BURMA, OUR HEARTS BLEED! - SOLIDARITY MESSAGE FROM ZIMBABWE'S MDC-UK

THE Movement for Democratic Change in The UK and Ireland, an External Province of Zimbabwe’s main Opposition Party the Movement for Democratic Change wishes to express its solidarity with the oppressed people of Burma. Like the Burmese, Zimbabweans know what it is to be oppressed by your own people.

The hard facts in Burma today are that the country has for 45 years not known any democracy and has been under the rule of the military. In a country gifted by nature with abundant key resources such as natural gas and oil, 70% of children are malnourished and the country is largely famished with the majority not knowing where to go. It is sad that the military government has resorted to using the Burma’s security apparatus as the weapon for the repression of unarmed and innocent civilians.

The most frustrating thing is that Burma’s citizenry has not been respected and they have basically been taxed without any representation. In 1990 Burma chose Aung San Suu Kyi as their President and she has since been subjected to house arrest and the people of Burma have had to go with the humiliation of having to appear powerless in the face of oppression by a few men and women who do not have their authority to govern but who do so through military might.

Worse still it is frustrating that in a region where largely many countries are opposed to military rule the military in Burma does not see it that way. Similarly in Zimbabwe the sad reality is that where other nations in the region have embraced democracy the Zimbabwean Government has been moving in the opposite direction with legislation that has clearly been meant to entrench either as a de facto or even as implied de jure; a one Party state against the wishes of Zimbabweans.

The humiliation is very frustrating. But it is worsened by the realisation that the international community is unwilling to do anything and a powerful coalition of bigger nations such as China is actually behind the sustenance of the same Government that is causing the people of Burma all these problems. Like all progressive forces the MDC UK and Ireland joins in the chorus but add that indeed one can draw similarities between Burma and Zimbabwe.

Governed by own people since 1980, Zimbabweans are humiliated everyday at the inability to assemble freely and listen to their leaders and also to vote a political party of their choice. Like the people of Burma Zimbabweans will always hope for a proactive international community and for sui generis entities that ought to deliver justice to the whole world.

In standing firm in Solidarity with Burma we look at the efforts of the National League for Democracy, Burmese Monks, the Burma Government in Exile in Thailand, Burma Campaign, other opposition forces and all the peace loving people of Burma.

We applaud the stance they have taken that although they want peace they can not afford to be silent since the peace dividend must also come with the justice dividend and thus they are prepared to face danger as they fight for justice in their country.

Our particular thoughts are with Aung San Suu Kyi. It is saddening that Burma’s legitimate president has never saved a term since her election in 1990. It is therefore befitting that the people of Burma draw their strength from such a leading figure in the struggle for democracy and justice. It was also befitting that the world recognised her efforts and awarded her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Like the people of Burma Zimbabweans draw strength from the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Mr Morgan Tsvangirai who has also been the victim of government repression. Ironically the same China is the country that has always protected the government of Zimbabwe.

It therefore says it aloud that there is every reason to stand together in solidarity the oppressed people of Burma and the oppressed people of Zimbabwe. We therefore wish to say to the military junta: “Democracy to Burma now!”

Many Thanks

JULIUS SAI MUTYAMBIZI-DEWA

SECRETARY MDC UK AND IRELAND

mdcsecretary@yahoo.co.uk or 0044798254830 or 02077206614.