Zimbabwean civil society leaders have been under attack in a recent crack-down against independent voices in the country. Currently, 2 leaders of national umbrella body NANGO have been arrested & released on bail, but face trial on November 25, 2009.
NCVO meets UK Government to raise concerns on Zimbabwe NGO arrests
5th of November 2009
NCVO Chief Executive, Stuart Etherington, met the Zimbabwe team at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (4 November), to share his concern and support for the Zimbabwean counterpart, the National Association for NGOs in Zimbabwe (NANGO), after its Chair and CEO were arrested.
Etherington pointed out the long-standing history of NANGO as an independent voice in Zimbabwe. He highlighted the importance of civil society in a democracy and their role in the reconstruction of the country.
The FCO agreed to monitor the situation in the context of restoring the broader power-sharing agreement in Zimbabwe.
The arrests came after a meeting, attended by Stuart Etherington in the country in October, which Zimbabwe officials claim had been 'political' and was therefore illegal.
After learning of the arrests Stuart said:
"This is an affront to civil society.
"NANGO has a democratic right to speak up for vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe. It is extremely worrying that the independence of these organisations is being threatened.
"The Zimbabwean government should recognise that NGOs offer the perfect opportunity to help shape the future of the country."
Dadirai Chikwengo, NANGO Board Chairperson and Cephas Zinhumwe, the association’s CEO have been released on bail but face trial on November 25.
In May 2009 Cephas was interviewed for Engage Magazine:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/node/29959
The Guardian feature on his visit is here: www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/feb/23/zimbabwe-aid
17:03, 25.11.09
NCVO welcomes the news that the CEO and Chair of our Zimbabwean counterpart, The National Association for NGOs in Zimbabwe (NANGO), were acquitted this morning (Wed) of all charges.
Dadirai Chikwengo, and Cephas Zinhumwe were both arrested after hosting a meeting in the country in October attended by NCVO’s chief executive, Stuart Etherington among others.
The Zimbabwean authorities claimed that the meeting had been political and it is against the law to hold unauthorised political meetings in the troubled nation.There has been a history of intimidation of NGO staff in Zimbabwe with many facing prison for simply working to build a better society.
Speaking at the NCVO AGM Stuart Etherington said: “Cephas Zinhumwe attended NCVO’s Annual Conference last February, and I know those who met him were impressed by his commitment to supporting and strengthening civil society in Zimbabwe. I am delighted to be able to report that at a short trial this morning, both Cephas and Dadirai Chikwengo were acquitted on all charges. Nevertheless, it was shocking to be reminded that in some parts of the world simply speaking up on behalf of your community can get you arrested.”
Free Zimbabwean Civil Society Leaders!is a campaign run by National Council for Voluntary Organisations, in partnership with other civil society organisations from around the world.
NCVO Meets UK Government to Raise Concerns about Zimbabwe NGO Arrests
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