ZIMBABWE’S First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, is set to attend the First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit in London from June 16-18, 2025, but her participation has ignited fierce backlash from Zimbabwean exiles and human rights activists in the UK.
Dubbed a "baptism of fire," her visit is now mired in protests, visa challenges, and accusations of whitewashing Zimbabwe’s deteriorating human rights record.
Zimbabweans living in the UK have launched a campaign to block Mnangagwa’s attendance, citing her association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, which stands accused of corruption, political repression, and systemic human rights abuses.
A petition submitted to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) demands that she be denied a visa, arguing that her presence contradicts the summit’s themes of women’s empowerment and resilience.
Critics highlight Zimbabwe’s collapsing healthcare system, where maternal mortality rates have surged to 114 deaths per 100,000 live births (with some reports suggesting figures as high as 462) due to shortages of medicine, equipment, and medical staff.
Activists argue that while Mnangagwa portrays herself as a champion of women’s rights, her government’s policies have worsened conditions for Zimbabwean women. The controversy has already led to high-profile withdrawals. British MP Dawn Butler, initially listed as a keynote speaker, distanced herself from the event after constituents raised concerns over Mnangagwa’s role as "Patron Elect". Questions linger over how she was appointed to this position, with critics suggesting it was a political manoeuvre to legitimize Zimbabwe’s regime.
Zimbabwean activists will stage demonstrations outside the Leonardo Royal Hotel, where the summit is being held. They intend to highlight alleged human rights abuses under ZANU-PF, including crackdowns on journalists and opposition figures. Some have labelled the event a "Dictators’ Wives Club", accusing organizers of providing a platform for repressive regimes.
Despite the backlash, Mnangagwa has defended her participation, stating in a FLAIR Summit release: "As patron elect, I am committed to supporting the goals of the Flair Summit strategy. By investing in the empowerment of women, we are unlocking a significant part of Africa’s potential."
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However, critics dismiss her rhetoric as hypocrisy, pointing to her alleged ties to Zimbabwe’s intelligence services and her husband’s authoritarian rule. The summit, which aims to celebrate African women leaders, now risks being overshadowed by political controversy.
Organizers face a critical decision to Proceed with Mnangagwa’s participation risking protests and media scrutiny, rescind her invitation potentially angering Zimbabwean officials and other African delegations. An emergency meeting was reportedly held to assess the situation, but no public decision has been announced yet.
Auxillia Mnangagwa’s UK trip has become a lightning rod for Zimbabwe’s political tensions. While she seeks to project an image of progressive leadership, the fury of exiled Zimbabweans and human rights advocates threatens to derail her appearance.
- Lloyd Chiedza Shumbayaonda is a Zimbawean based in the UK. He writes in his capacity.
