Staff Reporter

The repatriation of human remains taken out of the county during the colonial era and immigration concerns were central topics during a meeting between the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Peter Vowels, and the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe, held in Harare yesterday.

The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Following a closed-door meeting, Ambassador Vowels expressed optimism about improving bilateral ties, highlighting that immigration and heritage matters are key areas of focus. He emphasized that both nations are working as genuine partners to address these sensitive issues, aiming to build  more respectful and cooperative relations.

“We had the opportunity to talk about a range of issues that affect the UK-Zimbabwe relationship. But above all, we wanted to talk about how we are trying as the UK, and I think as the Government of Zimbabwe, to improve our relationship, to work as genuine partners across a range of things,” said Ambassador Vowels.

He further added, “Obviously, home affairs and the UK government, we have things in common, things that are of common interest. And we talked about immigration and talked about human remains. I should just say on the human remains, this is something quite important for the UK government. This is part of us being more respectful, recognizing some of the difficulties of our colonial past, and wanting to address those challenges. And so actually, we are prepared to do everything we can to make sure that we can facilitate the return to the families and put that issue to rest.”

The issue of human remains has been a significant point of contention, as many liberation war icons’ remains were taken to the UK during the colonial period.

In response to these concerns, Minister Kazembe confirmed that active plans are underway to repatriate 11 identified remains back to Zimbabwe. He acknowledged the positive cooperation between the two governments, noting that discussions are ongoing to ensure the process is conducted respectfully and efficiently.

“Our remains are a critical issue, but we are glad they have pledged to work with us. You know the remains in the UK is a topical issue in this country, but we are happy that so far we are having good cooperation with the UK government. We are working towards ensuring those remains are repatriated.

 “We have a team that has been to the UK. So far, we have identified 11, but we are still working together, we are still communicating, and discussions are still ongoing. We feel there are more, but currently, we are focusing on the 11 that have been identified, and there are procedures to be followed, and those discussions are ongoing,” explained Minister Kazembe.

Minister Kazembe also commended the existing cordial relations between Zimbabwe and the UK.

 “Both nations are eager to develop their partnership further, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy aimed at fostering stronger international ties. The dialogue on repatriation reflects a broader commitment by the UK to address historical grievances stemming from the colonial period,” he stated.

As the two countries work through the logistics of returning these remains, there is hope that these efforts will pave the way for healing and further collaboration between the nations.