One of the authors, Dr Joseph Hanlon of the Open University, came to a meeting of our Zimbabwe Action Forum after the Vigil to defend the book. He had a rough ride.
We were disappointed not to be allowed to confront the authors so we staged a demonstration outside Chatham House displaying our banner ‘No to Mugabe, No to Starvation’.
The Vigil is disgusted by Chatham House, which is largely sponsored by the British government, now apparently keen to lift sanctions and join in the diamond rush. Charles Taffs, president of the CFU, said: ‘These academics are being asked to write these books favourably for certain influences and that’s what we’re seeing here.
We’re seeing this whole issue of the agricultural scene being swept under the carpet and multi agencies and countries encouraging that to happen. I think Zimbabwe’s coming into the limelight now in terms of its mineral wealth; its strategic placement within Africa, both in terms of mineral supply and in terms of access to central Africa, and countries want to get involved and they see the land issue as holding it back. So they’re trying desperately to sweep this under the carpet.’
Vigil supporters think we are being sold down the river by the British government which appears to be desperate to re-engage with Zimbabwe irrespective of the welfare of the people. We expect sanctions to be lifted soon to celebrate the bogus re-election of Mugabe.
Post published in: News