News / International
Pressure Mounts on Organisers of UK Summit to Reconsider Invitation to Zimbabwe's First Lady
01 Jun 2025 at 13:28hrs | Views
London, UK - Organisers of the upcoming First Ladies African Impact & Resilience (Flair) Summit are facing mounting pressure to reconsider the participation of Zimbabwe's First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, following protests by exiled Zimbabweans. The summit, scheduled to take place in London from June 16 to 18, has become a point of contention after the Zimbabwean First Lady's name appeared on the list of speakers.
Mnangagwa, who is also a senior member of the ruling Zanu PF politburo, has sparked outrage among many Zimbabweans in the UK, many of whom fled the country due to policies associated with her husband's government. The diaspora community has actively lobbied organisers, urging them to rescind the invitation, with some even reaching out directly to British parliamentarians to voice their concerns.
A significant development came when *Brent East* MP Dawn Butler, who was initially listed as a key speaker at the summit alongside Mnangagwa, withdrew from the event. According to her office, Butler had not been aware of her supposed participation in the summit and had neither received an invitation nor agreed to speak at the event. Despite the official summit website listing her as a speaker, Butler's office clarified that no formal invitation had been extended to her.
In response to the growing discontent, sources confirmed that organisers will convene an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss whether Mnangagwa should remain part of the summit or be persuaded to withdraw. The emergency session underscores the gravity of the situation, as concerns over her attendance have sparked a broader debate about the legitimacy of her participation, given the ongoing political climate in Zimbabwe.
One insider revealed, "The protests have made it difficult for the organisers to continue with their original plans. There is a strong sentiment among Zimbabweans in the UK that Mnangagwa's presence is incompatible with the values of the summit."
The Flair Summit, which aims to bring together African first ladies and prominent women leaders to discuss empowerment, human rights, and resilience, is facing backlash due to Zimbabwe's troubled human rights record. Critics argue that Mnangagwa's association with a government accused of repression, corruption, and human rights abuses sends the wrong message. Political opponents of her husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have long accused the administration of misgovernance and suppressing dissent.
One Zimbabwean national, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment, saying, "It is sad that Mnangagwa is being presented as a patron-elect for the summit when she is associated with a government that has crushed opposition and violated human rights. The government she represents does not embody the values of compassion, integrity, and courage that this summit claims to promote."
Mnangagwa's official statement on the Flair Summit website describes her as the *patron-elect*, though it remains unclear when she was appointed to the role or by whom. In her statement, she emphasized her commitment to supporting the goals of the summit, particularly the empowerment of women. "Women are the backbone of our communities; their empowerment leads to stronger, more resilient societies," she said, adding that when women thrive, "everyone benefits, including families, communities, and nations."
However, critics contend that her role as patron contradicts the summit's aim to celebrate women leaders who act with compassion and integrity. Zimbabweans argue that Mnangagwa's involvement in a government mired in allegations of corruption and political repression disqualifies her from being associated with an event that is meant to honor women who lead with values of justice and human rights.
The Flair Summit is expected to be attended by first ladies from across Africa, and organisers had originally hoped that the event would celebrate the achievements of women leaders in the continent. However, the inclusion of Mnangagwa has led some activists to question the integrity of the summit's stated mission.
The summit, which was founded by diaspora women leaders, aims to collaborate with women across Africa to advance social well-being and create stronger communities. Yet, the controversy surrounding Mnangagwa's participation raises questions about the alignment of the summit's goals with the reality of political and social struggles in Zimbabwe.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Monday's emergency meeting, where the organisers will decide whether to maintain Mnangagwa's place at the table or distance themselves from her controversial association with the current Zimbabwean government. The outcome could have significant implications not only for the *Flair Summit* but also for how the global community perceives Zimbabwe's political landscape.
For now, the debate over Mnangagwa's participation is far from settled, and it remains to be seen whether the protests from the Zimbabwean diaspora will prompt organisers to take further action.
Mnangagwa, who is also a senior member of the ruling Zanu PF politburo, has sparked outrage among many Zimbabweans in the UK, many of whom fled the country due to policies associated with her husband's government. The diaspora community has actively lobbied organisers, urging them to rescind the invitation, with some even reaching out directly to British parliamentarians to voice their concerns.
A significant development came when *Brent East* MP Dawn Butler, who was initially listed as a key speaker at the summit alongside Mnangagwa, withdrew from the event. According to her office, Butler had not been aware of her supposed participation in the summit and had neither received an invitation nor agreed to speak at the event. Despite the official summit website listing her as a speaker, Butler's office clarified that no formal invitation had been extended to her.
In response to the growing discontent, sources confirmed that organisers will convene an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss whether Mnangagwa should remain part of the summit or be persuaded to withdraw. The emergency session underscores the gravity of the situation, as concerns over her attendance have sparked a broader debate about the legitimacy of her participation, given the ongoing political climate in Zimbabwe.
One insider revealed, "The protests have made it difficult for the organisers to continue with their original plans. There is a strong sentiment among Zimbabweans in the UK that Mnangagwa's presence is incompatible with the values of the summit."
The Flair Summit, which aims to bring together African first ladies and prominent women leaders to discuss empowerment, human rights, and resilience, is facing backlash due to Zimbabwe's troubled human rights record. Critics argue that Mnangagwa's association with a government accused of repression, corruption, and human rights abuses sends the wrong message. Political opponents of her husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have long accused the administration of misgovernance and suppressing dissent.
One Zimbabwean national, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment, saying, "It is sad that Mnangagwa is being presented as a patron-elect for the summit when she is associated with a government that has crushed opposition and violated human rights. The government she represents does not embody the values of compassion, integrity, and courage that this summit claims to promote."
Mnangagwa's official statement on the Flair Summit website describes her as the *patron-elect*, though it remains unclear when she was appointed to the role or by whom. In her statement, she emphasized her commitment to supporting the goals of the summit, particularly the empowerment of women. "Women are the backbone of our communities; their empowerment leads to stronger, more resilient societies," she said, adding that when women thrive, "everyone benefits, including families, communities, and nations."
However, critics contend that her role as patron contradicts the summit's aim to celebrate women leaders who act with compassion and integrity. Zimbabweans argue that Mnangagwa's involvement in a government mired in allegations of corruption and political repression disqualifies her from being associated with an event that is meant to honor women who lead with values of justice and human rights.
The Flair Summit is expected to be attended by first ladies from across Africa, and organisers had originally hoped that the event would celebrate the achievements of women leaders in the continent. However, the inclusion of Mnangagwa has led some activists to question the integrity of the summit's stated mission.
The summit, which was founded by diaspora women leaders, aims to collaborate with women across Africa to advance social well-being and create stronger communities. Yet, the controversy surrounding Mnangagwa's participation raises questions about the alignment of the summit's goals with the reality of political and social struggles in Zimbabwe.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Monday's emergency meeting, where the organisers will decide whether to maintain Mnangagwa's place at the table or distance themselves from her controversial association with the current Zimbabwean government. The outcome could have significant implications not only for the *Flair Summit* but also for how the global community perceives Zimbabwe's political landscape.
For now, the debate over Mnangagwa's participation is far from settled, and it remains to be seen whether the protests from the Zimbabwean diaspora will prompt organisers to take further action.
Source - Onlkne
