Rights group petition Switzerland President to ban Mnangagwa

A local rights group Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR Zimbabwe)  has written to the President of Switzerland to bar President Emmerson Mnangagwa from entering Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The organization alleged that Mnangagwa has implemented gross human rights abuse in Zimbabwe include murder of innocent civilians and shutting down internet to prevent victims from communicating with the outside world.

The letter was sent to the Ambassador of Switzerland in United Kingdom Alexander Fasel for transmission to the President. the Embassy acknowledged receiving the letter and said they will transmit  the message forward.

We publish the full letter below:

The Zimbabwe 'President', Emmerson Mnangagwa and his delegation, will be arriving in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos. This is amid torture, abductions, brutality by state apparatus (military, police, Central Intelligence Organisation and ruling party ZANU PF hit squads) currently underway in our country.

The Government of Zimbabwe has shutdown internet services in order to stop the flow of information and to hide the brutality from the international community. Zimbabwe citizens are being slaughtered, using live ammunition, like chickens, in the townships, yet
Switzerland will allow the President Mnangagwa who is responsible for such massacres to eat, wine and dine on their soil.

The number of those arbitrarily arrested exceeds 500 so far according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights [ZLHR]  and Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights [ZDHR], and these include minors. These organisations have issued a statement saying they are treating hundreds of injured civilians for various violence related injuries. The number of deaths is not yet clear as communication is being tampered with and manipulated by state agents.

Though we do not support violent protest we feel that the Zimbabwe state security arms in association with militant Zanu pf Hit squad reaction is disproportionate for the required level of engagement.

The whole World understands and appreciate the fact that Switzerland prides herself as a neutral country. However, the clear evidence of state sponsored massacres currently happening in Zimbabwe need acknowledging. 'President' Mnangagwa and his delegation must be barred from
entering your country under humanitarian reasons.

Let me take you back to 2011 when your predecessor Madam President Micheline Calmy-Rey denied the Zimbabwe government officials visas to attend a United Nations ICT conference. They immediately changed for a short period their abusive behaviour and human rights violations. Hence, by denying them entry now, 'President' Mnangagwa and his cronies will head home tails between their legs. The clear message from your government may be instrumental in ending these Human Rights violations, as it once did before.

Switzerland should come to the rescue of suffering Zimbabweans by putting a bold statement that yes WEF in Davos is for business but countries should respect and honour UN declaration of human rights.

Looking forward to your cooperation and response on this matter.

Yours Sincerely
Silvanos Mudzvova

On behalf of other activists karen nhakaniso , Delina T Mutyambizi , Precious N Moyo , Olive R
Ruzvidzo, lilian Nleya Representing Restoration of Human Rights ( ROHR ZIMBABWE) a charity that
defends rights in Zimbabwe.