Zim Youths Challenge Mozambican President In London

By Zim Youths Arise

Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza, faced tough questioning when he addressed an invited audience of African diplomats at London’s prestigious foreign policy institute, Chatham House, today Monday 4 December 2006.

As soon as he finished speaking, President Guebuza was grilled by black Zimbabwean human rights activists in the audience.

They were from the group Free Zim Youth and expressed their disquiet at the way Mozambique and other Southern African nations had failed to press President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe to ensure free and fair elections and respect for human rights.

They later ambushed the Zimbabwean Ambassador as he left Chatham House.

President Guebuza had spoken about how Mozambique was prioritising the fight against poverty. He stressed the importance of good governance.

Alois Mbawara of Free Zim Youth quizzed President Guebuza about Mozambique’s role in SADC (the Southern African Development Community), which is committed to uphold democracy and human rights.

“SADC has previously recognised that the crisis in Zimbabwe is a stumbling block to regional economic prosperity. But Mozambique has failed to uphold the SADC principles of good governance with regard to Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mbawara.

“SADC has promised to appoint a troika team to visit Zimbabwe, but has so far not done so. We want to know who is going, when they are going and what is their remit. Zimbabweans are dying while SADC dithers.

“I asked President Guebuza what is Mozambique’s policy to help solve the Zimbabwean economic and humanitarian disaster; citing the adverse impact on Mozambique of the influx of Zimbabwean refugees.

“The President was evasive. He said Mozambique was ready to play its part in resolving the Zimbabwean crisis, but failed to specify any concrete plan of action by Mozambique or SADC.

“Although President Guebuza was pressed three times to be specific about what SADC would do, he avoided giving any firm commitments. He gave us the brush off.

“Another Free Zim Youth campaigner, Luka Phiri, tried to get an answer from President Guebuza. He said Zimbabwe’s poverty was a world beater, with the lowest life expectancy and the highest inflation. But the President simply reiterated that Mozambique would do its best to assist Zimbabwe, without stating when and what this assistance might involve.

“Among the dignitaries who attended President Guebuza’s lecture was the Zimbabwean Ambassador, Gabriel Machinga. As he left Chatham House, he was ambushed by 10 members of Free Zim Youth.

“On the pavement outside, we surrounded Mr Machinga shouting: ‘Shame on you Machinga’ and held in front of his face a giant banner which read: ‘Mugabe wanted for murder.’

“Mozambique and other SADC countries have a duty to do something concrete to stop the killing in Zimbabwe. We expect support from our African neighbours, not neglect, indifference and evasion.

“During Ian Smith’s era of white minority rule, Mozambique played an important and valued role assisting the Zimbabwe freedom struggle. Now, once again, the people of Zimbabwe need our Mozambican brothers and sisters to help us free ourselves from Mugabe’s tyranny.

“We want a new Zimbabwe where there is democracy, social justice and human rights for all Zimbabweans – not a lawless state where Mugabe’s ZANU-PF cronies get rich and abuse their power at the expense of the people,” said Mr Mbawara.
Power To The People

Further information:

Alois Mbawara, Free Zim Youth: 07960 333 568

Luka Phiri, Free Zim Youth: 07951 293 766
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