Zimbabwe Youths to Continue Demonstrations Until US Sanctions Are Scrapped

Children of Zimbabwe war veterans demonstrating against illegal sanctions outside the United States embassy in Harare., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Youths to stage demos until sanctions are scrapped

Sunday, 17 November 2013 00:00
Zimbabwe Sunday Mail

The Patriotic Forum for Zimbabwe Children of National Liberation War Veterans Association has vowed to continue with anti-sanctions demonstrations after its organising secretary, Julie Chiondegwa, collapsed
during a protest at the United States Embassy in Harare on Thursday.

Scores of youths affiliated to the association gathered at the embassy as early as 6.30am on Thursday to express their displeasure over the illegal sanctions.

In an interview at the Avenues Clinic where Chiondegwa is hospitalised, association secretary-general Cde Knowledge Kadzura said their colleague’s fall gave the youths more strength to fight the embargo.

“She fainted while fighting for the goodness of her country and to us that’s a positive thing which gives us strength to fight on,” he said.

“In case some people think that because one of us has fainted and we are going to give up, we are not going to do that. In fact, we are going to intensify our demonstrations and we will soon be taking them to European embassies.”

Speaking from her bed, Chiondegwa said she will continue to fight for the scrapping of the sanctions.

“I want sanctions to be removed and as soon as I get better, I am going back to the United States Embassy to continue with my fight,” she said.

“The pain that I am feeling now is the same pain that every Zimbabwean is feeling because of these unjustified sanctions. If it means dying for the sanctions to be removed, then I am prepared to do that.”

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs (Harare Metropolitan) Cde Miriam Chikukwa and Zanu-PF Harare Province chairman Ambassador Amos Midzi were among those who visited Chiondegwa yesterday.

“Sanctions must go and there is no need for politicking on something which is humanitarian.

“Ordinary Zimbabweans are suffering; that is why youths have resolved to stand up and demonstrate against these sanctions because they are hungry and need jobs,” said Minister Chikukwa.