State Gives In Ahead of The FLAIR Summit

By Shingirai Vambe

ZIMBABWE-In a dramatic turn of events, AMH-HStv journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been released from detention after spending 72 days behind bars. The release comes amid mounting international pressure, including calls from the British Member of Parliament, Lord Jonny Oates, for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, to respond to Mhlanga’s arrest and detention.

Mhlanga is facing two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, related to transmitting data messages inciting violence or damage to property. However, Mhlanga vehemently denies the allegations, insisting that he is being targeted for simply doing his job as a journalist.

The arrest and detention of Mhlanga stirred outrage and condemnation, with many describing the Zimbabwean courts as a “captured system.” The journalist’s release has been hailed as a victory for press freedom and a testament to the power of international pressure.

According to reports, Mhlanga was arrested for interviewing outspoken war veteran, Blessed Runesu Geza, who is currently on a police wanted list. Geza, along with a few of his comrades, is believed to have fled the country out of fear after their properties were allegedly attacked. Geza’s wife has been summoned and questioned by the police about his whereabouts.

The group of war veterans had demanded the relief of the Zimbabwe President from power, accusing him of state failure and giving too much government power and duties to his wife and children. They also spoke about corruption and individuals closely linked to the first family.

The Zimbabwean government had changed its target from Mhlanga to HStv, the media company he works for under Alfa Media Holdings (AMH), after the interview with Geza. However, the government seems to have given in to legal pressure to release Mhlanga on charges that are vehemently contrary to the constitution and international statutes for the freedom of the press.

The FLAIR Summit, scheduled to take place in the UK in June, has been at the center of the controversy surrounding Mhlanga’s arrest. The summit aims to spotlight the contributions of African First Ladies and prominent women from across the continent, challenging the status quo and redefining leadership.

The FLAIR Summit will not only be a gathering of political and business leaders but also a celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage. African queens and royal figures will add depth to the event, offering invaluable insights into how tradition and modern leadership can coexist to foster economic and social growth.

The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, is Patron Elect, committed to supporting the goals of the Flair Summit Strategy.

However, the convening of the summit in the UK has been described as “the worst thing for the African continent,” exposing African leaders and their love for extravagant life. Many observers have highlighted the irony and extravagance of staging a summit meant to tackle poverty, education, and women’s empowerment in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

The costs associated with travel, luxury accommodation, per diems, and security for the First Ladies and their entourages could run into millions—funds critics argue would be better spent addressing the very issues under discussion. Economists and activists alike have pointed to alternatives closer to home, such as the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Zimbabwean government’s decision to release Mhlanga may be seen as a strategic move to avoid further controversy and criticism ahead of the FLAIR Summit. Zimbabwe residents in the UK had taken to the streets and the Zimbabwean embassy in UK, protesting against the arrest and promising to demonstrate against the first lady’s attendance at the summit.