sed NGO ZimbabweWatch, was mounted last week to draw specific attention to Zimbabwean Minister of Environment and Tourism, Francis Nhema, who attended the 14th CITES conference here. The Minister is to talk about issues concerning endangered wild animal species. His attendance is exceptional because the EU has imposed a travel ban on him, like it did on all prominent members of the predatory ruling elite in Zimbabwe.
This visit does not violate the travel ban, but ZimbabweWatch co-ordinator Pascal Richard calls Nhema’s presence ‘An outrage’.
“How can Nhema talk of protecting elephants and rhino’s when he fails to protect or even acknowledge the basic rights of his fellow human beings? Endangered species in present-day Zimbabwe are judicious journalists, trade unionists, members of the opposition, human rights activists, student leaders, lawyers and clergymen, to name but a few,” said Richard.
The ‘Living Museum’ attracted keen interest from visitors, including several members of the Zimbabwean delegation. The latter came outside during their lunch break to look at the demonstration since they are, as they claim, ‘constantly bullied inside the conference building’ anyway.
In turn, they started bullying the activists of ZimbabweWatch. “These are all lies,” howled Dr. Mtsambiwa, Director-General of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
“There is nothing wrong in Zimbabwe. You hate us because we took land from the white farmers. Land distribution was very necessary. You are just being racist. Why do you not protest against President George Bush?” However, another member of the delegation confesses that he feels that people in the rural areas of Zimbabwe should receive better education in order for any election to be fair.
Post published in: News