Launch of the Zimbabwe 'Yes we can' Movement
7th June 2011
FROM THE ZIMBABWE VIGIL
The Zimbabwe Vigil has been asked by the newly formed Zimbabwe 'Yes we can' Movement to circulate the following media notice. The movement is described as a platform that seeks to unite Zimbabweans in their quest for a lasting solution to the Zimbabwe question. It's being modelled on the anti-apartheid campaign and the current mass protest movements in the Arab world. Everyone and all organisations are welcome to join for the cause of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans from all walks of life met under the banner of Zimbabwe Political Conference 2011 with the theme 'Zimbabwe Going Forward' from 27 – 29 May in Huddersfield UK.
The agenda of the Conference was to consider the Zimbabwe political stalemate and the ever deteriorating human rights situation.
The Conference resolved to form a new global movement, Zimbabwe Yes We Can. Ephraim Tapa was elected President of the new movement. (Ephraim Tapa is President of Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR) and a founder member of the Zimbabwe Vigil.)
Issues raised at the Zimbabwe Political Conference included:
1. Concern over the failure of leadership to bring about a lasting solution to the Zimbabwe question over the last 10 years, despite overwhelming mass support for the change agenda.
2. Continued grappling over the Global Political Agreement by the three principals to the total exclusion of the people of Zimbabwe.
3. Continued human rights abuses under the watch of the Inclusive Government
4. Lack of sincerity on the part of the Inclusive Government (all parties included) in bringing about a genuinely people-driven constitution.
5. Continued plundering of resources and corporate terrorism with the acquiescence of all in the Inclusive Government.
6. The lack of REAL and SUSTAINABLE CHANGE over the 3-year rule of the Inclusive Government
7. Concern over there being no end in sight to the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe under the prevailing arrangements.
A clear roadmap is being developed in consultation with Zimbabweans at home and abroad and members are busy working towards a second closed door meeting on 25 June 2011 to concretise the way forward.
Vigil co-ordinators
The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, takes place every Saturday from 14.00 to 18.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe. http://www.zimvigil.co.uk
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