Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 16th May 2026
The Zimbabwe Vigil diary of 16/05/2026 can be accessed here:
Black News 
Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 16th May 2026
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Once again Vigil activists met outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to continue our protest against the human rights abuse and lack of democracy in Zimbabwe perpetrated by ZANU PF, the ruling regime. Thanks to those who came today: Barbara Chibvamushure, Shepherd Gandanga, Blessing Harry, Ever Nyatsungo. Samanta Pfupajena and Ephraim Tapa. Photos: https://www.flickr.
This week marked the conclusion of the consultation on the nationwide Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB3). According to Chokuda, the Clerk of Parliament, the next stages involve the committee consideration and analysis of the ‘overwhelming’ submissions made by the public, ostensibly to produce a report of findings. Following this, we are told that the bill will go through its first reading in Parliament and later, the second reading.
It is the second that will then see a fully-fledged debate before its adoption. Instead of referring the bill to the Parliament legal committee, it will be sent straight to the Senate for their view. A positive feedback from the Senate signals effectively the amendment of the Constitution, without a referendum, once given consent by the President.
As we have argued before, everything to do with CAB3 is flawed right from the start. Members of Parliament and the President are all beneficiaries of CAB3, hence it is in their favour to rig it through. The same have strenuously argued against a referendum as they fear they may not be able to control the outcome.
As the Zimbabwe Vigil, we insist that the Constitution is void without the people and by the people. Meanwhile, the Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR), UK Chapter, will on 30 May 2026, embark on a 13-mile walk against CAB3, ending at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London. The people of Zimbabwe must continue to push against CAB3 and insist on the need for a referendum.
Meanwhile, all roads leading to the Zimbabwe Embassy were blocked on Saturday (due to rival protest groups) thereby making it impossible to reach the venue by car. Thanks to Barbara Chibvamushure who selflessly volunteered to carry the Vigil paraphernalia and walked for 30 minutes to and from the Zimbabwe Embassy. Without her efforts the Vigil would have failed. Also thanks to Samantha Pfupajena for her consistency, attending and manning the vigil every Saturday without fail. We also felt inspired by Ever Nyatsungo, who despite mobility issues, persevered all the way from Midlands and youthful Shepherd Gandanga travelling all the way from Wales.
Together we Can!
For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/
Events and Notices:
- ROHR Fundraising Walk. Saturday 30th May. ROHR UK chapter will embark on a 13-mile sponsored walk, starting at Leytonstone at 9 am and ending at the Vigil. The walk is in defence of the existing Zimbabwean constitution.
- Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 6th June from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
- The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
- Vigil : https ://www.facebook.
com/zimbabwevigil - ROHR: https://www.facebook.
com/Restoration-of-Human- Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe- International-370825706588551/ - ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/
pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum- ZAF/490257051027515
The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.
