by Political Reporter
In anticipation of an anti-sanctions demonstration at its chancery in Westgate, on 25 October, the United States embassy has disbursed an undisclosed substantial amount of money to counter the expected protests.
A source within the embassy said the funds were handed over to Briggs Bomba, leader of the Citizen Manifesto, who will mobilise other civil society organisations (CSOs) and pressure groups to stage the counter anti-sanctions demonstrations.
The 25th of October was declared by SADC, as a solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. The regional body resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on that day.
“Bomba is currently in the process of identifying other CSOs to be roped into the counter anti-sanctions demos. All the participating CSOs will be handsomely paid and there is a rush to pick the fortune,” said the source.
The source said the money would also be used to fund online demonstrations to be held on the eve of the anti-sanctions demo. He said the online demo would be staged under the banner #Zimbabweanlivesmatter.
“The messages that will be trending on social media have already been crafted at the embassy. There is a technical team of four embassy officials who are superintending over the issue,’ revealed the source.
He said some of the messages included, “end corruption, it’s human rights abuses not sanctions, it’s not ambassador but corruption, Zimbabweanlivesmatter”.
The source also revealed that t-shirts and placards to be used during the counter demonstrations have already been printed.
Last year, Zimbabweans including some members from the opposition political parties marched against EU and US sanctions. The Western ambassadors led by US ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brian Nichols worked tirelessly to drown the protests. They invaded social media highlighting the aid which their respective countries had extended to Zimbabwe. This was done in an attempt to downplay the protests and divert attention.
Calls for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have been growing louder. During the recent United Nations General Assembly, some Africans Heads of States unequivocally called on the removal of sanction from their sister country.
Meanwhile, an enquiry with the committee organising activities for the day has revealed that there are no demonstrations set to be staged at the US embassy.
