His decision to include Zimbabwe in his visit to the region and to seek an audience with President Robert Mugabe has been criticized in the British press, with some commentators saying it will provide a propaganda opportunity for Mugabe. We took a different view and decided to send the Archbishop the following letter:
Dear Dr Williams
The Zimbabwe Vigil welcomes your planned visit to Zimbabwe next month in support of besieged Anglicans under the rod of the unelected president Mugabe.
We have been bearing witness outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London every Saturday for nine years against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Most of us are Christians, many Anglicans.
The persecution of Anglicans in Zimbabwe has continued too long with little condemnation from the Christian community at large. Even brother churches in Zimbabwe have scurried from the crucifixion.
The Vigil is disappointed that Mugabe has been consistently received with honour by the Vatican when he has gone to Rome on his shopping trips. We disagree with those who question the wisdom of your visit. We are encouraged that you share our pain, though we have no doubt that Mugabe will seek to use your visit for propaganda purposes.
We do not believe his regime – steeped in lawlessness, terror and greed – will make any meaningful concessions at your request. But we pray that your visit will highlight to the world the plight of our suffering brothers and sisters at home.
There was much discussion at the Vigil of the Wikileaks revelations and the prospect that every politician in Zimbabwe will be prosecuted for treason. Among the latest revelations that struck us were:
Nelson Chamisa, MDC Organising Secretary, commenting on the allegation that he described Tsvangirai as ‘weak and indecisive’ said “There is no cohesion in terms of the so-called cables which were just opinions by a mere mortal who was possibly doing so without realising that it will actually come out some time. So he is the culprit rather than somebody whom they just allege . . .”
According to documents released by Wikileaks, Mugabe had a secret meeting with UN Ambassador Charles Ray at one of his farms. Ray said the place was in darkness and Mugabe was sitting alone on a throne in the bathroom. Between grunts he complained that the illegal sanctions had cut off the water . . .
FOR THE RECORD: 59 signed the register.
ROHR Manchester Vigil. Saturday 24th September from 2 – 5 pm. Contact; Delina Tafadzwa Mutyambizi 07775313637, Chamunorwa Chihota 07799446404, Panyika Karimanzira 07551062161, Artwell Pfende 07886839353.
‘The Rain that Washes’ – Zimbabwean theatre production. Performances: September 29 and 30 at 7.30 pm, October 1,4,5 & 8. Chickenshed Theatre, Southgate, London N14 4PE. Tickets £8 (£6). To book, call 020 8292 9222, email bookings@chickenshed.org.uk or www.chickenshed.org.uk
Post published in: Africa News