A long journey starts with a small step

To borrow a famous phrase. "Every little helps". Go on pick-up the phone and call the perpetrators of violence in Zim.

Amos Midzi: 04 301712 Charm Muchinguri: 04 496629
Minister of Economic DevelopmentSylvester Nguni: 04-862032 / 04-862035
Obert Mpofu: 09 246060 Bulawayo
CID: 09 884132 SAMUEL MUMBENGEGWI: 04 88293022
STOUR ROAD VAINONA BORROWDALE Shamuyarira Nathan: 04 86207367
RUBIDGE CL BORROWDALE MPOFU OBERT 04 852033/42501 GAYDON RD GREYSTONE PARK BORROWDALE Lt Co, Mazaiwana: 04 741 604 Chihuri cell is: +26311808290

Bvudzijena cell is: +26311801172
Lt Co Sedze L: 04 860533 Herald House and ask for the Editor: 708296 / 704088 / 794893 / 705199 Lt Tsodzai: 04 860 953 Made: 04 860 953

CHIHURI AUGUSTINE: 04 862410
Chihuri cell: +263 11808290

CHIWENGA: 04 862530

BUKA FLORA :04 74534214270 STRAKER AVE GUNHILL HARARe BONYONGWE Happyton ( CIO director): 04 49784976 ORANGE GROVE DR HIGHLANDS
Here are some FAX numbers: President's Office: +263 4 708848 Fidelity Printers: +263 4 486474 RBZ: +263 4 707800 / +263 4 706450 Min.
Info & Pub: +263 4 790402 / +263 4 707768 Min.
Ind & Int Trade: +263 4 704116 / +263 4 729311 Min. Of Chombo: +263 4 792307

First, I have not written in a while, well I have actually been active off-line in my own way.
To those who were following the unfolding story of Zimbabwe are all too aware of the desperate measures a dictator will go to clutch-on to power.

As we enter the third week of week no-show for elections results in Zimbawe, I have gone from elation, desperation and hopelessness to feeling absolutely deflated. Zimbabwe went to the polls on March the 29th, with dreams of making a change by exercising their rights through the ballot box. The enxt a picture that did not suit Mugabe and his cronies emerged. Instead of conceding defeat, they decide to concotort every possible reason to justify why the results should not be released; Amongst the reasons stated were;
 - We were being meticulous therefore it takes time(!)
- Results will be released once the overall picture has emerged..
- Since it looks like we are loosing, an election run-off is inevitable (even if the official results had not been released)
- We are recounting the results because there are anomalies... (again even if the results have still not been published)
Whatever will they come-up with next.?

Regardless of what is really going on, you can not deny the uneaseness with this situation, everyone now suspects that when the ZEC (Zimbabwean Electrol Commission) finally release the results, Zimbabwean's widely believe that the results will sure show that ZANU PF has gained a majority and therefore has won the elections. The MDC are going through the legal channels, to the high court and so on, but this will not achieve anything because the results may already have been tampered with. 

Zimbabwean's are under siege, they are now in a state of constant fear. The riot police are everywhere. My sources tell me that they have self imposed curfew for fear of being beaten-up; Already they are reports of beatings in villages, and renewed violence against the remaining white farmers.  It looks like the results have given Mugabe and his henchman a target list to do-away with anyone who dares excercise their right.  The situation is apalling.   Is Mugabe preparing a war? Looks like it.

One has to question the international community response to this? - Well that would play directly into Mugabe's paranoa of his belief that the western countries want to invade Zimbabwe (although one has to wonder why.. a country with virtualy nothing and of no strategic importance to anyone) The answer should then surey be the African leaders, but once again, as all self-respecting Africans know, the African Union (also known as the Dictoators club) will not speak-out against one of their own. Well there is a little known organisation call SADC (Southern African Development Commitee /Commission) like all Zimbabweans l hoped that something will come out of  the Friday's meeting, perhaps surely Mugabe could listen to his neighbours, but l hate to say this, it  was just another facade, a show of statesman with nothing substantial.. words and only words is what the SADC gave to the MDC and the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe.

As the situation on the ground deteriorates, there is a tiny dot of hope... although a cliche.. Nothing surely is forever. I jsut don't know when and how that tiny dot will become a new dawn but there is a hope. 

In the mean time, I along with my fellow zimbabwean at home and diaspora, we  brace ourselves for the long ride in the storm.

Today can only the most stressful day l have ever had. Without getting in too much detail.
I just need a hug.
criney

Well, well, well - so l have some kinda of a threat.

Somebody left me a ' criney is a fucking asshole' tag on my profile!

I wonder if you Uncle Bob's puppets are reading this too. If you are then keep watching this space.

I am not afraid of you.

zim-babe

I wrote my tongue in cheek assessment of how the SADC leaders were holding talks in Tanzaniam earlier today. The result is now out. Mugabe has just said to his supporters, that "The leader of the opposition Tsvangirai asked for a beating". Anyway let's not digress, apparently the meeting was a success. The leaders agreed that sanctions should be lifted (sanctions are travel bans imposed on Mugabe, his cabinet and family members) At least the priorities were in order there.

Secondly Mugabe demanded that Britain pays for the Land reform program.. I mean who in their right minds will pay for that poor execuse of a land reform program? I mean isn't obvious that anyone who pays the land reform will be just lining the pockets of Mugabe and his ministers?

So the SADC meeting was a complete joke only if it didn't have tragic consequencies, we would all be laughing out load. I think everyone knew that nothing drastic would come out, but secretly wanted to be proved wrong.

Although l feel hopeless, frsutrated, angry and powerless, i am now more determined in my quest to do a little everyday.

The African dictators club - officially the African Union gathered yesterday in Tanzania behind closed doors to discuss the political crisis in Zimbabwe and other nations, I wonder what actually went on inside?

I am inclined to think that they were actually comparing suit labels and talking about the latest rolex watches. Of course Mugabe now only relies on ebay to buy latest models because he can no longer travel to Europe. He could go to China, Singapore but he just doesn't want to buy fake or immitations, why should he frankly? He has enough to buy a small country. They also talked about the latest Mercedes cars and the hotel presidential suites they all stayed in. The politicians had shockingly onstentaticios lunch. Being landlocked, Mugabe relishes the sea food delicacies, lobsters, clams, king prawns and the delicate baby octopuses which were served by overly attentive waiters.

With bellies full and lips glistening, they washed it down with the finest wine, imported from France, Italy and much to Mbeki's delight some from South africa of course.

In the early evening, during chit chats, somebody mentions half-heartedly of course how the situation in Zimbabwe is becoming a slight embarrasement, "But of course, this is perpetuated by Blair and Bush" he adds, to which Mugabe replies, "yes those international terrorists", "We africans need to stand like brothers man, says Mugabe. Mbeki who was apparently tasked with taking leadership on the Zim crisis, then says, "I suppose we need to say we have achieved something today", with that they kiss each other goodnight, everyone rushes to Mugabe to shake his hand, some give him a hug and whisper congralatory messages about him showing the whites who really rules Africa. Mugabe has won the day. Zimbabweans in the mean time despair. At least Grace may have had some time to stock-up some fabrics from Tanzania since one can no longer find good factories in Zimbabwe.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6503061.stm

This is getting boring, Mugabe is in Tanzania supposedly being put under pressure not to run for the elections next year and to respect human rights in Zimbabwe. Before he plane lands in sunny and peaceful Tanzania Mugabe's police arrest the leader of the opposition. I mean hell, what does that say? what hope is there for the ordinary Zimbabweans?

Anyway, l have been busy with work l have not been able to do much in terms of actions, however today I am back on the ball. I have not been interviewed by the Vatican radio yet, however, l hve just finished amending a draft letter being sent to all Churches globally calling for a '2 minute' prayer dedicated to the people of Zimbabwe. Writing the letter was very emotional because it felt so surreal, but as l say, a little is better than just sitting back. The global prayer meeting will be held on the 15th of April so am hoping that it does happen.

watch this space!

I soldier own..

Zim-babe

So my quest to make a change goes on.

I have just recieved an email from the Vatican radio in Rome, they would like to interview a Zimbabwean who speaks italian (which I do, albeit gramatically incorrect). They want to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe. Apaprently the catholic church is very interested..

I said l was available but need to know the context of the story before l sign my life away quite literally. I am now slighly uncomfortable because l have the failiar CIO stories who will not hesitate to do what it takes to stop anyone from criticing them.

Stay tuned...

Monday 19th March
Like everyone out there, I was appalled, angry,saddened by the events back in Zinbabwe. I bought the the Independent newspaper and i had to remove the front page which showed the horrifc injuries inflicted on Nelson Chamisa the MDC spokesman.

I promised myself yesterday that l will do something, even a little thing, but something. I started by posting my opinion on the BBC 'have your say' then sent a petition email to the government. I also unssuccessfully tried to send feedback to the Editor of the Herald newspaper - surprise surprise there was something wrong with the submit form.

After work, I walked to the London MDC branch to attend a meeting. I braved the icy conditions and wet weather. It was interesting to see that there were people there from all works of life (white, old, young etc) It was a confirmation that this crisis affects everyone regardless of ethnicity. I felt fired-up after the meeting, I was also humbled about the MDC's commitment to encourage non-violence. Although l doubted that this commitment does anything to the youths who are frustrated and are subject to such provocation that they will use violence.

Mysterious guy
At the meeting there was also an articulate guy who came across as thoughtful and threw in interesting angles to the debate. I was very impressed because l felt that these are the kind of people we will need to build-up our country.

Fear
On my way to the London MDC meeting, I had a long telephone conversation with someone very close to me in Zim, he was discouraging me to do anything, he kept wanting to change subject each time l was ranting about mugabe. it struck me then, my contact can not even say Mugabe, he is afraid that someone might hear him and report him to the Zanu PF Militia. Can you imagine a country where you feel unsafe if you mention the name of a politician? How totally bizzare.

I am absolutely determined to do something...stay tuned.