community must be made aware of the constitutional injustices occurring in Zimbabwe and the broader instability he is fostering in the region. Mnangagwa’s obsession with power is dangerous, and he must be stopped before he causes irreparable harm to the entire region.

As a last question: What were SADC thinking when they {passiviely} handed the Chairmanship to Mnangagwa {The drama of that handover is reported here- CLICK LINK} especially in regards to the blatant rigging of the Zimbabwe Elections on 23rd August 2023 as documented by SADC's own team?

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Written by: TENDAI RUBEN MBOFANA

Published: 12 November 2024

Hits: 255

The greatest tragedy to Zimbabwe was the hijacking of its liberation struggle

Yesterday, I received a heart-wrenching message from a former combatant of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, now residing in South Africa. His words, laced with pain and disillusionment, will forever resonate with me. In his message, he recounted the harrowing experiences he and his fellow freedom fighters endured during the war, a period marked by immense trauma and sacrifice. Yet, despite the bloodshed, the suffering, and the unyielding hope for a better future, the independence that came in 1980 did not deliver the freedom or the prosperity he and so many others had envisioned.

Instead, it brought an economic and political system that seemed to intensify their hardships. For millions of Zimbabweans, including this former combatant, the post-independence era only marked a deepening of poverty and despair, culminating in his decision to leave the country in search of a better life abroad. In his final words, he asked a question that brought tears to my eyes: “Why did we go to war, and why did thousands lose their lives?”

His message struck at the heart of Zimbabwe’s greatest tragedy—one that has yet to be adequately addressed in our national discourse.  Another painful reminder of this betrayal comes from the account of a different war veteran whose life I am currently documenting in a book. His story, which spans from his early years before the war, through his experiences during the liberation struggle, and into the harsh realities of post-independence Zimbabwe, paints the same tragic picture. Like many others, he joined the fight with hopes of a new, just society—one where the fruits of independence would be shared by all.

Yet, upon returning to Zimbabwe after the war, he found himself trapped in a system that prioritized the enrichment of a small political elite while the vast majority, including veterans like himself, were left to struggle. His dreams, like those of so many others, were crushed by the very government he helped to bring to power, leaving him with a deep sense of betrayal. He, too, ended up leaving the country he fought for in search of a better life.

The liberation struggle was hijacked by those who were supposed to lead the country towards a more just and equitable society.

Instead of empowering the masses, the independence movement was usurped by a small, self-interested elite whose primary goal was not freedom for all, but power and control over the nation’s wealth. This elite, driven by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire for social transformation, has systematically enriched themselves at the expense of the very people who fought to secure the country’s freedom. The liberation struggle, which should have been about the collective liberation of all Zimbabweans, has instead become a bitter reminder of the betrayal of the ideals it was meant to represent.

Read more: Liberation was Hijacked

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Written by: John Burke and Several Twitter Posts

Published: 10 April 2024

Hits: 173

What is ZiG? According to the new 'clown' {oops, Governor} of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe [RBZ] it, {Zimbabwe Gold - and other Reserves(?) in "support"} has been shoe-horned into Zimbabwe to replace the previous failed currency and currencies "initiatives". The Previous iteration was launched in an equally exciting fanfare at a claimed exchange rate of 1Zim$ to 1 USD, yes One-to-One!  On the black market recently, it was trading around 40-45,000 Zim$ to 1USD and in supermarkets at 25,000:1. So an utter failure with the added {bonus} for Zanu PF looters/plunders/thieves that it has stolen the USD wealth of the Nation in exchange for literally worthless 'paper'.

Whilst Bloomberg has reported "success" and commentaries welcomed it {??? how}

Others have cried "Scam" or worse; see below

5th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""ZIM's latest financial gamble: ANOTHER "currency" backed by gold tokens, scheduled to be launched late this week. The tokens aren't convertible into gold or gold coins. It looks like another ZIM financial scam. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Gov. John Mushayavanhu = CLUELESS, CROOK, OR BOTH?""

9th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency – the ZiG – the 6th in TEN YEARS. The ZiG is supposed to be backed by gold. BUT WHERE’S THE GOLD? Where there’s a ZiG, there’s a ZAG.""

10th April 2024: Dr Walter Mzembi {Ex Zimbabwe Minister} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG exemptions for some sectors are an indictment . Its a cousin currency of the Bond , RTGS as long as it can't buy fuel . Secondly the decision to exempt fuel sector reeks of conflict of interest, where the elite want to save their businesses from collapse but are prepared out of their own decisions to see everything else in Commerce collapse.
Why did you launch this currency then if you didn't have your act together?""

9th April 2024: ZBC News Online {Regime captured News Channel} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG currency will not be weakened by any form of manipulation," says RBZ governor, as illegal forex traders "spend days basking in the sun...""

9th April 2024: ZHRO on Twitter/X in Reply to @ZBCNewsonline: ""On the contrary ZiG is itself “manipulation”, based on empty promises, empty vaults & empty minds. From an illegal regime with a proven history of looting! Of looting Gold, Zimbabwe Gold!

Read more: Ghost of Zimbabwean Gold

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Written by: Tryness Ncube

Published: 15 December 2023

Hits: 254

Zimbabwean activists gathered at the Zimbabwe Embassy around 11:30 am on the 13th December. {Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London} the growing throng of Zimbabweans and their supporters were singing slogans that attracted passers-by. Myself, I decided to go into the Embassy; Upon gaining access to Zimbabwe House I was quickly thrown out by the security staff as I was about to bring down the framed picture of ED MNANGAGWA. However it is perverse that a Zimbabwean National should be thrown out of my own Embassy - thus, as far as the Zanu PF regime are concerned - "I am STATELESS"!

13th December was a very special for Zimbabwean Activists;

• We still demand for the release of Job Wiwa Sikhala;
• All the other political prisoners;
• We demand for the rule of law be adhered to;
• And that SADC to put more pressure on ED Mnangagwa for free and fair, fresh elections.

On the day we had several speakers such as Chief Ndiweni, Duke Maplaka and myself, and others. Firstly at the Zimbabwean Embassy, then outside the South African High Commission, Then opposite 10 Downing Street whilst the Petitioners handed over the written petition to the Office of the Prime Minister. Finally outside the FCDO where John Burke spoke to Robert Ison, the new Zimbabwe {and Botswana} Desk Manager.

Both Chief Ndiweni and Duke Maplanka condemned ZANU PF on different aspects such as abductions, torturing and killing civilians for speaking against the ruling regime.

The Petition was handed  to South Africa High Commission - Chief Ndiweni and Duke Maplanka met up with Maria de Freitas, Political Counsellor - Standing in for the High Commissioner. She was pleased to meet with the delegation, and offered further discussion in the new year.

The Activist group now over 45 strong, proceeded to 10 Dowing Street for the Office of the British Prime Minister, who was also served our written Petition Document {outlining what the Zimbabwean Diaspora were seeking - A copy can be viewed or Downloaded at this LINK}.

Whilst the Petitioners {as vetted by the Downing Street Diplomatic Police Unit} entered the gates to Downing Street to deliver the Petition - The remaining Zimbabweans gathered opposite to sing protest songs and generally protest against the illegal Zanu PF, vote rigging, election fraud and capture of all State Institutions in Zimbabwe. When the Petitioners returned after successfully delivering the Petition {See the ZHRO Flickr Album of the Day - Photos and Videos - Click this LINK} Further speeches were given, including from myself {the photo above was when Chief Ndiweni created the "Upside-Down Flag" protest - to symbolise the chaos in Zimbabwe - in addition my singing and dancing protest was videoed and captured by Thabo Makuyana  - who posted it to Twitter/X and now TikTok - See link Here and content as below: Video Link HERE

""Dec 14, 2023 Tryness Ncube a @ZHRO_Zimbabwe & @CCCDiaspora member and supporter spoke passionately about @advocatemahere adopting the case of a student who was, “butchered, beaten up, in agony,” due to being brutalised by the regime in Zimbabwe She also led some of the singing and dancing on the day. Note most of the flags were upside down on purpose."" With 5,173 Views so far

When the Zimbabwean diaspora group had finished at Downing Street, we then 'popped' round the corner to the Offices of the FCDO. Where our Petition was e-mailed live to Robert Ison the Zimbabwe {and Botswana} Desk Manager.

Our cry was basically that Zimbabweans need the World's help to keep the 'sanctions' against the entire ZANU PF members and for British Government to stop rubbing shoulders with ZANU PF. We have seen several visits by the regime members to the United Kingdom including finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

2023 has been a very difficult year for all the activists and we are looking forward to more demonstrations until we are recognised and heard. Throughout the demonstration I kept my Zimbabwean flag upside down because women and young girls are abused in Zimbabwe and no one has been brought to books. 

I represented ZHRO and CCC.

ZANU PF MUST GO TO SAVE ZIMBABWE