> Let's Forward this Post Everywhere ❕ *Diasporans crank up pressure against Auxillia’s UK jaunt* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDkMuTFCCoNC13vvo2V _*©Eragon Online News*_ *_(Follow this channel to read more...)_* *Group Link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CDyzvhE1ey5H89lorhyIvn By Nqobani Ndlovu, The Standard - Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom are piling up pressure on organisers of a first ladies summit set for the United Kingdom next week to exclude first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa citing the government’s alleged poor human rights record. Mnangagwa has been invited to attend the First Ladies of African Impact & Resilience (Flair) Summit, a forum which brings together Africa's first ladies to discuss impact, resilience and climate action. The summit would be held on June 17 and 18, 2025, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London. Zimbabweans based on London last week, however, petitioned the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and that country’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to deny Auxillia a visa to stop her from attending the summit. “While we support the Flair Summit’s ethos of Women’s Empowerment, Impact, and Resilience, we are deeply concerned that Auxillia Mnangagwa’s participation undermines these principles due to her association with Zimbabwe’s repressive Zanu PF regime and its documented human rights abuses,” the petition dated June 4 reads in part. “Her designation as “patron elect” raises questions about the motives behind her participation, including potential funding influence, which lacks transparency.” The protesters said Auxillia’s participation is inconsistent with Flair Summit’s Ethos. “The Flair Summit aims to promote women’s empowerment, impact, and resilience,” the petition read. “However, Auxillia Mnangagwa’s participation is at odds with these goals, given her role within a regime that contributes to the suffering of Zimbabwean women. “For instance, Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate increased to 114 per 100 000 live births in 2023, reflecting the dire state of healthcare under Zanu PF governance. “Her attendance risks overshadowing the summit’s objectives and diverting attention from genuine advocates for women’s rights.” The petitioners also called for an investigation into circumstances surrounding Auxillia’s invitation as “patron elect” to ensure the Flair Summit is not being used to “advance the interests of a repressive regime”. “To amplify our concerns, we have organised a peaceful demonstration on June 17–18, 2025, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, with protesters both inside and outside the venue,” they said. “These actions aim to highlight the plight of Zimbabweans under Zanu PF’s rule and to call for accountability. “We invite UK authorities to engage with our representatives to discuss these issues further.” Last week, The Standard reported that British Member of Parliament for Brent East, Dawn Butler, who was listed as one of the key speakers at the Summit had distanced herself from the event after questions were raised over Auxillia’s participation. Brown's office distanced the MP from the event while responding to inquiries by concerned Zimbabweans in the UK over the morality of sharing the stage with Auxillia to talk about women empowerment in Africa. Brown’s office indicated that she neither received an invitation nor agreed to participate at the event, despite the summit official website indicating she is a key speaker. The Standard