ZIMBABWE FORUM
AFRICA AGENDA HOSTS FORUM AND COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON ZIMBABWE:
BEYOND THE CRISIS, CITIZEN MOVEMENTS, THE MEDIA, DEMOCRACY AND THE FORCES OF CHANGE IN ZIMBABWE”
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 2 pm-4:30 pm in the Community Room of the Aurora Central Library
(14949 E. Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012)
For the last decade or so, Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia, has been labeled by the media as a failed state in the likes of Somalia. Among the reasons, the Zimbabwe economy, characterized by widespread food shortages, is in shambles with inflation levels measuring about 24,470 %, according to recently released figures by the country’s reserve bank. Current unemployment levels reportedly stand at about 80% with citizens fleeing into neighboring South Africa and elsewhere for better opportunities. Furthermore, Zimbabweans say their country remains under the tight grip of one man, President Robert Mugabe, and his ZANU-PF party.
At independence in 1980, Mugabe was considered a freedom fighter who helped liberate Zimbabwe from British colonial rule. Today, he is called a dictator whose 28-year rule has ruined a once prosperous nation. The country is facing huge challenges stemming from HIV-AIDS, isolation, and sanctions from the Commonwealth, the US, and other nations concerned with human rights abuses, a controversial 2000 government land reform program.
Even more, the results of the March 29 presidential elections are being challenged by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) whose leader is calling for the president’s resignation. Today, there is an impasse in Zimbabwe that has raised questions about peace and stability in the country.
There is another question we are asking. Is the stream of negative news about this nation of over 13 million people all we know about it? Or, is there something else that Zimbabweans should be doing to help improve the image of their nation in the eyes of the world?
This forum will gather Colorado communities together to discuss ways that African-Americans, Africans, and their allies living in America can support a peaceful resolution in Zimbabwe. Participants will learn about what Zimbabwe leaders in Colorado are doing to support the end of the impasse and how Africa Agenda supports this vision.
Panelists Include:
George Bamu, Founder & CEO, Africa Agenda
Eliakim Sibanda (Ph.D.), the University of Winnipeg in Canada
Derrick Hudson (Ph.D.), Metropolitan State College of Denver
Lucas Shamala (Ph.D.), Metropolitan State College of Denver
Pius Kamau (MD) Columnist with the Denver Post