Press Statement of The Botswana Civil Society Coalition for Zimbabwe(BOCISCOZ)

Mogae to officially open Zimbabwean Agricultural Show on 28 August 2006

We, BOCISCOZ, comprising the Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), The Botswana Secondary Teachers Trade Union (BOSETU formerly BOFESETE), DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter, continue with our support for Zimbabweans who are enduring hardship in their country.

We have taken note of the article in The Zimbabwean Herald newspaper of Wednesday, 23 August 2006. It highlights the ‘cordial relations’ between the Governments of Botswana and Zimbabwe. President Mogae of Botswana is expected to officially open the Agricultural show in Zimbabwe, on Monday 28 August, 2006.

President Mogae’s visit comes at a time when Zimbabwean citizens are suffering, as a result of the economic and political crisis. Earlier this week, The Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) movement took to the streets to protest the introduction of the new currency regulations. This, because of the anticipated economic difficulties which may be experienced by those who do not have bank accounts, such as domestic and farm workers, etc. All financial transactions above Zimbabwean Dollars 100 000 have to be conducted through banks. Certain categories of workers do not have access to banks.

During the protest march, women and children were arrested and brutally beaten up by police officers, for marching and disturbing public order.

We, BOCISCOZ, are issuing this statement to express our disappointment that President Mogae is to officially open the show. This comes at a time when we believe that the Zimbabwe Government is continuing to violate the human rights of its citizens. We however call upon President Mogae to take this opportunity to strongly encourage the Government of Zimbabwe to engage in constructive dialogue with Zimbabwean civil society, especially the human rights NGOs. This dialogue should be aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution to the current crisis in Zimbabwe. The effects of the crisis continue to seriously affect countries in the Southern Africa region, including Botswana.

25 August 2006

Gaborone