SW Radio Africa (London)
Tererai Karimakwenda
15 April 2008
A group of MDC activists in the UK stormed their way into the Zimbabwe Embassy on the Strand in London on Tuesday, demanding that the staff vacate the premises because Mugabe lost the elections on March 29th.
The activists forced their way past the lobby area and began shouting and singing that Mugabe must go. It later turned out that they were members of the MDC-UK women's wing, led by Judith Ngwenya.
Ngwenya said they managed to sneak inside the building after the security guard went to find out some information that they had asked for. Once inside they waited for media crews that they had tipped off. "We started singing and took down the photo of Robert Mugabe and told the staff the office was ours since we won the election", said Ngwenya.
The MDC-UK leader said that they carried placards accusing South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki of helping Mugabe to rig the elections and to rape and murder Zimbabweans. Other placards demanded that the electoral commission release the results of the presidential election.
The police arrived and took no action to arrest them. According to Ngwenya they just ordered the group to demonstrate outside the building, which they did before dispersing.
Jaison Matewu, the MDC-UK organising secretary, was also at the scene. He said about 8 police vehicles and many journalists from the international media arrived. MDC members outside the Embassy argued with police who were trying to clear the area. Their point was that the Embassy no longer belonged to the staff inside the building, but to the newly elected MDC officials who were voted in on March 29.
"This is our embassy!" one activist was heard explaining to the police.
Zimbabwean embassies have become the target of protests around the world. And more protests are planned in the coming days and weeks.
In the UK there is a 3-day campaign of demonstrations planned to take place outside the Embassy in London. All Zimbabweans from around the UK and supporters of democracy are being urged to take part to make sure the message is heard that Zimbabweans want results announced.
A function coordinated by the MDC-UK begins the protests on Thursday from 10:00am to 4:00 pm. The MDC-UK organisers said they are protesting Mugabe's undemocratic clinging on to power.
On Friday, Zimbabwe's Independence Day, Action for Southern Africa makes their contribution with a protest from 12:30pm to 2:00 pm. They are calling on supporters to demonstrate for democracy on this special day. ACTSA will be supported by trade unions and vigil members will also be there.
On Saturday the Vigil team return to the Zim Embassy, re-launching their petition that calls on EU governments to suspend aid to SADC countries. They want the funds to finance the starving in Zimbabwe instead. Special guest Lucky Moyo of Black Umfolozi fame will be urging Zimbabwean musicians in the UK to come and speak out on the situation back home. Lucky is quoted as saying: "As much as we may want to be apolitical we are social commentators. We must play a part by reflecting in song what pathways our society has taken over the last 28 years". Willard Karanga, formerly of Thomas Mapfumo's band, will also join the protests on Saturday when musicians take centre stage.
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