ACTSA in London protest over Zimbabwe

On 18 April Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) will mark the 31st anniversary of Zimbabwean independence with a lunchtime vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. It will pay tribute to those who fought, suffered and sacrificed for the liberation of Zimbabwe and call for democracy, justice and rights and an end to the violence.

In recent weeks the people of Zimbabwe have experienced a surge in violence and repression. Politicians and prominent civil society leaders have faced arbitrary arrest on trumped up charges; there has been intimidation, harassment and violence.

ACTSA is fearful that the level of violence will return to that during the 2008 presidential run off elections when Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to pull out. That left one candidate and the Southern Africa Development Community said that the electoral process was not in accord with the principles and guidelines it, including Zimbabwe, have agreed for the conduct of democratic elections.

The vigil will be attended by ACTSA supporters, members of the Zimbabwean diaspora and trade unionists. During the vigil ACTSA supporters will present an anniversary card to the Embassy condemning the violence and calling for democracy, rights and justice.

Tony Dykes, Director of ACTSA said:

“Today, as Zimbabwe marks the 31st anniversary of its independence, we pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for the freedom of their country. That struggle was for democracy, rights and justice. This is why we are here today; to support democracy, rights and justice for Zimbabwe.

Whilst the eyes of the world look elsewhere, the people of Zimbabwe are being beaten, intimidated and harassed by militias, the army and the police simply because they are viewed as not supporting one political party.

ACTSA condemns the violence and harassment perpetrated against the people of Zimbabwe, including political and civil society activists, trade unionists and especially women.”

Please note

• The vigil will take place from 1pm -2pm on Monday, 18 April, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR

• Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) is the successor organisation to the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Since 1994 ACTSA has been campaigning with the people of southern Africa as they strive to build a better future, working for democracy, rights and development across the region. www.actsa.org