The demonstration on June 27 marked the fifth anniversary of the abortive presidential run-off which enabled Mugabe to bludgeon his way back into State House. The demonstration was organized by Action for Southern Africa, the successor to the Anti-Apartheid Movement, under the banner of ‘Never Again’ to a repeat of the terrible events of 2008.
Apart from Vigil, ROHR and Zimbabwe We Can supporters, there were also representatives of trade unions and Amnesty International among groups joining us in calling for free and fair elections that comply with SADC standards – a goal which seems increasingly unobtainable given Mugabe’s persistent failure to honour his promises of reforms.
Although Thursday was a working day, it did not surprise us to find that the Embassy was sealed up against the world. Perhaps it was because they get to hear of our protests. Anyway, we are accustomed to a closed door.