Britain worried by Zimbabwe crisis — Ambassador

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

Britain is concerned at recent human rights violations and the current economic crisis Zimbabwe is grappling and is closely monitoring the situation, says London’s chief envoy, Catriona Laing.

In a statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/a-statement-on-united-kingdoms-support-to-the-people-of-zimbabwe), Laing said the economic problems Zimbabwe is facing needed urgent redress.

“The economic challenges that now face Zimbabwe are both significant and urgent.

“As we have said repeatedly, it is vital that necessary economic reforms are driven forward with determination, taking into account the advice of the international financial institutions in order to prevent the population of Zimbabwe suffering severe levels of hardship.

“This requires difficult decisions to be made and a demonstrable commitment to implementation from the government of Zimbabwe,” said Laing.

She added that “police brutality” during a recent wave of citizen protests against President Robert Mugabe’s rule was worrying.

“In recent weeks we have seen the emergence of concerning videos of police brutality, and attacks by the government on apparently peaceful social media based movements.

“When combined with the ongoing failure of the police to enforce court orders around illegal land invasions, this paints a worrying picture,” said the ambassador.

“The UK continues to reiterate to the government of Zimbabwe the importance of substantial improvement in these areas.

“We look forward to hearing how the government intends to address these issues, and to deliver positive outcomes for the people of Zimbabwe,” she wrote.

She said Mugabe’s government must uphold the rule of law and human rights as defined by the constitution and in accordance with international conventions

Of late, Britain has come under attack from various circles for reportedly supporting Mugabe’s government and angling for his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa to succeed the 92 year-old president despite the worsening economic crisis and flagrant human rights abuses.

Laing, however, insisted that the UK would not “support any particular candidate, faction or party” and dismissed reports that UK taxpayers’ money had been used to fund the government.

“The British Embassy in Harare will continue to meet with members of the executive, legislature, judiciary and civil society, from across the political spectrum.

“Meetings do not imply agreement with any particular policy position. The UK does not have a vote in any future Zimbabwean election,” added Laing. Nehanda Radio