Demonstrators tell Mugabe to repent and retire

DEMONSTRATORS yesterday gathered in front of the Zimbabwean High Commission in Windhoek to protest against visiting President Robert Mugabe.

An estimated 70 people, mainly Namibians, were protesting in solidarity with Zimbabweans and the posters carried messages outlining the plight of the country and its inhabitants. Around 40 Police officers turned out to “guard” the High Commission, and “watch” the protesters.Five million Zimbabweans are currently in exile while 700 000 were left homeless during Mugabe’s controversial ‘Remove the Filth Operation’, also known as Operation Murambatsvina, in May 2005.The operation affected the lives of more than two million ordinary Zimbabweans.Public meetings are banned in the country while poverty, inflation and unemployment are skyrocketing.The protest was organised by the National Society for Human Rights.Protesters of different ages, colours and genders stood side by side in solidarity with Zimbabweans suffering under the rule of Mugabe.Posters with slogans like ‘Retire Tyrant’ and ‘Mugabe Repent’ were among the 70-odd placards held up in the silent and peaceful demonstration.”Robert Mugabe should be in prison for human rights violations,” said Phil ya Nangoloh, director of the NSHR.”He is not welcome here or in fact anywhere else in the world.The only place where he would be welcomed is in court in Den Haag [the International Court of Justice in The Hague],” said Ya Nangoloh.Mugabe will be visiting the coastal towns of Namibia before returning home on Friday.No one turned out to demonstrate in favour of the Zimbabwean leader.Around 40 Police officers turned out to “guard” the High Commission, and “watch” the protesters.Five million Zimbabweans are currently in exile while 700 000 were left homeless during Mugabe’s controversial ‘Remove the Filth Operation’, also known as Operation Murambatsvina, in May 2005.The operation affected the lives of more than two million ordinary Zimbabweans.Public meetings are banned in the country while poverty, inflation and unemployment are skyrocketing.The protest was organised by the National Society for Human Rights.Protesters of different ages, colours and genders stood side by side in solidarity with Zimbabweans suffering under the rule of Mugabe. Posters with slogans like ‘Retire Tyrant’ and ‘Mugabe Repent’ were among the 70-odd placards held up in the silent and peaceful demonstration.”Robert Mugabe should be in prison for human rights violations,” said Phil ya Nangoloh, director of the NSHR.”He is not welcome here or in fact anywhere else in the world.The only place where he would be welcomed is in court in Den Haag [the International Court of Justice in The Hague],” said Ya Nangoloh.Mugabe will be visiting the coastal towns of Namibia before returning home on Friday.No one turned out to demonstrate in favour of the Zimbabwean leader.