Zimbabwe 'bleeding to death', say Jesuits

"Zimbabwe is quietly bleeding to death while politicians debate and deliberate," says Ashleigh Callow from Jesuit Missions, which is hoping to raise awareness of the crisis by running in the Edinburgh Marathon Hairy Haggis Relay on 25 May.

Jesuit Missions have three teams running in the event, one consisting of runners raising funds for Makumbi Mission in Zimbabwe, and the other two teams, from St Ignatius' College in North London, raising funds for a scholarship fund for their partner school, St Ignatius Prep and Primary School in Tanzania.

"Inflation has gone through the roof in the country: £1 equates to 400 million Zimbabwean dollars," Callow continues. "So we very much hope that by taking part in the Hairy Haggis Relay, the team will increase awareness about the situation in the country, in addition to raising valuable funds."

Zimbabweans continue to experience intimidation and violence following the elections of 29 March.

One associate of the Jesuits in Zimbabwe texted the following message: "The post election situation is tense - they're accusing teachers and residents that we voted MDC (the Opposition Party) ... People are being beaten up for not voting for the ruling party. We are living in limbo at present."

Another described the situation as very bad. "It seems as if there is no one who can challenge this man [President Robert Mugabe]! Oh, our whole world is beautiful but Zimbabwe is becoming a house of horror. No food. No home. No health. No proper education."

A third text message read: "Our friend 'L' was beaten last night by soldiers on his way home from the doctor [L suffers from AIDS]. Mugabe's police are everywhere. I don't like it. We have no money to buy food and all shops are closed anyway. Can you help please or we will soon be dead?"

Jesuit Missions are also asking Britons to use their voices on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe.

"For Zimbabweans, silence kills," says Callow. "So we're asking people to speak out and lobby their local MPs. Our runners are aware of the obstacles and challenges that lie before them. But they won't be forced into having to run the 26 miles again. That's the situation that Zimbabweans find themselves in: forced into a re-run despite having gone the distance at the elections on 29 March."


A Prayer for Zimbabwe has been issued by Jesuit Mission: www.jesuitmissions.org.uk/