Exiled Zimbabweans are to stage a demonstration outside the South African High Commission in London on Friday 5th March during a state visit to the UK by South Africas President Zuma. They will hand over a petition calling on President Zuma to arrange early elections in Zimbabwe because of the failure of the interim unity government to agree on reforms. Mr Zuma is the mediator appointed by the regional grouping the Southern African Development Community. The demonstration is organised by the Zimbabwe Vigil which has been protesting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London for the past 8 years in support of demands for free and fair elections.
Vigil Co-ordinator Dumi Tutani said: Mugabe has made it clear that he will not implement the agreement he signed with the Movement for Democratic Change 18 months ago so it is time to end the peoples suffering and vote Mugabe and his gang out of power. An election should be arranged immediately with SADC and UN help to ensure it is free and peaceful. The petition, signed by hundreds of people who have passed by the Vigil, will be accompanied by the following letter to President Zuma:
We appeal to you to arrange early elections in Zimbabwe. We are aware that politicians in Zimbabwe dont want new elections until they have had their fill at the trough but we believe that the situation can only worsen until there is a democratically elected government in place. What Zimbabweans want to know from you is how SADC can ensure that the elections are free and fair, given that Zanu (PF) has already reactivated militia bases and refuses to implement the GPA.
Venue: outside the South African High Commission, Trafalgar Square, London WC2.
Time: from 11.30 am. President Zuma is due to arrive at the High Commission between noon and 12.30 pm
Contact: Rose Benton (07970 996 003, 07932 193 467), Fungayi Mabhunu (07743 662 046), Dumi Tutani (07535 632 717)
Post published in: News