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ZIMBABWE: HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER ATTACK:  A review of Zimbabwe's Human Rights Record 2018 to 2023 - Amnesty International - Zimbabwe

20th Feb 2025 We Dont Want No ED 2030

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Written by: John Burke
Published: 21 February 2025
Last Updated: 23 February 2025
Hits: 806
  • Demo at Zim Embassy
  • Petition at 14:00

User Rating: 5 / 5

20th Feb 2025The best laid plans! At the beginning of the week {after submitting the list of Petitioners to the MET Police Diplomatic Unit on the 29th January - and got all 6 approved) we had Shamiso Moyo, detained and in Yarleswood! and then Chief Ndiweni is offered a minor surgical procedure - on Thursday 20th Feb! And these days it's best not to say - "can we reschedule" - as it might be in 12 months time, or longer. Not to worry we have another scheduled petition submission for the 5th March -  only 2 weeks away.

Chief Ndiweni And I organise a recording of his intended speech on Tuesday 18th. We create a timed web article to appear at 13:45 on the 20th to coincide with the speeches on the day. The article is a written transcript and an audio embedded file so the recipient can hear the message too. It appears on our ZEXIT platform, in a section entitled "Chief Ndiweni's Diary"! Charles Kanyimo also writes and excellent article too - concerning Electoral Reform - something we will champion on the 5th March 2025. But we did not wish to publish before the 20th Feb petition had been delivered! So again we created a timed future publication  - to appear at 14:30 on the 20th Feb. 2025 I hope ypou are all following this!

On the Wednesday night I look up the weather forecasts for home and central London - 70-90% chance of RAIN!! 

Fortunately at 7:00 am on the Thursday 20th Feb - although very gloomy, and the ground was wet, it looked as if the rain had stopped. As indeed we did not get another drop until is started spitting at 3:00pm - after we had finished - as we use an ink-jet printer - any rain could literally wash away our arguments!

Arrived at Victoria Train Station at 11:30am. My heart-felt sympathies go to Josephine Jenje (one of our organisers) who messaged me to say she was on the Night Bus to London - so she could arrive on the Thursday morning of the 20th Feb - that's preparation indeed! I walk to The Zimbabwe Embassy, and nearly there, just catch the eye of Dickson Chikwizo (another organiser) as he passes me head down, who was going to get something to eat!

Embassy acquaintancesFirst there, and leaning in the doorway to the Zimbabwe Embassy is our old friend Peter Sidindi (in his very 'offical' looking peaked cap with Red Band - see Flickr images} - who I have not seen for a quite a few years. In fact several "old faces" appear over the next 30 minutes. So we start taking photos and the odd video too. You can see the whole day on our Flickr Platform - which now that stands at over 150 images [CLICK HERE to VIEW}. We meet up with a lot of well known faces from the past - and a great many new faces too. 

Outside the Zimbabwe Embassy we meet with Tatenda Changambika, Ullbile M Nkwate {on X as @NkwateUlib17272}, Heath Simbarasche {on X as @SimbaHeath} and Shorayi Spencer Guzha all sent by Stanford Biti on behalf of CCC Southend Branch. Then we are introduced to Nolanga Evangelista Ndlovu (and her 'secretive' daughter), [Nolanga has quite a pedigree in ROHR, CCC and one time former Bulawayo regional board member of ZimRights - now a newly minted ZHRO member too.]. Lots more Zimbabweans were arriving at this time too.

The SingersJust then, and out of the blue, as it were, the State Mercedes with a ZIM 1 number plate arrives - difficult to see who is in it due to the tinted windows (to hide the guilty we suspect}. However, an oriental looking chauffeur gets out and opens the rear door, and out pops a skeletal looking old Ambassador in his blue Crombie Coat and a stylish Dark Fedora Hat! Ex-Colonel Christain Katsande himself.

Then in all the most spontaneous outpouring Rudo Yvonne Dodzo starts with a protest song - with all the other Zimbabweans joining in! it was absolutely brilliant: hatidi zvekupiwa order nema sasikamu (we don’t want to be ordered around by lunatics/saskam). The video of this event is also on our Flickr Platform - please view and listen to it HERE it was so good we also put it on Twitter/X {HERE} as did Thabo Makuyana {HERE}.

Not long after that hilarious skit we set off towards Trafalgar Square, to Whitehall to arrive under the gaze of Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery - opposite the entrance to Downing Street - our ultimate destination. Here we organised ourselves for speeches, and whilst those were being spoken {including the message from Chief Ndiweni as referred to above} 4 of us went to present ourselves to the security of Downing Street MET Police Diplomatic Unit. 

for Diana Machingauta, Rudo Yvonne Dodzo and Tawanda Matangambiri, it was an "eye opener" as all the Police inside the security gates were so friendly - posing for photographs and even taking pictures of us with our own mobile phones. The Police were smiling, they were jovial and honest. Even though the officer who accompanied us to the door of 10 Downing Street had a side arm, a 'tazer', stab vest and all that equipment - there was no threat! He was just a guy doing a job. Not like the Zimbabwe Police. The chap inside Downing Street was neat and tidy, his boots were shiny and black - his uniform well looked after. 

We posed for photos at the famous doorway to Number 10 Downing Street - with the brass Letter box with the words "First Lord of the Treasury" the Official Historic Title of the Prime Minister. Next door - The Chancellor of the Exchequer has another title of "Second Lord of the Treasury" - so much history since 1682. So what was our purpose, what did we deliver to the PM on the 20th February 2025 - Well you Can Read it yourself HERE - CLICK for Petition Read/Or Download - opens in a new Window.

Now whilst some of us were playing at 'knocking on the door to 10 Downing Street', the rest of the activists were conducting speeches to continue with the general protest we had started that day. Several videos are now showing on Twitter

  • See Josephine Jenje HERE,
  • Tatenda Changambika HERE,
  • Dickson Chikwizo HERE, 
  • Boniface Zengeni HERE  
  • Peter Sidindi HERE and 
  • Nobukhosi Dube [Twitter: @khosiedee22] HERE at these individual links;

 

Electoral Reforms a Vital Condition

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Written by: Charles Kanyimo
Published: 20 February 2025
Last Updated: 19 February 2025
Hits: 446

User Rating: 5 / 5

UN SupervisionElectoral Reforms: Zimbabwe Opposition’s Urgent Priority

Linked HERE to Physical Petition as handed into 10 Downing Street and e-mailed to FCDO

With the ruling ZANU PF party embroiled in internal factional battles, the political scene in Zimbabwe is approaching interesting times. Unfortunately, the opposition is focused on the fallout within ZANU PF while the most urgent issue—electoral reform—is being sidelined. Without fundamental changes to the electoral system, the next election is likely to be another manipulated process that keeps ZANU PF in power against the will of the people, whether it’s Mnangagwa or Chiwenga at the helm.

The 2023 elections once again exposed how the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) operate as an extension of ZANU PF rather than an independent election body. The opposition lost largely because of a compromised voters’ roll, which was never properly audited, making it easy for ghost voters and irregular registrations to benefit the ruling party. Gerrymandering also played a role, with constituency boundaries altered to favor ZANU PF.

State-sponsored voter intimidation was another major factor. The presence of FAZ (Forever Associates Zimbabwe), a ZANU PF-linked group that effectively acted as an extension of the intelligence services, created a climate of fear at polling stations. Many rural voters were subjected to assisted voting, where they were pressured into casting ballots for the ruling party. Reports of ballot stuffing and vote tampering were ignored by ZEC, which refused to act on any complaints raised by the opposition.

Despite overwhelming evidence of a rigged process, ZEC declared the elections free and fair, reinforcing the reality that it is not a neutral institution. The opposition must stop treating ZEC as a legitimate electoral body and instead demand its complete disbandment. There is no point in participating in elections run by an institution that is designed to keep ZANU PF in power.

For decades, ZANU PF has blocked meaningful electoral reforms because they know that a free and fair election would likely result in their removal from power. They have refused to allow independent audits of the voters’ roll, manipulated electoral laws to ensure ZEC remains under government control, and used state institutions like the police and judiciary to suppress opposition campaigns and protests. ZANU PF party has also relied on intimidation and violence to discourage voter participation, particularly in rural areas where they enforce their control through traditional leaders.

Their resistance to reform is an admission that they cannot win a democratic election without rigging. This is why the opposition must stop getting distracted by ZANU PF’s internal conflicts and instead focus on mobilizing for electoral reforms. The real fight is not about who takes over within ZANU PF—it is about ensuring that the electoral system no longer allows them to manipulate elections.

ZANU PF has been pushing for Zimbabwe’s re-admission into the Commonwealth, hoping to regain unlikely international legitimacy. However, the Commonwealth must not grant Zimbabwe this privilege without concrete electoral reforms. Re-admitting Zimbabwe without fixing its deeply flawed electoral system would be a betrayal of democratic values.

Read more: Electoral Reforms a Vital Condition

2017 Replay - Tensions in Harare

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Written by: John Burke
Published: 19 February 2025
Last Updated: 17 March 2025
Hits: 537
  • Another coup?
  • Internal regime tensions

Mechanised Armour on the StreetsAlthough the regime stooges are claiming "it's just a 'drill" - it looks like a power play mark 2. In November 2017 the regime staged the removal of Mugabe and the replacement by his henchman, Mnangagwa. Are we seeing any simalrities today with these armoured vehicles moving in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe?

Initial indications do not seem favourable. Despite curious posts by the regime apologists. 

Twitter is alive with video and photos

"" Zimbabwe—This morning, residents of Harare woke up to the startling sight of military tanks rolling through the city’s streets. The display of military force comes amidst a backdrop of internal squabbles within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). The power struggle within the party has led to heightened tensions and uncertainty throughout the nation.""

""Sources within ZANU-PF report that factionalism and disagreements over leadership and policy directions have reached a boiling point. The internal discord has been brewing for months, with various factions vying for control and influence. The arrival of military tanks in the capital city has raised concerns about the potential for escalation and violence.""

""The internal disputes are not only confined to the ruling party but have also permeated the nation at large. One of the key points of contention is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s desire to extend his term unconstitutionally to 2030. This ambition has been met with significant opposition within ZANU-PF and among the general populace.""

""Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s plan to extend his rule is a blatant disregard for the constitution and democratic principles. They contend that the focus on maintaining power detracts from addressing pressing domestic issues such as economic instability, unemployment, and corruption. The unpopularity of Mnangagwa’s agenda has further fueled the discontent within ZANU-PF, as factions debate the best course of action for the country’s future."" SOURCE CCC Southend, UK

""Unfortunately any outcome that maintains ZANU PF as the center of power will not change the people's disillusionment with our troubled post-independence experience. In Shona we say "Makudo ndemamwe" which simply means baboons are the same. It's pointless replacing one baboon with another. An exercise in futility. The problem is ZANU PF of which the military is actually an appendage. Our real solution should come from external military intervention. We need a regional or international force to strongarm ZANU PF out of power. Few internal remedies can work against the fascist regime in Harare."" Another Harare SOURCE

From Colonisation to Dictatorship

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Written by: Charles Kanyimo
Published: 07 February 2025
Last Updated: 07 February 2025
Hits: 630
  • Undemocratic
  • ED2030 No Way

User Rating: 5 / 5

C KanyimoZIMBABWE finds itself at yet another critical crossroads. See Article on Newsday {Click Here} Check Out Charles Kanyimo on Twitter/X

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is manoeuvring to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limit, aiming to remain in power until 2030. With a big portion of his own party against it, this move echoes the failed attempt by Grace Mugabe to seize control prior to the 2017 military intervention. Just as Grace’s ambitions caused political instability, Mnangagwa’s efforts risk further destabilising both ZANU-PF and the country, reigniting fears of authoritarian rule. {see additional Articles - CLICK HERE}

Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, the government is attempting to override the country’s constitution, which was carefully crafted to ensure peaceful political transitions. This bold, audacious push is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law, further entrenching corruption and misrule. For a nation already grappling with economic collapse, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty, this move is a betrayal of the hopes Zimbabweans had for a brighter future. {in addition ZAPU President M S Nkomo has made his Party's Position clear in their article and a Press Conference CLICK HERE to read}

Prominent journalist and activist Hopewell Chin’ono has been one of the loudest voices condemning this unconstitutional effort. He has called the plan “a clear assault on the democratic aspirations of Zimbabweans,” describing Mnangagwa’s government as;

“a personal fiefdom, ruled by a corrupt mafia.”

These charges are not unfounded. Under Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe’s government has become synonymous with looting, nepotism, and harsh repression. The president and his inner circle—his family included—have enriched themselves by plundering the nation’s resources, while ordinary Zimbabweans struggle daily. The push to amend the constitution is not about governance or national stability, but rather about consolidating power and continuing the systematic looting of the country’s wealth.

When Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after the coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, many Zimbabweans were hopeful. They believed a new era of reform, economic revival, and democracy had arrived. But nearly eight years into his presidency, it is clear that Mnangagwa’s government is no different—if not worse—than the one it replaced.

The 2013 constitution, which was adopted following a national referendum, represents one of Zimbabwe’s most significant democratic milestones. It limits the presidency to two five-year terms, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. Yet, Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule until 2030 would turn the constitution into an instrument of oppression, instead of a safeguard of democracy.

Read more: From Colonisation to Dictatorship

Justice for a Genocide

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Written by: M S Nkomo, Chief F Ndiweni and J C Burke
Published: 06 December 2024
Last Updated: 06 December 2024
Hits: 937
  • ZanuF Junta
  • Gukurahundi Genocide

User Rating: 5 / 5

5th dec 2024 At the Door to Number 10Thursday, Genocide Petition to the Prime Minister!

On 5th December 2024 we congregated outside the newly "secured" Zimbabwe Embassy - they have got some grim looking metal security gated fabrications at the side and front entrances - to make the Embassy even less friendly or appealing to the Zimbabwean Diaspora - security concerns or Guilt? - we have to ask why these new gates - {photo on Flickr - click to see for yourself SIDE DOOR - 429 CORNER DOOR }.

True to form the guilty inside locked their doors - simply as we were there. Indeed they sent out a CIO to sit in his new BMW X6 to "observe us" - so we took their photos too - again on our Flickr Album of the day. {CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DAYS PHOTO ALBUM} Please note that due to technical constraints, the videos recorded today will take some considerable time to be 'compressed' in order to be displayed upon our Flickr Platform - so expect videos to be appearing by the weekend please.

We took some more photos with our "Zanu PF Must Go" banner and by 13:30 we sidled off towards Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall. by 13:45 we were arranged opposite Downing Street - under the gaze of "Monty" at his commemorative statue. By the time we have said our hellos to the new supporters opposite Downing Street it was time to present our band of 6 petitioners to the Diplomatic Police Unit in control of Downing Street. Ronald T Mutumbi, was due to be the Organiser of the 6 of us today - but had unexpected problems with travel on the day - such a pity.

So we 6 lined up at the solid security gates {making the Zimbabwean Embassy gates looking a little flimsy!} at the entrance to Downing Street. Our Police Diplomatic Unit Escort - was a friendly as any tourist guide - calling us in by our first names! As some may know within those gates we have to go through Air Port Quality X-Ray machines to check all our bags, mobile phones or any metal objects.

Read more: Justice for a Genocide

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  3. Ghost of Zimbabwean Gold
  4. Member Perspectives 13th Dec 2023
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  7. Job Sikhala's Resilience
  8. Tendai Biti - STATEMENT
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  10. Election Fraud Zimbabwe - Observers Statements
  11. Your Right to Vote Zimbabwe
  12. Something Rotten in the State (of Zimbabwe)
  13. Gold Mafia - More Fallout
  14. Zimbabwe has no President
  15. Gold Mafia Protest in SA
  16. Jo'Burg ZIP Pressure SA Gov

Subcategories

Sanitation Article Count:  3

"The current water and sanitation situation in Zimbabwe faces many challenges around capacity, behaviours and  the lack of investment in these sectors during and after the economic crisis of the last decade. Access to clean water is a basic right that is important for the survival of humanity yet it can be one of the hardest resources to attain." UNICEF.ORG

Mismanagement Article Count:  9

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