Brussels-based dialogue

The meeting was held in Brussels and speakers included some EU officials, and some Zimbabwean activists: Lovemore Matombo, President (Zimbabwe Trade Unions); Gabriel Shumba, Executive Director (Zimbabwe Exiles Forum) and Brian Penduka, Programs Coordinator (Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum). Bridget Tapuwa, Writer and Political Blogger (BritaVoice) also attended the meeting. Unfortunately some of the expected guests could not make it to Brussels as a result of the problems encountered surrounding the recent volcanic outburst.

The EU was very emphatic that Zimbabwe lay on her heart. She congratulated Zimbabwe on attaining 30 years of Independent rule. She would therefore so much like to have her relations with Zimbabwe normalize so as to open up the Europe Africa dialogue, a dialogue which has been closed for seven years as a result of the tension surrounding the Zimbabwean Governments political mess. The vitality of opening up the dialogue is emphasized in the light that it is the Europe Africa Dialogue which holds the key to Europe Africa Networking. However, of precedence is the return of normalcy in Zimbabwe; a thriving democracy and respect for human rights.

The Zimbabwean Civic Society expressed concern in the areas which remained problematic irrespective of the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Political landscape

Gabriel Shumba, in his usual unshakable tone, highlighted the potential of the Zimbabwean diamond base in improving the countrys economy, should the resource be transparently handled and utilized. He intimated that the GNU had to explore all means to ensuring that the problems surrounding the exploitation of diamond in Zimbabwe come to an end. Shumba also emphasized the role of the exiled Zimbabweans in paving the desired political landscape in Zimbabwe.

The Diaspora, which constitutes close to three million Zimbabweans, would like to add a voice and a mark, through participating in the voting processes, for both the Constitution and also in the next general election. Shumba`s message pointed to the fact that living beyond the Zimbabwean borders did not necessarily imply that one was unpatriotic.

Lovemore Matombo raised passionate concern over the human rights violations which continue to be perpetrated, even under the inclusive Government. He spoke of the desire to see the establishment of the rule of law. The Human Rights NGO Forum, through the voice of Brian Penduka, also strongly intimated the need for human rights to be respected. Matombo pleaded with the International institutions to work with Zimbabweans in their effort to bring about democracy in Zimbabwe.

The EU officials expressed real confidence that the other African nations in the form of the SADC and the AU were key and best placed to help Zimbabwe move out of its mess through attaining the desired change.

The message came out very strongly – it is the Zimbabweans who are best placed to deal with what confronts them, for we know best what we want. Yes, the AU and the SADC can help, but it is really the Zimbabweans who have to lead the process.

That rang a loud bell – wherever each one of us is, are we each actively doing our part to genuinely advocate for the betterment of Zimbabwe, or are we drowned in some kind of `comfort` that makes us indifferent to the prevailing unpleasant scenario which the ordinary Zimbabwean back home is enduring? To contact Bridget, e-mail britavoice@gmail.com