Protest letter to the Refueling and Unloading of the An Yue Jiang

nobody@vox.com(Cultural Insurgent) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:43:29 -0600

The President of the Republic of Namibia
H.E. President Hifikepunye POHAMBA,
State House
Windhoek
Namibia.

22 April, 2008.

His Excellency,

RE: Protest to the Refueling and Unloading of the An Yue Jiang

Pursuant to my earlier telephonic conversation of this afternoon with the Executive Director to the President, Ambassador Kamati, I am writing to express my disgust and condemnation of the scheduled refueling and the subsequent unloading of the Chinese vessel, the An Yue Jiang, at Walvis Bay. This lethal cargo comprising of weapons of war destined for Zimbabwe is the catalyst for genocide.

These weapons will enable the Zimbabwe Republic Police Riot Squad, Youth Militia, and rogue Army elements to project disproportionate force, indiscriminately inflict horrific injuries and cause the unfortunate deaths of a multitude of innocent unarmed Zimbabwean civilians who include my family and friends.

The Presidential election results in Zimbabwe are still to be announced; basic commodities are in short supply and lawful and peaceful demonstrations by Zimbabwe’s civic society are being brutally suppressed by regime military officers.

It is repugnant that the Government of Namibia would consider aiding and abetting tyranny in Zimbabwe and become a willing accomplice in the gross violations of human rights. Equally culpable shall be the members of your government and SWAPO who are waiting for a request from NamPort and other authorities before advising your esteemed office to permit this vessel of genocide to enter Namibian territorial waters to refuel and offload this cargo.

Namibia and its government risk being caught on the wrong side of humanity. Should this cargo find its way to Zimbabwe with your acquiescence, we the citizens of Zimbabwe shall hold the Government of Namibia liable for any breaches and abuses of humanitarian law that shall emanate from the use of these weapons by ZANU (PF) in Zimbabwe.

I humbly urge you to cease this abhorrent bilateral nexus and instead render support to those seeking democracy, justice, and peace. Zimbabweans prevail upon you to do the right thing and turn this ship away.

Kind regards,

Phil Matibe

Zimbabwean Citizen in Exile

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Protest letter to the Refueling and Unloading of the An Yue Jiang