Even as the Zimbabwe crisis worsens, an extraordinary solidarity movement
has taken hold across Southern Africa–sparked by a South African dock
workers’ union that refused to unload a Chinese shipment of
Zimbabwe-bound weapons.[1]

Their refusal to facilitate Zimbabwe’s crackdown has ignited a wildfire
that is spreading across the continent. Now, as pressure builds, China is
publicly wavering–and might decide to bring the arms home.[2] Click
below to sign a petition to keep arms away from Zimbabwe. The petition
will be launched at a press conference in Johannesburg before the end of
this week, and used to lobby key leaders until the crisis ends. Join the
call now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_arms_for_zimbabwe/5.php

Three weeks on, the results of the March 29 elections have still not been
released, and Zimbabwe’s crisis is getting worse. Mugabe’s government has
unleashed a brutal campaign to retain power. The opposition says that ten
have died, and hundreds have been injured; now, a “human wave” of
refugees is fleeing to South Africa and other neighbouring countries.[3]

But even as the political emergency deepens, an African-led upswell of
resistance has begun to turn the tide. In the last ten days:
*  More than 150,000 Avaaz members worldwide signed the petition for
democracy in Zimbabwe, including citizens of 53 of Africa’s 54
countries. The goal: prod South Africa’s president Mbeki to pressure
Mugabe. To make sure the message got through, Avaaz hired a small
plane to fly a 280 square metre (3000 sq ft) banner over the United
Nations.[4] The next day, amidst pressure from other governments and
worldwide media coverage of the Avaaz stunt, South Africa finally
shifted its position on Zimbabwe.[5]
*  Last week, a Chinese ship carrying 77 tonnes of Zimbabwe-bound
weapons and ammunition docked in Durban, South Africa–but, refusing
to aid Mugabe’s crackdown, the dockworkers refused to unload it.
Unions, churches, and legal groups throughout Southern Africa quickly
mobilized; the ship was forced to leave the harbour, and other ports
in the region are vowing to block the weapons as well.[6]
*  As the grassroots outcry has grown, political officials have begun to
press their case. Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa urged other
African leaders not to allow the weapons to reach Zimbabwe.[7] United
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and former UNSG Kofi Annan have
called for democracy. And more and more other leaders in Africa and
worldwide are joining in.
The Chinese arms ship is now sailing up the Western coast of Africa.
Union officials tell Avaaz that it could stop in Namibia to refuel, but
is probably headed towards Angola.[8] Time is short. A strong
international outcry now can help support the groups in both
countries–dockworkers, NGOs, and church leaders–who are working to
block the weapons and support Zimbabwean human rights.

There is more at stake here than the weapons in this ship. Together, we
can build a consensus that Zimbabwe should not be sold ANY weapons in
this time of crisis–and in the longer term, we can build momentum for a
strong international Arms Trade Treaty[9]. Moreover, stopping the flow of
weapons provides a concrete, immediate step that leaders in the region
can take on Zimbabwe–paving the way for stronger actions in coming days
and weeks.

Add your name to the petition, and then send this link to friends and
family:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_arms_for_zimbabwe/5.php

The situation in Zimbabwe is dire. But because of people power–the
courage of ordinary workers and community members, standing on
principle–the political currents are shifting, and hope is emerging for
change. And in the global media, a new strain can be heard amidst the
grinding stories of brutality and chaos.

This crisis has many layers, and raises issues that range from the legacy
of colonialism to the uncontrolled international arms trade. At the heart
of it is the simple idea that every human life is equally precious, and
that every person has rights. The people of Zimbabwe took their stand in
the voting booth. The dockworkers of South Africa took their stand at the
harbour. Now, even if we can only offer a click, it is time to do our
part as well.

With hope,

Ben, Ricken, Graziela, Galit, Paul, Iain, Pascal, and Veronique–the
Avaaz.org team

Sources:
1. Business Day: “South Africa: Unions Bid to Halt Zimbabwe Arms Ship.”
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804220109.html
2. New York Times: “China Says Shipment of Arms for Zimbabwe May Turn
Back.”http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/world/africa/23zimbabwe.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slog
in&oref=slogin
3. New York Times: “Human Wave Flees Violence in Zimbabwe.”http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/world/africa/21zimbabwe.html?ex=1366516800&en=
0378560da461b30a&ei=5088