Press Statement of The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe

The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ)

The BOCISCOZ event for this week will be a presentation and letter-writing campaign held at Maru-a-PulaSchool on Thursday 22 June 2006 from 2:30-4:30 in the AV Center.

Among the other activities planned over the next few weeks are an Artists Week and a Focus Seminar. The period of regional solidarity will conclude with a Petition March on 18 July 2006. The petition about the situation in Zimbabwe will be submitted to the relevant authorities. The public will be informed of the details of upcoming activities in due course, and we appeal to all for support. The current situation in Zimbabwe affects us all.

18 May 2006 marks the first anniversary of “Operation Murambatsvina”, and 2 June – 18 July 2006 has been designated as a period of regional solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. The activities organised by the coalition thus far, with the aim of commemorating the past events and raising consciousness of present events, include a Prayer Service and a March and Rally.

The effects of “Operation Murambatsvina” are apparent not only within Zimbabwe but also in Botswana and throughout the region. Thus, we encourage everyone to attend and participate by writing letters to highlight the plight of the people of Zimbabwe and to communicate our appeal to our Governments in the SADC region to engage the Government of Zimbabwe more directly.

The Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), The Botswana Council of Non – Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), The Botswana Federation of Secondary School Teachers (BOFESETE), DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter are concerned that there does not seem to be an end in sight to the crisis in Zimbabwe. Instead, what is apparent is an ever-worsening situation which has led to economic hardships and other miseries for the ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe. As members of the various civil society organisations in Botswana, we have therefore formed a coalition which resolves to act in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. DITSHWANELO is coordinating the activities of The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe, (BOCISCOZ).

19 June 2006

Gaborone