Vigil group intensifies campaign to renew targeted sanctions

By Tererai Karimakwenda
15 December 2006

Members of the Zimbabwe Vigil group in the UK have stepped up their campaign to ensure that the European Union (EU) renews targeted sanctions aimed at the Mugabe regime and associates. These very specific sanctions that limit Mugabe and his cronies from travelling abroad, as well as monitor their assets, are due to be renewed in February 2007.

Vigil officials say there are worrying signs that the measures may all fall apart before then. To maximise the chances of a renewal, they have organised a campaign that involves lobbying British MPs and EU officials and mobilise concerned individuals and groups to take action. On many occasions Mugabe has managed to travel outside Zimbabwe with large delegations to attend United Nations functions and other events meant for heads of state. Sometimes his presence sparked demonstrations and strong criticism, and other times there were no disruptions.

In the UK Vigil coordinator Rose Benton said they had written to the French Embassy after discovering President Chirac was considering inviting Mugabe to a summit in Cannes in February. She said the group urged the new French Ambassador to Zimbabwe to do all he can to block the invitation. France has been under enormous pressure from Southern African states that have threatened to boycott the summit if Mugabe is not invited. Benton said: “In our letter we tell the French Ambassador to call their bluff.”