Expatriate Zimbabweans have launched a “Zimbabwe Yes We Can” movement intended to address their country’s political problems and human rights issues.
Individuals and organizations gathered for the Zimbabwe Political Conference 2011 and agreed on the need to work with others back home on the pressing issues requiring urgent attention to move the long-troubled country forward.
Under the theme "Zimbabwe Going Foward," conference attendees resolved to launch a movement to mobilize Zimbabweans at home and abroad in the national interest.
Movement leaders said Zimbabweans in the so-called diaspora are concerned by the lack of real and sustainable change in the country since the installation in February 2009 of a government of national unity following disastrous elections in 2008.
Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe President Ephraim Tapa was named president of new organization. He said the aim is to seek consensus among Zimbabweans on the way forward for the country. Tapa said the government of national unity and its three principals - President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, have failed the people of Zimbabwe.
UK-based human rights defenders said uniting Zimbabweans in the diaspora and those at home is important to maintain pressure and step up lobbying for change.
Rose Benton, director of the British-based Zimbabwe Vigil, told VOA reporter Tatenda Gumbo that the movement will fill the vacuum between Zimbabwe and the diaspora.
Movement members will soon meet to establish a road map for the country's future through consultations with Zimbabweans inside and outside the country.
