We demand diplomatic passports - chiefs tell government

Zimbabwe's traditional chiefs have demanded Government to issue them with diplomatic passports too, so that they can travel with dignity out of the country.

The chiefs made their demand today (Wednesday) at the ongoing Annual Traditional Chiefs' Conference.

Speaking in Shona, a chief from Masvingo said ordinary passports demean them and reducing them to "commoners".

"As chiefs of this country we are not respected at border posts whenever we travel. We are treated the same with ordinary people. So we demand diplomatic passports and our spouse's should get one also" said one chief from Masvingo.

Last December, Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo turned down a similar request from mayors to be issued with diplomatic passports, laptops and be paid increased allowances.

A diplomatic passport is a special kind of passport that is issued to Foreign Service officials (diplomats, consular officials, and others) and their families for their use on foreign postings.

More than 1000 delegates are attending the three day conference to be officially opened by President Mugabe.

However, several chiefs from drought prone areas said government should expedite delivery of grain to alleviate starvation.

Most districts are facing hunger.

Also on the agenda is traditional ethics, relationship between spirit medium and chiefs including the constitutional making process.