Letters & Opinions
Conference on Zimbabwe: Healing, reconciliation and reconstruction
Syracuse University's Africa Initiative responds to intimidation allegations
Otieno Orwa
2009-11-19, Issue 458
http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/60354
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In response to reports appearing in a cross-section of the media, including an opinion piece from one Frances Lovemore appearing on Pambazuka News, regarding alleged harassment and intimidation of some participants by members of Minister Sekai Holland’s security personnel during the three-day conference, The Africa Initiative of Syracuse University and the organising committee of the special conference on Zimbabwe: Healing, reconciliation and reconstruction wish to state the following:
- That we were, and remain unaware of any instances of intimidation of a section of participants by members of Minister Sekai Holland’s entourage/security detail during the period of the conference;
- That at no point in time did any of the participants raise the issue of intimidation, explicit or implied, with the organisers of conference;
- That the alleged DVD cited as partial cause for intimidation was never shown during the conference. Attempts to show this DVD during the community event on Saturday 31 October failed due to software compatibility issues and
- That in spite of the heated but admittedly constructive debates, the conference proceeded on an air of collegiality, mutual respect and a palpable shared desire among participants for true healing and reconciliation for the peoples of Zimbabwe.
In view of the above observations, The Africa Initiative of Syracuse University and the organising committee of this special conference wish to challenge the veracity of these allegations, question their intentions, and deeply regret the appropriation of the conference platform to mislead the public and settle scores. And in so doing, we remain committed – like many Zimbabwe peoples at home and in its ever-expanding diaspora – to the pursuit of lasting peace, respect for life, and restoration of sociopolitical order through avenues that are not inspired by revenge.
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* Otieno Orwa is program associate at The Africa Initiative of Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org or comment online at Pambazuka News.
Readers' Comments
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This reply raises several issues:
1. Dr Frances Lovemore (insultingly called "one Frances Lovemore" in the reply) is a highly esteemed and renowned professional medical doctor who has been involved in counselling and assisting victims of torture and violence in Zimbabwe for many years. Her knowledge on the Zimbabwe situation should be taken seriously. She has made a huge and very real contribution to the welfare of Zimbabweans struggling for democracy and human rights. Her statement is unlikely to be, again insultingly called, "an opinion piece" and her work and committment demonstrate clearly that her intentions are not "questionable".
2. The organisers should perhaps be more aware of the nature of intimidation and, if they know the situation in Zimbabwe, should realise the very real dangers of continuing intimidation and danger on the participants return home after their conference.
3. It is naive in the extreme to simply dismiss allegations (rather than seek clarification) because of the organisers' "perception" that the atmosphere was full of mutual respect and a "palpable shared desire". Daily events in Zimbabwe today show that this is unlikely to be the case.
3. It is interesting that the revealing DVD was NOT shown - software incompatibility issues can be a useful excuse.
4. The organisers cannot state that they "remain unaware of any instances of intimidation". Dr Lovemore's letter questions their level of awareness.
5. Too many times in the past such "instances of intimidation" have remained hidden or been swept aside as they seem to be here, once again.
6. Dr Lovemore's reputation and work stand against Mr/Mrs Orwa's angry accusation of "appropriation of the conference platform to mislead the public and settle scores".
7. There is clearly more to this. 4. It would be good to have an independent and full report on the "heated" discussions for further clarification.
Healing and reconciliation can only come from true dialogue. Intimidation is a fact of life in Zimbabwe. Denying it will not achieve anything.
F. Kashiri