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| Bushman woman, CKGR, Botswana 2004
© Stephen Corry/Survival |
Peaceful protests are expected to dog President Mogae of Botswana throughout
his visit to Britain this week. The Botswana government has evicted hundreds of
Gana and Gwi Bushmen from their ancestral land and dumped them in bleak
resettlement camps, earning worldwide condemnation.
There will be a peaceful vigil outside the Botswana High Commission from 2pm
Monday to 12 noon Thursday, while the President is in the country.
Where:
Botswana High Commission, Stratford Place (Bond Street
tube).
When: Monday 9th June 2pm-5pm
Tuesday 10th June 9am-5pm
Wednesday 11th
June 9am-5pm
Thursday 12th June 8am-12pm
Botswana's persecution of the Bushmen has brought the President international
notoriety; he even features in the Imperial War Museum's permanent exhibition on
Crimes against Humanity, where he is quoted warning the Bushmen they face
extinction.
The Bushmen opposed to the evictions have sent an open message to the
President, and the government-appointed representatives of the resettlement
camps accompanying him while he is in the UK, 'We cannot read nor write,
we do not have money to board a plane to come to London to tell you our story…
We hope that you will support our struggle to be heard by our government before
it is too late to prevent the total extinction of our culture.'
