The Rwandan government has condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions in response to Kigali’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized large parts of eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources.
On Tuesday, February 25, the UK announced it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic sanctions on the country.
In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed disappointment, saying it was regrettable that the UK had “clearly chosen a side.”
The ministry argued that it was “unreasonable” to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of its people.
Rwanda asserted that these measures would not help resolve the situation in the DRC or contribute to a lasting political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group and claims its troops are simply defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
Below is the full statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in response to the UK’s actions:
<blockquote>
The punitive measures announced today by the UK Government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable.
It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans.
The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Government of the DRC has a lot more to answer for than any other party within the DRC itself and in the region but gets away with all manner of violations for reasons that are obvious to all.
Consistently not holding the Government of the DRC accountable for repeated attacks on its own citizens, including the ongoing indiscriminate bombing of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu, encourages the DRC to double down on a military path, prolonging the conflict and the suffering of civilians.
Rwanda will continue to insist on security guarantees, which the DRC and the international community have so far been unwilling or unable to provide.
This perpetual situation of instability seems to benefit, directly or indirectly, a number of those associated with the conflict.
Rwanda is fully committed to working with partner states on the ongoing African-led mediation process and calls on the international community to support this effort, which is the only credible pathway to a negotiated solution.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The Rwanda government is upset with the UK for imposing sanctions because Rwanda is accused of helping rebels in Congo. The UK stopped giving money to Rwanda and put diplomatic pressure on them. Rwanda says it's not fair to expect them to risk their safety for Congo. They say the sanctions won't help Congo. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels and says they are just defending themselves. They want the DRC government to be held accountable for attacks on their citizens. Rwanda wants security guarantees and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Congo.

Rwanda Criticises UK Decision To Impose Sanctions, Defends Its Actions In DRC Conflict

The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose sanctions in response to Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured large areas of eastern DR Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as valuable mineral resources.
While Kigali denies supporting the group, it claims that its troops are defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
The British government said that it would take action until significant progress was made in ending the conflict and withdrawing all Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
The measures include ending high-level attendance at Rwandan government events, limiting trade promotion with Rwanda, and pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda, except for support for the poorest and most vulnerable, among others.
The UK also said it will coordinate with its partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defence training for Rwanda, and review export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force. A UK Government spokesperson said:
<blockquote>
The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.
In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.
The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African-led peace processes to find a lasting political solution.
They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support.
There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.
The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict.
In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response.
We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
During the Foreign Secretary’s visit, he announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in Eastern DRC who are suffering most.
The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.
Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the following measures:
1. Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the Government of Rwanda.
2. Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
3. Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
4. Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations.
5. Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
6. Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.
Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue.
We will continue to keep our policy under review.
</blockquote>

The UK is upset with Rwanda for their involvement in the conflict in the Congo. They are stopping aid and imposing sanctions until Rwanda pulls their troops out of Congo. The UK is also stopping high-level meetings with Rwanda, limiting trade with them, and more. The UK wants peace and for the fighting to stop so people in the Congo can be safe. They want leaders to talk and find a peaceful solution. The UK is giving money to help people in the Congo who are suffering because of the conflict. They hope to end the fighting and protect the people in the Congo.

Britain Imposes Sanctions On Rwanda Over DRC Conflict

The British Government says it has granted 20 000 work visas to Zimbabwean emigrants in the health and care sector as of June this year.
The figure represents a 372% increase from 2020 as Zimbabweans continue to leave the country in search of a better life in the United Kingdom.
In its national statistics report titled: “Why do people come to the UK? To work” dated 14 November 2023, the British Government reported that in the year ended June 2023, 20 152 health and care worker visas were granted to Zimbabweans.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020313/20-000-zimbos-get-uk-visas">NewsDay</a>, the figure rose from 4 270 Zimbabwean emigrants to the UK in June 2020.
In terms of countries to be granted health and care worker visas, Zimbabwe was in third place after India with 33 669 and Nigeria at 22 278, respectively. Read the report:
<blockquote>
Those immigrating long-term on work-related visas (main applicants and dependants) made up 33% of non-EU long-term immigration in the YE (year ended) June 2023, with an estimated 322 000 arrivals. This is compared with 198 000 in YE June 2022. This is split fairly evenly between main applicants (169 000) and dependants (154 000)…
Home Office data show that Indian nationals represented 38% of all dependants issued a work visa alongside main applicants, followed by Nigerian and Zimbabwean nationals (17% and 9%, respectively).
</blockquote>
According to a <a href="https://newzwire.live/skills-flight-uk-care-work-visas-to-zimbabweans-up-170-this-year/">newZWire</a> report, the number of Zimbabweans who moved to the United Kingdom to do health and care work rose by 169% in the year to September.
In the 12 months to September, a total of 21 130 Zimbabweans were given visas to work in the UK health system.
That’s 13 284 more Zimbabweans than in the year to September last year, a 169% increase.
Data released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) shows that Zimbabweans are leaving their country in record numbers.
According to a ZIMSTAT report in 2022, there was a “steady increase” in the number of emigrants between 2001 to 2015, and then a sharp increase that peaked in 2021.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thousands Of Zimbabwean Health And Care Workers Get UK Visas

UK Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, who is also the Justice Secretary has resigned after months of allegations about bullying behaviour in the Ministry of Justice and other Whitehall departments.
Raab, a senior Conservative MP, had faced multiple formal complaints over his dealings with civil servants.
It was alleged that he bullied and belittled staff, driving some to tears or causing them to vomit before meetings.
The resignation follows a five-month probe, by a senior lawyer Adam Tolley KC, which was set up by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after complaints about Raab’s behaviour as a minister.
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-65333983">BBC</a> reported that Tolley was investigating eight formal complaints of bullying against Raab, who was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary in October 2022.
The bullying complaints, which involved 24 people, relate to Raab’s previous periods as Justice Secretary and Foreign Secretary under Boris Johnson, and his time as Brexit secretary under Theresa May.
Below is Dominic Raab’s resignation letter in full:
<blockquote>
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to resign from your government, following receipt of the report arising from the inquiry conducted by Adam Tolley KC.
I called for the inquiry and undertook to resign if it made any finding of bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word.
It has been a privilege to serve you as deputy prime minister, justice secretary and lord chancellor.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a minister in a range of roles and departments since 2015 and pay tribute to the many outstanding civil servants with whom I have worked.
Whilst I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me.
I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government.
First, ministers must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people, otherwise, the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility will be lost.
This was particularly true during my time as foreign secretary, in the context of the Brexit negotiations over Gibraltar, when a senior diplomat breached the mandate agreed by cabinet.
Second, ministers must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials, in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expects of us.
Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds. Mr. Tolley concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone, let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimidated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone.
I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offence that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice.
That is, however, what the public expects of ministers working on their behalf.
In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent. It will encourage spurious complaints against ministers, and have a chilling effect on those driving change on behalf of your government – and ultimately the British people.
Finally, I raised with you a number of improprieties that came to light during the course of this inquiry.
They include the systematic leaking of skewed and fabricated claims to the media in breach of the rules of the inquiry and the Civil Service Code of Conduct, and the coercive removal by a senior official of dedicated private secretaries from my Ministry of Justice private office, in October of last year. I hope these will be independently reviewed.
I remain as supportive of you and this government, as when I first introduced you at your campaign leadership launch last July.
You have proved a great prime minister in very challenging times, and you can count on my support from the backbenches.
Yours sincerely,
Dominic Raab
</blockquote>
<div>
<div>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>

UK Deputy Prime Minister Quits After Bullying Allegations

Zimbabwe could lose more qualified teachers to brain drain in the coming months after Britain said it will start recruiting teachers from the country and three other African nations.
Zimbabwean teachers are eligible for a qualified teacher status (QTS) in the United Kingdom with effect from 1 February 2023.
Qualified teacher status is a confirmation that one has the right training and meets the standards required to teach in most primary and secondary schools in England.
Local unions representing teachers on Wednesday warned that the country could face a mass exodus of teachers in the coming months.
Progressive Teachers Union Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said:
<blockquote>
There are calls for teachers even in the southern African region countries such as Botswana and South Africa, among others.
This year alone, we have 15 teachers who have formally bid farewell to us, not talking of those who are silently packing their bags.
Teachers have also been captured by UK job vacancies. It is a sad story. Elderly teachers should be enjoying the fruit of their work in Zimbabwe, but they are going to other countries to work there.
We are suffering a serious brain drain in the country that will affect starting this year and beyond.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said:
<blockquote>
It is not surprising that we will see a massive exodus of teachers, even school heads and their deputies this coming year.
Teachers have been calling for better wages and the stampede to apply for the UK and other countries’ vacant posts is a cause of concern.
This is a wake-up call for the government, which should act with urgency to improve the conditions of service and retain the teachers.
</blockquote>
Thousands of teachers have reportedly formed groups on social media where they share and access information on the opportunities since the UK announced that it will be recruiting teachers from Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean teachers and other civil servants have been pushing the government to be paid pre-October 2018 salaries of at least US$540, but the government says it doesn’t have the money. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005043/mass-teacher-exodus-looms">NewsDay</a>

Mass Exodus Of Teachers Looms - Unions

The British Embassy in Harare will be closed for the Christmas period for non-urgent appointments.
In a notice, the embassy said it will be closed from Monday 19th December and will resume on Wednesday 28th December 2022. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The British Embassy in Harare will be closed for non-urgent appointments from Monday 19th December to resume on Wednesday 28th December 2022.
If you’re in Zimbabwe and you need advice which is not covered by reading our travel advice then you can call us on: +263 (242) 338809 or +263 (242) 85855200 or contact us online.
</blockquote>
The embassy also advised the public to visit <a dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/tSsEbnrGH4" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" role="link" target="_blank">http://gov.uk</a> for detailed policy guidance on trade and investment, visas and migration, COVID-19, travel advice, the latest news, announcements and more.

British Embassy In Harare To Close For Christmas

China has recalled six diplomats from the United Kingdom who police wanted to question over the alleged assault of a man while protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester in October.
British foreign minister James Cleverly welcomed the removal of the officials, including the Consul General in Manchester.
Cleverly had raised British concern over the incident with Chinese diplomats.
British police had been investigating allegations that a protestor was beaten by several men after being dragged inside the grounds of the consulate in Manchester during a demonstration against Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On Wednesday Cleverly told reporters that the UK police had requested six Chinese officials waive diplomatic immunity so they could be questioned and the embassy had been informed. He said:
<blockquote>
We set a deadline that expired today, making it clear that we expected them to take action.
In response to our request, the Chinese government has now removed from the UK those officials, including the Consul General himself.
This demonstrates that our adherence to the rule of law, the seriousness with which we take (this) instance, has had an effect… it is right that the Chinese government has now removed these officials from the UK.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221214-china-recalls-six-diplomats-from-uk-after-manchester-consulate-violence">France24</a>

China Recalls Six Diplomats From UK After Consulate Violence

The United Kingdom says it does not support or fund any political party in Zimbabwe and has no view on who should win the 2023 general elections.
The British Embassy in Harare on Wednesday released a statement stating its position on the matter.
It also called for an environment that allows all political parties to campaign freely and peacefully, without violence and intimidation. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The UK does not support or fund any political party in Zimbabwe. We have no view on who should win next year’s elections; that is for Zimbabwean voters to decide. We talk to the Government and to all political parties.
Zimbabwe’s constitution provides for an election process where all political parties are allowed to campaign freely and peacefully, without violence and intimidation, and where voters can vote for the party and the candidates of their choice, without fear of reprisals.
Fulfilling these conditions will allow Zimbabweans to have full confidence in their electoral process.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the Political Parties (Finances) Act [Chapter 2:11] of 2001 prohibits foreign donations to political parties or individual candidates.

Britain Says It Does Not Fund Political Parties In Zimbabwe

ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi has castigated members of the British House of Lords for allegedly interfering in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs.
This comes after Lord Robert Hayward, who was an observer at the country’s last general elections, recently questioned the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) capacity to conduct free and fair elections.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Hayward said there was no sign that ZEC “will enforce any form of free and fair elections” in 2023.
Togarepi told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/call-to-ban-biased-observers/">The Herald</a> that such statements are uncalled for as they interfere with Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. He said:
<blockquote>
We are gravely concerned with statements emanating from our erstwhile colonisers who have now made it a habit to debate issues concerning Zimbabwe, bellying their nauseating colonial hangover tinged by false pretensions of democracy and human rights.
This concern with our Chapter 12 Commissions from foreign countries is a breach of international statutes and even our own laws that brook no interference in local electoral processes.
Our re-engagement and engagement efforts must not be mistaken as docility, weakness, or desperation.
We are friends to all and enemy to none, but still mindful of our duty as the ruling party to safeguard our sovereignty from evil machinations that are brewed day in and day out by unremorseful yet wistful former colonial masters masquerading as democrats.
We hope the House of Lords remembers that Zimbabwe got its independence in 1980 and cannot be toyed with like some colonial outpost.
</blockquote>
Togarei said the British House of Lords should leave Zimbabwe alone and debate about issues concerning their nationals such as soaring inflation and the high cost of living.

ZANU PF "Gravely Concerned" About Remarks Made In Britain's House Of Lords - Togarepi

The United Kingdom is set to engage South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead other African leaders to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure that Zimbabwe holds free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
The issue was debated in the British House of Lords last Thursday after it was raised by Baroness Kate Hoey. She said:
<blockquote>
My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Oates has outlined the shocking violence perpetrated by ZANU PF and Mnangagwa on anyone, really, who opposes the regime.
The economic situation is dire, and hunger is being used against anyone who opposes the regime.
Does not the visit of the South African President — the first state visit under His Majesty the King — give the government a wonderful opportunity to work with the South African government and talk to them about how they, and other countries in Africa, can influence together to ensure that there really will be free and fair elections next year in Zimbabwe?
</blockquote>
In his response, the UK’s minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith said the issue of Zimbabwe will be discussed during Ramaphosa’s visit. He said:
<blockquote>
There is no doubt that South Africa, and indeed southern African countries, not least through SADC, have a particular ability to influence Zimbabwe, far more so than we can.
I am sure that the topic we are discussing today will be on the agenda when the visit happens.
</blockquote>
Lord Robert Hayward, who was one of the Commonwealth election observers in the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe, said the elections were not free and fair and challenged the UK to put pressure on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). He said:
<blockquote>
My lords, reference has already been made to the elections in 2018; at that time I was one of the observers from this country on behalf of the Commonwealth, with the noble Baroness, Lady Jay.
The report was pretty damning, particularly in relation to the events after the general election in 2018.
Can my noble friend (Goldsmith) ensure that very strong representations are made to the electoral commission because it has been lamentable in any action?
It was before the 2018 election, and there is no sign that it will enforce any form of free and fair elections next year.
</blockquote>
Goldsmith said the British government was aware that Mnangagwa is keen on re-establishing cordial relations between the two countries and that gives the UK an opportunity to put pressure on Harare to reform. He said:
<blockquote>
We will use whatever leverage we have to maximise the chance of free and fair elections.
I make a broader point: we know that President Mnangagwa wants more engagement with the UK — that is clear— and in many respects we want him to have that too.
However, deeper re-engagement with the UK will require meaningful political and economic reform and respect for human rights and the rule of law in line with the President’s own stated commitments when he took office.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/zim-2023-polls-britain-to-engage-ramaphosa/">The NewsHawks</a>

Britain To Engage Ramaphosa Over Zimbabwe's 2023 General Elections

Rishi Sunak is set to become the United Kingdom’s New Prime Minister after being elected leader of the Conservative party following his victory against Penny Mordaunt. 
Former Prime Minister Theresa May sent Sunak a congratulatory message saying he will provide the competent leadership the UK needs. In a statement seen by Pindula News, May said:
<blockquote>
Congratulations @RishiSunak on becoming Leader of the Conservative Party. Rishi will provide the calm, competent, pragmatic leadership our country needs at this deeply challenging time. He has my full support.
</blockquote>
Sunak is taking over from Liz Truss who resigned just 44 days after assuming the Prime Minister position.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/britishs-conservative-party-picks-liz-truss-to-replace-boris-johnson-as-prime-minister/">Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Truss who took over from Boris Johnson</a> was expected to curb the country’s cost-of-living crisis, industrial unrest, and recession.
The situation further deteriorated further during her reign forcing her to resign after just 44 days in office making her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.

Rishi Sunak Set To Become UK's New Prime Minister

The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Truss has resigned after just 44 days in office.
She made the announcement outside Downing Street on Thursday afternoon, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.
The previous record was set at 119 days by George Canning who died in office in 1827.
Truss’ resignation follows her near-complete loss of political authority which has seen her lose two key ministers and the loss of confidence of almost all her own MPs. 
Truss said she has spoken with the King to notify him that she is resigning as the leader of the Conservative party., reported <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/oct/20/uk-politics-live-liz-truss-tories-turmoil-suella-braverman-resigns-fracking">The Guardian</a>.
She said she would remain as prime minister until a successor is chosen.
Earlier Truss met with the chair of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, where they “agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week”. She said:
<blockquote>
I recognise though given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative party.
</blockquote>
Truss’ finance minster Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled £45bn of tax cuts in her third week, in what they called a “mini-budget”.
However, the measures were widely blamed for causing huge economic problems and this resulted in Kwarteng’s sacking as chancellor.
Dozens of Tories (Conservatives) called on Truss to step down and her Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned.
She had to hire former rivals Grant Shapps and Jeremy Hunt to plug the gaps in her top team. Shapps replaced Braverman while Hunt took over as Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister) from Kwarteng.
<h2>Liz Truss’s resignation speech in full</h2>
<blockquote>
I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.
Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills.
Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent.
And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth.
I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this.
We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance.
And we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy – that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.
I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.
I have therefore spoken to His Majesty The King to notify him that I am resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party.
This morning I met the Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady.
We have agreed there will be a leadership election to be completed in the next week.
This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security.
I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.
Thank you.
</blockquote>

UK Prime Minister Quits After 44 Days In Office

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has fired Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister) Kwasi Kwarteng, the first black person to hold the portfolio, and replaced him with former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Jeremy Hunt.
Kwarteng, who held the portfolio for only 38 days, cut short a trip to the United States and met Truss for crunch talks in Downing Street.
Truss is expected to announce a U-turn on business tax cuts at a news conference in Downing Street on Friday afternoon.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Kwarteng said he still supported Truss’ vision for economic growth. He wrote:
<blockquote>
You have asked me to stand aside as your Chancellor. I have accepted.
When you asked me to serve as your Chancellor, I did so in the full knowledge that the situation we faced was incredibly difficult, with rising global interest rates and energy prices.
However, your vision of optimism, growth and change was right.
As I have said many times in the past weeks, following the status quo was simply not an option.
For too long this country has been dogged by low growth rates and high taxation – that must still change if this country is to succeed.
The economic environment has changed rapidly since we set out the Growth Plan on 23 September.
In response, together with the Bank of England and excellent officials at the Treasury, we have responded to those events, and I commend my officials for their dedication.
It is important now as we move forward to emphasise your government’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
The Medium-Term Fiscal Plan is crucial to this end, and I look forward to supporting you and my successor to achieve that from the backbenches.
We have been colleagues and friends for many years. In that time, I have seen your dedication and determination.
I believe your vision is the right one. It has been an honour to serve as your first Chancellor.
Your success is this country’s success and I wish you well.
</blockquote>

UK's First Black Minister Of Finance Sacked After 38 Days In Office

The United Kingdom is set to scrap all remaining COVID-19 travel rules on Friday.
UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, confirmed in a tweet that the rules will end at 4 AM on Friday.
People who arrive in the UK after 4 AM, Friday 18 March, will not need to take any COVID-19 tests before they travel or after they arrive.
Travellers will also not be required to fill in a UK passenger locator form before they arrive.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated will no longer have to take COVID-19 tests before and after travelling to the UK.
Travellers also will not need to quarantine when they arrive, in line with current rules. Shapps tweeted:
<blockquote>
These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter.
</blockquote>
The changes in UK travel rules have been welcomed by some figures in the travel industry. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said:
<blockquote>
Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the world – the UK travel sector is back.
With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-Covid normality throughout the travel experience.
</blockquote>
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson welcomed the latest move saying it will help further restore consumer confidence.
<blockquote>
The removal of all remaining UK travel restrictions is the final important step towards frictionless air travel, helping to further restore consumer confidence as we welcome more customers back to the skies this spring and summer.
To uphold the experience of all travellers, it’s vital that the UK Government works closely with industry to ensure the UK border is ready for increasing passengers, as international travel ramps up.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60741158">BBC News</a></h4>

UK Govt To Remove All COVID-19 Travel Rules On Friday

Human Rights groups in the United Kingdom say they fear for the safety of Zimbabwean nationals deported on a Home Office charter flight on Wednesday night.
The deportation flight left Birmingham Airport for Harare, despite concerns raised about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe.
The number of the deportees could not be ascertained but some campaign groups estimated 10 people were on board.
One of the deportees, according to Karen Doyle of the Movement for Justice group, had lived in Britain for more than 20 years and suffered from mental health difficulties.
Black Activists Rising Against Cuts national chair Zita Holbourne, who has been campaigning to stop the flight, said the majority of men targeted for deportation had fled political persecution in Zimbabwe. Said Holbourne:
<blockquote>
It’s disgraceful to deport people knowing their lives will be at risk in Zimbabwe and whose only family are here in the UK. Many came to the UK as children with their parents fleeing persecution.
</blockquote>
The campaigners fear that some of the deportees were human rights and political activists and are in danger from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government which allegedly uses abductions, torture, arbitrary arrests and violent assaults to silence critics.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has defended the deportations, saying those being removed are criminals. It said:
<blockquote>
The government makes no apology for removing murderers, rapists and child abusers and those with no legal right to be in the UK.
Since January 2019 we have removed over 10 017 foreign criminals.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/campaigners-fear-for-the-lives-of-zimbabwean-nationals-deported-on-home-office%E2%80%93charter-flight">Morning Star</a></h4>

UK Human Rights Groups Fear For The Lives Of Zimbabwean Deportees

The United Kingdom’s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, the MI5, has warned that a Chinese government agent has been working in parliament “to subvert the processes”.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent a letter to MPs saying a woman called Christine Lee has been “engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Community Party, engaging with members here at parliament”.
Hoyle also said Lee has been involved with the now disbanded all-party parliamentary group, Chinese in Britain.
Former Leader of the Conservative Party, Iain Duncan Smith, told the Commons that Hoyle has written to MPs to let them know he has been contacted by MI5 over the matter. Smith said:
<blockquote>
I understand that Mr Speaker has been contacted by MI5 and is now warning members of parliament that there has been an agent of the Chinese government active here in parliament working with a Member of Parliament, obviously to subvert the processes here.
I say, as a Member of Parliament who has been sanctioned by the Chinese government, that this is a matter of grave concern.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/mi5-has-warned-chinese-government-agent-has-been-active-in-uk-parliament-mps-told-12515031">Sky News</a></h4>

"Chinese Govt Agent Worked In UK Parliament To Subvert Process"

The UK’s ruling party, the Conservative Party, lost the North Shropshire seat they held for nearly 200 years to the Liberal Democrats.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of Owen Paterson, the MP for North Shropshire since 1997, who was found to have breached parliamentary rules on lobbying.
Lib Dem candidate Helen Morgan overturned a Tory majority of almost 23 000, garnering 17 957 to the Conservatives’ Neil Shastri-Hurst who came second with 12 032 votes.
According to BBC, the North Shropshire seat has existed in some form since the 1830s and, until Friday, had always had a Conservative MP.
The area voted strongly in favour of Brexit in the 2016 referendum, but this did not stop the pro-EU Lib Dems from taking the constituency.
The by-election was held two days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson experienced his biggest rebellion in office when 100 Conservative MPs voted against the government’s proposals to introduce COVID-19 passes in England.
It also followed rows about a Number 10 Downing Street ( the official residence and the office of the British Prime Minister) Christmas party during lockdown restrictions last December.
In her victory speech, Morgan, who won by 5,925 votes, said:
<blockquote>
The people of North Shropshire have spoken on behalf of the British people. They have said loudly and clearly, ‘Boris Johnson, the party is over.’
Your government, run on lies and bluster, will be held accountable. It will be scrutinised, it will be challenged and it can and will be defeated.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-59693102">BBC News</a></h4>

UK Ruling Party Loses "Safe" Seat It Held For Nearly 200 Years

ZANU PF Director of Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi on Wednesday described British politicians as “pink pigs” in response to a call by UK Lords for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to end human rights violations.
On Tuesday, UK MPs in the House of Lords criticised the Government of Zimbabwe’s brutal clampdown on critics and protestors in the first half of 2021.
Lord St. John Blesto said the British government will only support Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth when Harare restores the rule of law. He said:
<blockquote>
Our UK Government will only support Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth when the rule of law is restored, and the freedom of speech and political freedoms are protected.
</blockquote>
In response, Mugwadi called UK MPs “Lilliputians”, that is, a trivial or very small person or thing. <a href="https://twitter.com/TafadzwaMugwadi/status/1463383811245453315?s=20">Said Mugwadi:</a>
<blockquote>
We defeated regime change long ago during war-monger Tony Blair’s time. It is scandalous for these Lilliputians to make noise about a nation whose name they can hardly pronounce.
The UK Embassy and UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson must be the most embarrassed by such classical stupidity. Sit down pink pigs!
</blockquote>
Tony Blair was British Prime Minister when relations between the UK and Zimbabwe deteriorated at the turn of the Millenium.
This comes as Mnangagwa has been trying to re-establish cordial relations between Zimbabwe and western powers.
The international community accuses Mnangagwa of reneging on his promises to return Zimbabwe into a democracy after he was handed power by the military following a coup against long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sit-down-pink-pigs-zanu-pf-tells-uk-mps/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

ZANU PF Calls British MPs "Pink Pigs" And “Lilliputians”

The United Kingdom (UK) is lobbying South Africa and other regional countries to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime to end human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
This was said by the UK Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Tariq Mahmood Ahmad.
He was responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday about what London was doing to solve the crisis in its former colony. Said Ahmad:
<blockquote>
My Lords, the UK remains concerned about the political situation in Zimbabwe.
We regularly urge the Zimbabwean government to live up to their own constitution by ensuring that the opposition, civil society and journalists are allowed to operate without harassment and that due legal process is respected.
In this regard, we have engaged directly at the highest level with the South African government and we continue to engage with other regional partners, as well as regional associations, including the African Union, on this priority.
We are engaged very much with South Africa and yes, it wants to see a progressive, inclusive Zimbabwe as part of the region and the wider world.
Zimbabwe holds ambitions to join the Commonwealth as well. It is a collective effort.
I do not think that one country alone can influence the progression and inclusiveness of democracy.
It is, therefore, important that we, together with key partners, continue to play this role.
</blockquote>
The House of Lords also debated Zimbabwe’s moves to enact legislation to bar citizens from holding discussions with foreign governments and to tighten controls over the operations of non-governmental organisations.
The international community accuses Mnangagwa of reneging on his promises to return Zimbabwe into a democracy after he was handed power by the military following a coup against long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/uk-raises-alarm-over-human-rights-violations-in-zimbabwe-3629650">The East African</a></h4>

UK Lobbying South Africa To Push Mnangagwa On Human Rights Abuses

More than 27 people including a young girl drowned on Wednesday while trying to cross the Channel to the UK from France when their boat capsized.
Two survivors were in intensive care as of yesterday while French police arrested four people near the Belgian border suspected of being linked to the drownings.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it was the biggest single loss of life in the Channel since it began collecting data in 2014.
Speaking at an impromptu news conference in Calais following the tragedy, French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, said that the dead included five women and a girl.
Darmanin also said two people were rescued and one was missing. It was earlier reported 31 people had died, but the total was revised down to 27 overnight on Thursday.
He said the boat that sank had been “very frail”, and compared it to “a pool you blow up in your garden”.
French authorities had, however, not ascertained what country the victims originally came from.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who held a Cobra meeting on Wednesday to discuss the incident said he was “appalled” by the tragedy.
Johnson suggested the French government was culpable for the tragedy saying Paris had not always approached the problem of the crossings “in a way we think the situation deserves.”
However, later France’s President Emmanuel Macron said Britain needed to stop politicising the issue for domestic gain.
The UK government has pledged to give France €62.7 million (£54 million) during 2021-22 to help increase police patrols along its coastline, boost aerial surveillance and increase security infrastructure at ports.
This is expected to help the French clamp down on illegal migration across the English Channel.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59406355">BBC News</a></h4>

27 Migrants Drown In English Channel

The United Kingdom (UK) has expressed concern over continued human rights violations in Zimbabwe, which include the persecution of the opposition and civil society leaders by the State.
In its Human Rights Priority Countries’ ministerial statement for the period January to June 2021 published on Tuesday, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said:
<blockquote>
We remain concerned by the human rights situation in Zimbabwe with no notable improvement between January and June 2021.
We continue to be concerned by the pattern of harassment of prominent opposition and civil society figures, as well as journalists.
We were yet to see accountability for the abduction and multiple arrests of opposition MDC Alliance members Joana Mamombe MP, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, as well as the repeated arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is accused of abusing State institutions such as security services to ruthlessly clamp down on critics and the courts to jail protestors for lengthy periods without conviction.
Several prominent government critics and opposition leaders were arrested in the first half of this year for organising protests or posting critical comments on social media.
In February this year, the UK slapped sanctions on four Zimbabwean security chiefs for alleged human rights violations. The new report says:
<blockquote>
These restrictive measures are not targeted at, nor intended to impact, the wider economy and the people of Zimbabwe.
In the first half of 2021, the UK continued to support civil society in Zimbabwe to hold the government to account.
</blockquote>
Responding to questions on Tuesday about what London was doing to solve the crisis in its former colony, Tariq Mahmood Ahmad, UK minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said they regularly urge the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold its constitution.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/uk-raises-alarm-over-human-rights-violations-in-zimbabwe-3629650">The East African</a></h4>

UK Raises Concern Over Human Rights Violations In Zimbabwe

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has engaged the UK government after English Premier League and English Football League clubs refused to release players for international duty during the September window.
The clubs cited travel restrictions imposed by the British government on red-listed countries that required travellers to quarantine for 10 days on return to the United Kingdom, meaning that players would miss up to three domestic matches.
Several African countries, including Zimbabwe, have been affected by the move.
CAF has now confirmed that they have written to the UK government to exempt all players on international duty from the restrictions. A statement released by CAF reads in part:
<blockquote>
CAF, acting on behalf of all African Member Associations, African players and fans, has urged the British Government to urgently provide the required exemptions to enable African players to compete for their countries in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers.
</blockquote>
The Warriors stand to miss the services of seven players, who are named in the squad to face South Africa in Harare on September 3 and away in Ethiopia for the second Group G match four days later.
The stars include Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Luton striker Admiral Muskwe, Ipswich forward Macauley Bonne, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, David Moyo of Hamilton Academical and Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2021/08/25/hope-for-barred-uk-based-warriors-as-caf-gets-involved/">Soccer24</a></h4>

Glimmer Of Hope For UK-based Warriors As CAF Gets Involved

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly set to visit the United Kingdom soon, a development that has set immense joy in the ruling ZANU PF party.
Zimbabwe’s leaders have not been able to travel freely to Britain and a number of European Union (EU) countries in years after the West imposed travel restrictions against senior government leaders over Harare bad human rights record.
ZANU PF Politburo member and former presidential advisor Chris Mutsvangwa also confirmed the visit.
The war veterans leader said Mnangagwa’s visit to the UK would break a decades-old jinx adding the proposed visit had riled former ZANU PF ministers who were members of the vanquished G40 faction. He said:
<blockquote>
Now EDM (Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa), their (G40) nemesis will likely fly to London soon.
G40 elements peeved by the progress being made by the Second Republic through its resounding successful engagement have taken to Twitter in an act of cowardice and desperation.
Jonathan Moyo is bereft of both attention and readership on his social media account. Addicted to the limelight, he then clones my name and imposts.
It is a despicable act of cowardice and irrelevance for a G40 pundit whose lifelong desire for apex power in Zimbabwe fell a thundering thud in November 2017, Operation Restore Legacy.
Now EDM, their nemesis will likely fly to London soon. The three-decade jinx in diplomatic relations between Harare and London is set to break as to usher a new epoch of bonhomie. With Jonathan Moyo in this hour when the Taliban is back in Kabul.
Fawning acolytes of misguided perfidy are licking wounds of unrewarding treachery against their own people and home country. Lonely exile has exacted its painful price.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/joy-in-zanu-pf-as-ed-set-to-fly-to-uk-g40-attacked/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Mnangagwa's Planned Visit To UK Excites ZANU PF

<h2 id="political-overview">Political overview</h2>
Since gaining independence in 1980, the ruling ZANU-PF party has held uninterrupted power in Zimbabwe, led first by Robert Mugabe, and then Emerson Mnangagwa from 2017. The main opposition is the MDC party.
Zimbabwe’s next presidential elections will take place in 2023.
<h2 id="economic-overview">Economic overview</h2>
Zimbabwe faces continued cycles of economic and humanitarian challenges. A bumper harvest and a post-COVID recovery will bring improvements, but longer-term prospects, and indeed investment opportunities, remain contingent on addressing deep underlying structural challenges.
These challenges include prohibitive and volatile foreign exchange controls, high inflation, fragile property rights, and pervasive corruption.
Necessary currency reforms have been slow, and whilst businesses are currently able to pay overseas suppliers and repatriate profits through the foreign currency auction, this process is slow and unreliable. Exchange rate management by the Reserve Bank continues to leave a large gap between the official and parallel market rates, increasing the risk of arbitrage.
A legacy of the Fast Track Land Reform programme of the 2000s is the inability to use agricultural land as collateral, stymying investment in the agricultural sector. The current administration’s relaxation of indigenisation requirements, and fledgling attempts to compensate dispossessed farmers, is a promising step, but occasional and localised instances of land invasions continue to damage the credibility of property rights in Zimbabwe. As a result, Zimbabwe’s global competitiveness has been declining since 2015 and is below the sub-Saharan African average. Zimbabwe ranks 124th (out of 137) in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).
Electricity shortages are common, although this situation has improved since the frequent outages of 2019. Increased rainfall has helped the country’s primary hydroelectric station return close to fully capacity, whilst structural reforms to the state utility have reduced its debt burden.
<h2 id="human-rights">Human rights</h2>
Zimbabwe has a poor record on human rights. Continued abuses have resulted in the placement of targeted sanctions (travel bans and asset freezes) on four security chiefs on 1 Feb to reflect their role in the most egregious human rights violations (death of 6 protestors in Aug 2018 and 17 protestors in Jan 2019).
<h2 id="business-environment">Business environment</h2>
For many of the reasons listed above, doing business in Zimbabwe can be challenging, with a number of obstacles and pitfalls.
Repatriating profits and paying overseas suppliers is cited as the main challenge, and exporters to Zimbabwe should engage with their customer and/or bank to ensure that this risk is mitigated.
The high and volatile inflation also makes the business environment more uncertain: many businesses price in US dollars but as discussed above the supply of foreign currency is erratic.
Zimbabwe sits at 140 (out of 190 economies assessed) in the 2020 <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/south-africa" rel="external">World Bank Ease of Doing Business report</a>, an increase from 155 in 2019.
The Zimbabwe Investment Development Authority was established in 2020 to support investors, and can be a good interlocutor for investors looking to engage with various branches of government.
<h2 id="bribery-and-corruption">Bribery and corruption</h2>
Corruption in Zimbabwe is widespread. Politically connected individuals are often awarded large state contracts, or allocated state-controlled resources, such as foreign currency.
Please see our <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-anti-corruption-strategy-2017-to-2022">anti-corruption strategy</a>.
Bribery is illegal. It is an offence for British nationals or someone who is ordinarily resident in the UK, a body incorporated in the UK or a Scottish partnership, to bribe anywhere in the world. It should be noted that UK bribery legislation also applies to UK registered companies and UK nationals committing acts of bribery wholly outside the UK. Please see the information provided on our <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/anti-bribery-policy">Bribery page</a>.
Under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, Zimbabwean Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei was sanctioned (asset freeze and travel ban) in 2021 for profiting from misappropriation of property when his company, Sakunda Holdings, redeemed Government of Zimbabwe Treasury Bills at up to ten times their official value. His actions accelerated the devaluation of Zimbabwe’s currency, increasing the price of essentials, such as food, for Zimbabwean citizens.
<h2 id="trade-restrictions">Trade restrictions</h2>
As well as targeted sanctions on the five individuals referenced on the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-sanctions-list">UK sanctions list</a>, the UK implements an arms embargo and transit restriction on military and dual-use goods trade with Zimbabwe as part of <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/3231/contents/made" rel="external">Export Control Order 2008</a>.
Further information can be found on <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/current-arms-embargoes-and-other-restrictions">UK guidance on current arms embargoes and other restrictions</a>, as well as <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-zimbabwe">information on the UK sanctions regime in Zimbabwe</a>.
It should be noted that these are targeted sanctions, and not intended to deter trade and investment with Zimbabwe. Indeed, the UK continues to work with Zimbabwe to increase bilateral trade, with the UK-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement coming into force on 1st January 2021.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-zimbabwe/overseas-business-risk-zimbabwe">UK Government</a></h4>

UK Govt Guidance On Security And Political Risks  For Businesses Operating In Zimbabwe | FULL TEXT

One of the 14 Zimbabwean nationals who were deported last week from the United Kingdom (UK) has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
This was claimed by exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo in a post on microblogging site Twitter on Thursday.
Moyo said one of the 14 deportees who are quarantined at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM) tested positive for coronavirus but nothing was done to separate the victim from others. He tweeted:
<blockquote>
A DEPORTEE from the UK quarantined at Zipam in Darwendale has tested positive for #COVID19 &amp; fallen ill but has not been removed for treatment, putting at risk the other deportees. This was after the UK official who escorted the deportees tested positive for #COVID19, back in London!
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that initially the UK plane was supposed to deport about 50 people but the Home Office was advised that some of the returnees were self-isolating after an outbreak of COVID-19 at Brook House near Gatwick, a detention centre.
The deportees were convicted for various crimes in the UK, including murder, rape, robbery among others and they are deemed “Foreign National Offenders” by the UK government.
The deportees are expected to join their local families after 10 days if they test negative.
<h4>More: <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2021/07/30/deportee-from-uk-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-quarantine-left-unisolated/">Nehanda Radio</a></h4>

"Deportee From UK Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Quarantine, Left Unisolated"

A UK-based Zimbabwean teenager who died while swimming in a river has been described as a “shining star”.
Thandolwethu Ndlovu, who turned 15 just two days ago, got into difficulty in the River Trent near Swarkestone, Derbyshire, on Tuesday evening, BBC News reported.
His body was recovered from the river the next day following an extensive search.
Thandolwethu, known as Thando, was from Chellaston and had gone to the river with a group of friends, police said.
His family said they were “truly devastated” and said the teenager “loved to laugh and to make friends”. Nombulelo, Thando’s mother, said:
<blockquote>We are truly devastated. It feels like a part of me has been ripped apart. Thando was the most amazing, happy child. He was our shining star and he was loved by so many.
Thando loved to laugh and to make friends, and he loved his school. He meant so much to us and would brighten all our lives. I miss my son so very much.</blockquote>
His father, Jabulani described him as “exactly the child that you could hope to raise”.
An investigation has been carried out, police said, and a file prepared for the coroner.
Officers do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
<h2>More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-57937488">BBC News</a></h2>

UK Based Zimbabwean "Shining Star" Teen Drowns In River Trent

The government says there is nothing strange about the deportation of 14 Zimbabwean nationals by the United Kingdom government.
The deportees landed in Harare on Thursday following their forced removal from the UK for various crimes they committed in that country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade acting spokesperson, Livit Mugejo, said the UK deportees were just a fraction of those being received from neighbouring countries. He said:
<blockquote>There is nothing unique in the deportations. South Africa last week deported 220 Zimbabwean citizens, including some who were released from jails.
This category of deportees from the UK is different from voluntary returnees, who are our citizens who opt to come back home on their own.</blockquote>
He said those returning involuntarily, like in this case, would have exhausted administrative and legal remedies to preserve their stay in the host country. Said Mugejo:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe cannot refuse to accept its citizens and will welcome them back into the country.
They will receive the necessary social psychosocial support to help them with reintegration.</blockquote>
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Sunday Mail that since the deportees did not commit the crimes in Zimbabwe, they will be allowed to reintegrate freely. He said:
<blockquote>Our duty as the Zimbabwe Republic Police is to maintain law and order. We only come in if they have committed any crime.
However, the issue of these deportees is being handled by relevant government Ministries.</blockquote>
A UK-based lawyer who has been helping some with court appeals against deportation said a number of people were mounting last-ditch efforts to preserve their stay in the country. Said Nyamayaro:
<blockquote>They were deported because they fall into the definition of Foreign National Offenders. Some may have tried to challenge their deportation and failed.
The majority remained after making applications to the Home Office or to the court.
Some remained for other reasons and an outbreak of COVID-19 at one of the detention centres has been mentioned.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, social commentator Rebecca Chisamba called for empathy in dealing with the returnees.
She said the deportees need help from their communities especially now and should not be discriminated against.
<h2>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/life-after-the-flight-of-shame">The Sunday Mail</a></h2>

Nothing Unique About UK Deportations, Says Govt

ZANU PF has refuted claims that it has offered the 14 Zimbabweans deported from the United Kingdom last Thursday access to land for farming.
A statement circulating on Saturday had alleged that the ruling party offered the deportees farms measuring at least 10 hectares each in their provinces and $500 000 worth of inputs.
ZANU PF information director Tafadzwa Mugwadi told NewZimbabwe.com that the statement did not come from the ruling party.
Information Ministry secretary Nick Mangwana recently said the returnees from Britain will not be given any favours or special treatment.
He said the government will help them integrate into the local communities they would choose to stay. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>Well! That you can confirm with the government, at least we have no such knowledge so far that there is going to be some special treatment for them. However, they will be helped to rehabilitate back to society.</blockquote>
The deportees are currently in isolation for COVID-19 at Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM) in Darwendale and are expected to join their local families after 10 days if they test negative.
<h2>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/no-farms-for-uk-deportees-zanu-pf/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h2>

ZANU PF: No Farms For 14 UK Deportees

One of the 14 Zimbabwean nationals who were deported from the United Kingdom on Thursday beat his partner to death and then mutilated her body in 2010.
The deportees were classified as “foreign national offenders” (FNOs) by the UK government, that is, people who have been convicted of criminal offences in the UK courts and are now classified as undesirables.
Archibald Gurure, who was 35 in 2011, and was living in Humberstone Road, Leicester, killed Julia Mubvumba, who was 44, at her flat in the city on 25 March 2010.
Gurure reportedly assaulted Mubvumba in a drunken argument and she suffered injuries including having her liver removed and a finger cut off.
Gurure, who pleaded guilty to murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The morning after he killed Mubvumba he rang relatives and confessed to the crime.
One of the deportees who spoke to ZBC News reporter Rueben Barwe on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has been identified by <a href="https://iharare.com/zimbabwean-deported-from-uk-had-murdered-mutilated-wife/">iHarare</a> as Gurure.
The seemingly non-repentant man was caught on camera accusing the British of hypocrisy. He admitted to committing murder but accused the British of having murdered thousands of Africans during the colonial era. He said:
<blockquote>Vanhu vanokanganisaka. Munhu you make mistakes. Ivo vakauraya vanhu vangani kuti vatore mapurazi muno umu? Vakaita zvinhu zvingani? Zvinhu zvinganani zvavakaita?…Vakaita zvinhu zvinorova vanhu ava.</blockquote>
Following the successful deportation of the 14 Zimbabwean nationals, the United Kingdom’s Home Office said in a tweet:
<blockquote>Following a historic landmark agreement with Zimbabwe, we have returned 14 criminals who were sentenced to a combined total of over 75 years in prison.
Since January 2019 we have returned over 7,985 foreign criminals from the UK, helping to keep our communities safer.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-12173903">BBC News</a></h4>

Zimbabwean Deported From UK Had Killed And Mutilated His Wife

14 Zimbabwean nationals who were removed from the United Kingdom touched down at the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Thursday.
The 14 were among more than 100 foreign national offenders of Zimbabwean origin who were recently rounded up by British authorities to be deported to Zimbabwe.
The deportees claimed they fled to Britain fearing persecution by the ruling ZANU PF government and the violation of their human rights.
On arrival, the 14 were immediately whisked away by Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) buses.
They were accompanied by police, who maintained a heavy presence at the airport alongside other State security agents.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Mangwana said the 14 were taken to ZIPAM, where they will be in isolation for 10 days before meeting their families. He said:
<blockquote>Fourteen Zimbabweans arrived today. They have been taken to ZIPAM, where they will have COVID-19 tests and be quarantined for 10 days.
After being cleared for COVID-19, they will join their families and communities.
… We welcome these fellow citizens home. They will be safe and the same opportunities availed to everyone else will be available to them.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, British media reported that the deportation comes after the British government reportedly struck a secret deal with Harare last month to extradite hundreds of Zimbabwean asylum-seekers.
Rosie Huzzard of Walls Must Fall told The Morning Star that Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, is leading systemic racism by “deporting 150 black Zimbabweans, many of whom were trade unionists and democracy campaigners”.
However, a Home Office spokesperson said those who were being deported from the UK are criminals.
<blockquote>Foreign criminals who abuse our hospitality should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them.
Any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/07/fears-drama-as-14-zimbos-return-home/">NewsDay</a></h4>

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