With the Kimberly Process likely to certify Zimbabwes Chiadzwa Diamonds despite evidence of mass murders, forced labour, political oppression, human rights abuses and Zanu (PF) looting, it is very clear that the oppressed Zimbabwean has been let down. Certifying Chiadzwa diamonds is legitimising Blood Diamonds.
Zimbabwe must be suspended from the diamond trade until there is a legitimate government that is not bankrolling oppression and abuse with the sell of its diamonds. The Kimberley Process has failed Zimbabwe, leaving our rights activist Farai Maguwu in the hands of the brutal Zanu (PF) police, on charges of publishing and communicating statements prejudicial to the state.
Chiadzwa diamonds have been given the green light in sustaining the Zanu (PF) regime and fuelling on-going political conflict.
The Chiadzwa diamond scenario is reminiscent of the chaotic Fast track land reform which benefited the few Zanu (PF) plunderers leaving the majority a broken economy that will take years to build, not until we are free from the shackles of the Zanu (PF) regime. Zanu (PF) is not the peoples party and should be put in its rightful place as the opposition party. Anything that Zanu (PF) lays its hands on is there to destroy the ordinary majority whilst enriching the dictators and strengthening its grip on power.
The draconian and widely condemned legislation called the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act aimed at grabbing stacks in foreign owned companies, is a cosmetic cover-up of the dirty deeds of the same old Mugabe and Zanu (PF) who were looking to pounce on foreign businesses. The ordinary Zimbabwean is looking at a loss of jobs as some businesses will close or relocate their businesses in neighbouring countries. We are also looking at a lack of development and investment in that few people, if any, will put in time and money to start and grow a business where they know control and ownership will be forced away. The investment climate in Zimbabwe will become one of the worst in the world.
Zimbabwe has become a very profitable family business for the Zanu (PF) corrupt thugs. Mugabe has recently diverted toll gate funds in favour of resurfacing roads leading to his weekend home in rural Zvimba. Close to US$15 million has been collected since tollgates were installed in 2009, but of this money more than half of it has gone towards improving roads used by Mugabe. The majority of ordinary Zimbabweans are left to continue using the appalling state of roads that have become death traps with potholes deep enough to fit a mini-copper, no road signs and robots that never work due to the lack of electricity. Typical selfish Zanu (PF), not in power for the people, but for their own interests.
However strong the grip on power the crazed dictator and his cronies have, the ordinary Zimbabweans cry for democracy will never die. The shackles will soon be broken.
Post published in: Opinions