NCVO meets UK Government to raise concerns on Zimbabwe NGO arrests

NCVO Chief Executive, Stuart Etherington, met the Zimbabwe team at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (4 November), to share his concern and support for the Zimbabwean counterpart, the National Association for NGOs in Zimbabwe (NANGO), after its Chair and CEO were arrested.

Etherington pointed out the long-standing history of NANGO as an independent voice in Zimbabwe. He highlighted the importance of civil society in a democracy and their role in the reconstruction of the country.

The FCO agreed to monitor the situation in the context of restoring the broader power-sharing agreement in Zimbabwe.

The arrests came after a meeting, attended by Stuart Etherington in the country in October, which Zimbabwe officials claim had been 'political' and was therefore illegal.

After learning of the arrests Stuart said:

"This is an affront to civil society.

"NANGO has a democratic right to speak up for vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe. It is extremely worrying that the independence of these organisations is being threatened.

"The Zimbabwean government should recognise that NGOs offer the perfect opportunity to help shape the future of the country."

Dadirai Chikwengo, NANGO Board Chairperson and Cephas Zinhumwe, the association’s CEO have been released on bail but face trial on November 25.

In May 2009 Cephas was interviewed for Engage Magazine

Read the Guardian feature on his visit 

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Further information:

• CIVICUS, The World Alliance for Citizen Participation: www.civicus.org
• Save Zimbabwe Campaign: www.savezimbabwenow.com