🇿🇼 Social media users across the continent have joined the
#ZimbabweanLivesMatter
campaign to condemn fears of a government crackdown against opposition politicians and journalists in Zimbabwe.
The BBC's
@shingainyoka
explains what is behind the campaign:
Good conversation with Nelson Chamisa. Discussed serious concerns on human rights, corruption and the situation for ordinary Zimbabweans. We continue to engage across the political spectrum to understand how the UK can best support Zimbabweans.
Good to meet with CCC leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday. We discussed how important it is that the forthcoming elections are peaceful, credible and inclusive.
The UK is committed to promoting and protecting democracy and human rights around the world.
E-VOUCHER INNOVATION: 7.7m Zimbabweans are food insecure due to drought and a humanitarian situation worsened by coronavirus.
The UK 🇬🇧 has stepped up to help with a new voucher scheme that ensures beneficiaries in urban areas can keep on buying the food they need.
It’s not sanctions holding Zimbabwe’s economy back. Corruption and illicit financial flows rob Zimbabweans of their own resources. The lack of political and economic reforms undermines the chance of debt relief & international investment needed to rebuild Zimbabwe’s economy.
Happy Saturday Zimbabwe. How’s the lockdown going for you?
The best thing for me - apart from keeping myself and Zimbabweans safe - is coming up with recipes from my wonderful veg. garden. I’m eating a lot of 🍆and 🥬.
#Covid19Zim
#StayAtHomeSaveLives
Two years ago President
@edmnangagwa
made important commitments to reform. We’ve regularly called for these promises to be delivered on. But human rights violations and systemic corruption continue. We again urge respect for the constitution and
#ActiononReform
EU restrictive measures are ONLY on the Mugabes and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
The UK stands with Zimbabweans in the fight against corruption and rights abuses. Thats where the govt should focus its efforts.
#NoToCorruption
#NoToRightsAbuses
#TheUKStandsWithZim
Relieved to see Hopewell Chin'ono & Jacob Ngarivhume finally granted bail today. Concerned they were held for so long and that others are still detained on political grounds. Freedom of speech, media freedoms & right to peaceful protest guaranteed under Zimbabwe's constitution
Saddened by the treatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe in
#Zimbabwe
. Hard to see this as her being treated with fairness and dignity. Calling for her rights and the rights of all those detained here to be fully upheld.
Deeply saddened by news of Moreblessing Ali. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. Important that those behind this terrible crime are brought to justice.
Absolutely loved talking to Zimbabwean microbiologist Thandeka Moyo via Skype. Impressive background in research into a vaccine for HIV. Now in JHB, Thandeka’s doing vital research into antibody response to
#COVID19
. We spoke after her 3-hour experiment today!
#womeninscience
Extremely worried about the deepening health crisis in
#Zimbabwe
. We stand ready to work with the new team to address key issues related to the health worker crisis and PPE shortages.
Very concerned about reports of abductions, arrests and threats targeting those exercising constitutional rights. Freedom of expression is vital even in times of COVID19, with social distancing observed.
Whilst I welcome Hon. Kazembe’s determination to investigate the abduction of Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova, I am concerned by the lack of impartiality before the investigation is concluded. This is for the courts to decide. Zimbabwe’s own constitution protects alleged victims
Concerned by reports of violent attacks on opposition supporters at a rally in Kwekwe this weekend. Vital that perpetrators are brought to justice and that all parties can campaign freely without fear of violence.
Today’s sanctions are targeted at four security sector individuals responsible for serious human rights violations against fellow Zimbabweans on the streets of Harare and other towns.
Good to hold wide-ranging discussion with Foreign Minister SB Moyo today. Raised our concerns about economic & human rights situation in
#Zimbabwe
, and discussed the UK’s support to the health sector and in the battle against CV-19. More than ever, Zimbabwe needs genuine reforms
What needs to be said:
#itsnotsanctions
, it’s
#corruption
that drives away investors & leaves teachers, doctors, nurses & services struggling. Sanctions don’t hurt ordinary citizens. Zimbabweans must be free to expose corruption, rights abuses & see perpetrators face justice.
Glad to hear that Mamombe, Chimbiri & Marova were granted bail today. Look forward to hearing of their release from custody. An extremely concerning case.
Concerned by toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe this week following calls for protests on Friday. Call for calm and restraint on all sides.
$43.6m from 🇬🇧 to help 🇿🇼 fight
#COVID19
.
All delivered through
#UN
and other partners to make sure it gets where it’s needed most.
Calling on others to step up too. We’re all in this together.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The UK is committed to fighting
#COVID19
across the world including
#Zimbabwe
.
@DFID_UK
are supporting partners with £35.4m ($43.6m) of
#UKaid
to support the COVID19 response+help mitigate the crisis on the poorest+most vulnerable.
Details:
I'm relieved to see Joana Mamombe has been released from Chikurubi and can now be with her family. Difficult to understand why it was necessary to send her back to jail last month.
Sanctions are a response to human rights violations. They don’t target ordinary citizens. The UK is on the side of the Zimbabwean people. In 2020-21 we’re providing 176m USD aid - reducing poverty, fighting
#COVID19
, standing up for human rights & the rule of law
Hearing that Hopewell Chin’ono was charged in court today and is again in custody tonight. He’s consistently spoken out about corruption in
#Zimbabwe
. I’m concerned about the signals the case against him sends to journalists here.
#defendmediafreedom
#protecthumanrights
Great visit to a hospital the UK's NMS is building in Bulawayo, before going to ZITF. Work on the Cowdray Park facility started in 2022, one of 35 hospitals & clinics being expertly built here by NMS. Proud of this shared investment in providing better healthcare to Zimbabweans.
Glad Zimbabwe has ratified the Economic Partnership Agreement with the UK. This ensures that 🇿🇼exporters continue to enjoy tariff & quota free access to the UK market. The UK supports Zimbabwean businesses and jobs for economic development
@ZimTradeAlerts
@MoFA_Zw
#ukafricatrade
Totally worth the wait: such a pleasure to finally talk to history-making Zimbabwe-born Stephanie Travers, Trackside Fluid Engineer for
@PetronasGPTeam
. A long-time
#F1
fan, 2 years ago (at age 23) she was selected from a group of 7000 applicants in a global talent search
We are very concerned about the reports regarding the alleged abduction of Dr. Mangombeyi. We are following this case closely and are engaging with our partners to verify his whereabouts.
There’s no UK trade embargo on Zimbabwe: we’ve just welcomed Zimbabwe’s ratification of an EPA which will mean exporters continue to enjoy tariff & quota free access to the UK market. The UK is Zimbabwe’s 19th largest export market
#itsnotsanctions
#theUKstandswithZimbabweans
I paid my farewell call on President Mnangagwa. I told him how much I’d enjoyed my time in this beautiful country & meeting many brilliant Zimbabweans. We discussed Election Observation Missions’ findings & the importance of dialogue & reforms to moving forward on re-engagement.
#UKAid
🇬🇧 for
#CycloneIdai
reaches over $23m. In
#Zimbabwe
, this will help get health, medical & nutrition supplies to affected communities in worst affected areas including Chimanimani. It will also help children traumatised by recent events access social care and support.
Stopping human rights violations, tackling corruption without fear or favour and reaching out across divides remain the best way to unlock Zimbabwe’s potential and help secure a better future for all. The UK stands ready to support.
#ActionOnReform
#ZimbabweLivesMatter
Blueberries. Peas. Chillies. Services. Solar equipment.
Trade between the UK and Zimbabwe was 244m USD last financial year
UK sanctions are asset freezes and travel bans on 5 Zimbabwean individuals for corruption & rights abuses. They don’t stop trade.
#ItsNotSanctions
We wish all Zimbabweans a happy 40th Independence Day! Not easy to celebrate under these conditions &
#COVID19
crisis: important to stay
#sociallydistanced
where we can. UK stepping up help to people of Zimbabwe at this time: amazing country with huge potential & wonderful people
I’ve sent two
@UKinZimbabwe
teams to Bulawayo this week to talk to authorities,
@zhrc365
and civil society about the tragic events of the last 9 days. Our rights partners are doing a difficult job amid great need: the UK continues to help them wherever it can.
The 🇬🇧 is on the side of the Zimbabwean people. We continue to press for genuine political and economic reform and the protection of Zimbabweans’ constitutional rights. We are working to reduce poverty, increase trade and investment and support Zimbabwe’s recovery from COVID-19.
Troubling scenes on the streets of Harare and Bulawayo today. Zimbabweans should be able to protest, but this should be peaceful. And security forces need to act proprortionately and with restraint.
Good to meet Minister of Health Obadiah Moyo today to discuss
#COVID19
. Agreed on importance of urgency & clarity in leadership, coordination & communication based on preparedness plan. UK has provided £1.7m through WHO including public health emergency supplies. Ready to do more
V good to meet with President
@edmnangagwa
today. We discussed the Coronation, the hospitals and clinics that UK company NMS is building in
#Zimbabwe
, other 🇬🇧trade and investment projects, and the importance of peaceful, free and fair elections in 🇿🇼later this year.
So sad to hear about Oliver Mtukudzi’s death. His music was the soundtrack to 1995 for me - the year I frst visited Zimbabwe and discovered Tuku.
#RIPOliverMtukudzi
Legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi has died at the age of 66. He passed away this afternoon at the Avenues Hospital in Harare.
#RIPOliverMtukudzi
I paid an introductory call on Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday. Frank and constructive exchange on the economic and political reforms Zimbabwe urgently needs if it is to get back on track with re-engagement.
Was in a meeting today with VP Constantino Chiwenga
@USembassyharare
@WorldBank
@euinzim
& UN partners. International donors fund 70% of Zimbabwe’s health sector. Urge GoZ to increase resources it devotes to this critical sector so the healthworker crisis can be quickly resolved
Back in my favourite part of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 for a family weekend: Chimanimani.
Enjoying the countryside on my favorite green transport. 🚲
#LifeIsBetterOnTwoWheels
Look at these made-in-Zim wind turbines in Wales🇬🇧. Sent to me by a colleague who used to work
@UKinZimbabwe
. I see they're great for schools and businesses, and work well even where wind speeds are low. This type of
#renewableenergy
takes us closer to a carbon-free world
@COP26
Very concerned about the reports of the abduction and abuse of ARTUZ’s Obert Mataraure. Such extra-judicial actions are clearly inconsistent with
#Zimbabwe
’s constitution and the Government’s stated reform agenda.
I’m very sad indeed to hear about Dr Alex Magaisa’s death. He made such a contribution to - and cared so deeply about - Zimbabwe’s future. My thoughts are with his family and friends. MHSRIP.
Recognise that Zimbabwe lockdown, necessary to slow spread of
#COVID19
, will be hard for many. Urge calm, lawful behaviour from govt & citizens. Already stepped up
#UKaid
response via
@WHO
&
@UNICEF
: working with partners to do more. Important we pull together to fight
#COVID19
Today I was accredited to observe Zimbabwe’s elections. Looking forward to being part of the independent observation by international, regional and domestic missions over the coming days & weeks – such an important basis for accurate, impartial evaluations of electoral processes.
Makorokoto to the brilliant and brave Zimbabwean high school students who won an international robotics competition in Geneva.
The team beat 183 other countries competing in a challenge to design ways of reducing emissions in agriculture.
#climateaction
After a stimulating week meeting people in Bulawayo, Gwanda and Masvingo I spent a couple of quiet hours at Great Zimbabwe, reflecting on Zimbabwe’s long history. Grateful to be able to come again, 24 years after my first visit.
Hugely relieved that Dr Peter Magombeyi has been found. So pleased for his family and colleagues. Important that full investigations are now carried out.
Magistrate Nduna bars members of the public & media practitioners from attending court session on Thursday in which Hopewell Chin'ono will testify about the state of prison conditions. Magistrate Nduna said Hopewell's evidence will jeopardise prison security.
Calling on the Government to do everything it can to find Dr Peter Magombeyi who’s not been seen since Saturday. And bring the perpetrators to account.
#BringBackDrPeter
It’s been a tough month in
#Zimbabwe
. So I’m glad to have had a wide range of intro meetings with people, from
@edmnangagwa
& Ministers to
@nelsonchamisa
& team; from private sector, church & civil society to diplomats. Thanks to all for being so open and honest.
#ActionOnReform
Also true for British companies. We have $1.9bn existing investments. But British companies repeatedly say the impediments to more investment are FX/exchange rate issues, lack of investible 99-year leases and weak confidence in the rule of law. Sanctions play no role.
Sanctions Can’t Stop Investment In
#Zimbabwe
: France Sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by western countries cannot stop international businesses from investing in this country, French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Richard Boidin has ... via
@263Chat
#Africa
#263Chat
Glad to be able to highlight this good news -
#Zimbabwe
to come off the red list next Monday. Great news also for UK
#tourists
and
#diaspora
planning trips to Zimbabwe; this makes travel easier between our two countries.
UPDATE: From Monday (11th Oct) 📅 I’ll be cutting 47 destinations from our red list – including South Africa, with just 7 countries and territories remaining ⚠️ - all others will be included in the “rest of world” category 🌐 [1/3]
“Heads of Mission expect from the GOZ a swift, thorough & credible investigation…perpetrators of heinous acts of this kind & other human rights violations need to be identified & prosecuted”
Highly disturbing reports. As ever we urge upholding of human rights &
#ActiononReform
Joint statement on the human rights situation in
#Zimbabwe
from the Heads of Mission of the UK,
@euinzim
, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland & the US
@foreignoffice
@HMAMelanieR
A new graduate immigration route will allow international students to stay in the UK for two years after they graduate to work, or look for work, ensuring the UK continues to attract the best and brightest.
I met with Thokozani Khupe yesterday. We discussed concerns on human rights violations and her perspective on the current situation. We will continue to engage Zimbabweans across the political spectrum.
Harrowing account by Tawanda Muchehiwa of his abduction and torture in July. Call on authorities to investigate fully and bring perpetrators to account. We’ve been raising our deep concerns about human rights issues with the Zimbabwe government & will continue to do so.
Makorokoto, amhlophe! Good to attend Independence Day celebrations in beautiful Mt Darwin today, along with other Ambassadors. Last week I was pleased to give President
@edmnangagwa
a message from His Majesty the King in which he congratulated all Zimbabweans on this special day.
The UK Government has always been clear that we believe changes to sanctions regimes against Zimbabwe should reflect progress on the political and economy reforms promised by President Mnangagwa.
#ActionOnReform
Extremely concerned to hear this. Will be raising abductions and importance of rule of law and bringing perpetrators of this violence to justice with Govt today. Following closely.
Great to be back in Harare. The UK was its beautiful self. But I wish we could have sent Zimbabwe some of our too abundant rain to help break Zimbabwe’s too dry spell.
#LoveBritain
#LoveZimbabwe
#ClimateChange
Over the coming weeks
#UKinZimbabwe
will be talking to Government of Zimbabwe about its response to the humanitarian situation, targeting support to those who need it most and taking
#ActionOnReform
.
Today is 2 years since the killing of 6 civilians by soldiers in Harare.
#MotlantheCommission
called for accountability & promotion of political tolerance & yet:
⚠️ Culprits are free
⚠️ Families not compensated
⚠️ Security sector reforms not done
⚠️ Civic space even more closed
Frank discussion with Foreign Minister SB Moyo today. Raised recent
#humanrights
#mediafreedom
&
#corruption
cases. Spoke on hopes for trade and UK support to businesses & health sector. Social & political situation a real concern:
#actiononreform
vital for Zimbabwe to prosper
Welcome the constructive conversation with HE President
@edmnangagwa
ahead of his visit to the UK for the
#COP26
World Leaders Summit. We focussed on the UK-Zimbabwe relationship and
#Zimbabwe
’s important role in tackling climate change.
Thank you
@ZimGemsOffical
. Those 24 years since I last played mean I’m a bit sore today. But your energy, strength and will to win are fortifying me. You’ll be GREAT!
Looking forward to seeing this aired! Kuda Musasiwa is a brilliant example of
#Zimbabwe
#entrepreneurship
in a difficult operating environment. His start-up has so many great ingredients: ✔️ opportunities for young farmers ✔️ innovative tech and ✔️agile use of mobile money
Encouraged to see that yesterday's MDC meeting in Mbare went ahead without interruption. Important that supporters of all political parties & their leaders are able to hold gatherings and that these meetings are peaceful
#ActiononReform
Been looking forward to this: today I spoke to Tendaiishe Chitima who plays Anesu in
@CookOffZim
, Zimbabwe’s first ever film on Netflix. Loved Tendai's character when I watched the film 3 weeks ago: a single mum, pushed by her son & her grandmother to enter a cooking competition.
Highlight of my week: visiting the stunning Honde Valley and learning how 95% of wonderful Eastern Highlands tea ends up in London. Lots in British cuppas, I’m sure 🇿🇼 🇬🇧☕️.
1000 workers & over 300 out-grower families at Wamba alone.
Potential for even more 🇿🇼 🇬🇧 trade.
Privileged to speak to Tsitsi Dangarembga about her Booker-nominated This Mournable Body, the road to success, patriarchy, race, colonialism & more. Latest of my chats with inspiring Zimbabweans from all walks of life. Nervous Conditions was the 1st book I read when I got here
Thinking back to when I was 17 and preparing to spend a year teaching kids of mine workers in South Africa. Tomorrow 17 year old Veronica will be in the British Embassy to be Ambassador for the day. Looking forward to fresh perspectives and lessons
#GirlsTakeOver
#DayofTheGirl
Mbare: visited the cemetery for the
#Remembrance
Service in Harare this morning. Paid my respects to the fallen - those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.’
#LestWeForget
#TwoMinuteSilence
Thank you Your Excellency President
@edmnangagwa
for your visit to the Embassy this morning to sign the condolence book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Grateful for your kind words at this time of deep loss and reflection.
I’d like to give a shout-out to the doctors, nurses, student nurses and frontline workers in
#Zimbabwe
who continue to try to save lives under the most difficult of circumstances: they are true heroes
I was saddened to hear of the death of Foreign Minister SB Moyo today. My condolences go to his family.
The UK stands by Zimbabwe in its fight against Covid-19.
What better way to end
#AfricaDay2023
than sharing a fun evening in Harare enjoying British reggae and pop band
#UB40
. A band of English, Jamaican, Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Yemeni heritage, from not far up the road from where I grew up. 🇿🇼 🇬🇧
Met
@ZLHRLawyers
in Harare today. So impressed by the work they’ve done for years fighting for protection of human rights & for due process to be followed. The UK believes firmly in the vital role citizens and civil society have to play in a more prosperous & democratic Zimbabwe