“The people of Zimbabwe deserve more than empty rhetoric and staged displays of governance. They demand a (NEW) leader who listens, not one who silences; a government that UPLIFTS, not one that plunders.”
thanks to @BhudhiGhivhi on X (Twitter).
We began by asking Claude AI to frame some questions for Auxilla Mnangagwa, at her appearance in the UK, which in itself created several contradictory issues and flew-in-the-face of the obvious events in Zimbabwe over the last 45 years or so - when her husband Emmerson D Mnangagwa was close to Mugabe up to 2017 - and now the pair of Mnangagwa's rule with iron fists inside iron gloves!
I understand you’re looking to prepare challenging questions for Auxilla Mnangagwa at the FLAIR Summit regarding the apparent contradiction between her role as “Patron Elect” speaking on women’s empowerment and the documented issues surrounding her husband’s administration.Let me search for current information about the FLAIR Summit and any recent developments regarding the Mnangagwas to help you prepare well-informed questions.
Let me search for more specific information about recent controversies and the Zimbabwe government’s record on human rights and democracy. Based on my research, I can help you prepare informed questions for Auxilla Mnangagwa at the FLAIR Summit. The situation presents a clear contradiction that activists and diaspora communities have already highlighted.
Here are some key points and potential questions:
Key Background Context:-
The US imposed sanctions on both Emmerson Mnangagwa and Auxillia Mnangagwa in March 2024 for involvement in human rights abuses, corruption, and minerals smuggling
- Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections were considered as falling short of constitutional requirements and international standards, with concerns about threats, intimidation, repression, and violence against political opponents
- As recently as April 2025, President Mnangagwa signed legislation that sharply curtails rights to freedom of association and expression
- Zimbabwean activists have expressed disappointment, describing her role as “masquerading as patron-elect,” saying it contradicts the reality of her husband’s regime
- Then we have the manifestation of her entourage/body-guards - like E D Mnangagwa in Glasgow - November 2021 - with 120 "hangers-on" will the City of London accept this? As it happens the two kind officers who oversaw our demonstration were extremely understanding - a credit to the 'force'
Potential Questions You Could Ask: As it happened the AUX did not show up! Nor did any of the MP's and many others originally scheduled!
- On Personal Accountability: “Mrs. Mnangagwa, you and your husband are currently under US sanctions for human rights abuses and corruption. How do you reconcile your role as ‘Patron Elect’ for women’s empowerment with these serious allegations against your family?”
- On Political Repression: “Given that your husband’s government has been documented by Human Rights Watch as creating a climate of threats and intimidation against political opponents, how can you credibly advocate for women’s empowerment when women in opposition politics in Zimbabwe face such repression?”
- On Recent Legislation: “Your husband signed legislation just two months ago that restricts NGOs and curtails freedom of association - many of which support women’s rights. How does this align with the FLAIR Summit’s goals?”
- On Electoral Integrity: “The 2023 elections in Zimbabwe were widely criticized as failing to meet international standards. How can women be truly empowered in a system where democratic participation is compromised?”
- On Transparency: “The FLAIR Summit website doesn’t specify when or by whom you were elected as ‘Patron Elect.’ Can you clarify this process and whether affected communities had any input?
Approach Considerations:
Frame questions around the specific contradiction between advocating for empowerment while being associated with a regime that restricts freedom.
- Reference specific, documented incidents and sanctions rather than general accusations
- Ask for concrete examples of how she has personally advocated for women who have been politically persecuted in Zimbabwe
- Question the legitimacy of her platform given the documented restrictions on civil society in ZimbabweThe controversy has already gained significant attention, with the summit scheduled for June 17-18, 2025, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, and her invitation sparking controversy among the Zimbabwean diaspora .
Your questions would be joining a broader conversation about accountability and the appropriateness of her participation.
Then we had to enquire regarding the organisers of the Flair Summit itself, things just do not add up - their aspirations are extrememly worthy - but to engage with a ruthless dictator's wife - there is so much available evidence regarding Zimbabwe?
Based on my research, I can help you frame questions for Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE as the co-founder and organizer of the FLAIR Summit. Dr. Thompson is a distinguished British business leader, founder of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network, and co-founder of the FLAIR Summit , which puts her in a position of responsibility for the summit’s participants and credibility.
*Key Questions for Dr. Yvonne Thompson:
1. On Due Diligence and Vetting:
“Dr. Thompson, as co-founder of the FLAIR Summit, what due diligence process did you undertake before designating Auxilla Mnangagwa as ‘Patron Elect’? Were you aware that both she and her husband are under US sanctions for human rights abuses and corruption when you made this decision?”
2. On Organizational Credibility:
“You’ve built your reputation advocating for diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment in business. How do you reconcile hosting someone whose family is internationally sanctioned for human rights violations with your stated mission of empowering women?”
3. On Platform Responsibility:
“The FLAIR Summit aims to champion women’s leadership across Africa. By providing a platform to Mrs. Mnangagwa, are you not legitimizing a regime that has been documented as restricting women’s rights and civil society organizations in Zimbabwe?”
4. On Consultation with Affected Communities:
“Did you consult with Zimbabwean women’s rights organizations or the diaspora community before appointing Mrs. Mnangagwa as Patron Elect? If not, why were the voices of those most affected by her husband’s policies not considered?”
5. On Accountability Standards:
“As someone who champions boardroom diversity and corporate governance, what standards do you apply to your own summit? How do you ensure that participants genuinely represent the values of women’s empowerment rather than simply holding titles?”
6. On Reputational Risk:
“The controversy surrounding Mrs. Mnangagwa’s participation has already attracted significant criticism from Zimbabwean activists. Are you concerned that this association might undermine the credibility of your summit and the important work of other participants?”
7. On Future Vetting:
“What changes will you make to your selection process to ensure that future ‘Patron Elects’ and participants have demonstrated genuine commitment to women’s rights and human rights more broadly?”
8. On Transparency:
“The summit website doesn’t explain the selection process for ‘Patron Elect.’ Can you clarify how this decision was made and whether there’s a mechanism for the community to provide input on such appointments?
”*Strategic Framing:*-
Emphasize Dr. Thompson’s established reputation and credentials in diversity and women’s empowerment;
- Highlight the contradiction between her stated values and this particular appointment
- Frame questions around organizational responsibility and due diligence rather than personal attacks
- Reference her role as a business leader who should understand reputational risk and stakeholder management
- Point to the impact on other summit participants and the broader missionThese questions put Dr. Thompson in the position of having to defend her organization’s vetting process and explain how someone under international sanctions for human rights abuses came to be given such a prominent platform at a women’s empowerment summit.
After looking at the organisers, we were curious as to the Private Meeting in the House of Lord - which are NOT considered to be His Majesty's Government Policy?
Let me search for current information about these private meetings and the UK government’s recent policy regarding Zimbabwe to help you understand the proper channels for requesting transparency. Based on my research, I can see that Lord Jonny Oates has been actively raising Zimbabwe human rights violations in the UK Parliament , making his exclusion from these private meetings particularly concerning.
Here’s a comprehensive strategy for requesting transparency and accountability:
Formal Information Requests:
1. Freedom of Information Act (FOI) Requests to FCDO:
Submit FOI requests asking for:- All correspondence between FCDO and Auxilla Mnangagwa or her representatives regarding her UK visit;
- Records of any meetings or planned meetings between UK officials and Auxilla Mnangagwa
- Security assessments or briefings regarding her visit
- Any advice given to ministers about engaging with sanctioned individuals
- Correspondence about the FLAIR Summit and government awareness of her participation
2. Parliamentary Questions:
Encourage sympathetic MPs/Lords to table:
- *Written Questions* to the Foreign Secretary about:
- UK policy on engaging with sanctioned individuals
- Whether the government was consulted about Auxilla Mnangagwa’s visit
- What steps are being taken to ensure accountability for human rights violations in Zimbabwe
- *Urgent Questions* in the Commons if there’s evidence of inappropriate government engagement
3. House of Lords Transparency Requests:
- Register of Lords’ Interests:
Request disclosure if peers hosting meetings have financial or other interests in Zimbabwe
- House of Lords Commission:
Ask for transparency about private meeting facilities being used for sanctioned individuals
- Lords’ Questions:
Have supportive peers ask about the appropriateness of using parliamentary premises
Specific Actions to Take:
Immediate Steps:*
1. FOI Request Template* (submit within 7 days):
"I request all documents held by the FCDO relating to the visit to the UK by Auxilla Mnangagwa in June 2025, including but not limited to:
- Meeting requests or arrangements
- Security briefings or assessments
- Correspondence with UK officials
Any advice regarding engagement with sanctioned individuals"
Contact Lord Oates directly
- - given his track record on Zimbabwe issues, inform him about:
- - His exclusion from private meetings
- - The contradiction with UK sanctions policy
- - Request he tables urgent parliamentary questions
Medium-term Strategy:
1. Parliamentary Petition
Launch a public petition calling for:
- Full transparency on UK engagement with sanctioned Zimbabwean officials
- Explanation of private parliamentary meetings with sanctioned individuals
- Strengthened enforcement of human rights-based foreign policy
2. Media Strategy
- Brief journalists on:
- The contradiction between UK sanctions and hosting sanctioned individuals
- Lord Oates’ exclusion from meetings he should logically attend
- The broader pattern of UK engagement with authoritarian regimes
3. Legal Challenge Preparation
- Consider judicial review if:
- FOI requests are improperly refused
- Evidence emerges of unlawful engagement with sanctioned individuals
- Parliamentary procedures are being circumvented
Key Contacts:
- FCDO FOI Team*:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Lord Oates’ Office*: Via the House of Lords
- Parliamentary Petition Site*: petition.parliament.uk
- House of Lords Information Office:
For transparency requests
Strategic Messaging:
Frame requests around:
- Consistency: UK cannot sanction individuals (or if US sanctions are in place) while providing them platforms
- Transparency: Democratic accountability requires open government
- Human Rights: 45 years of ZANU-PF oppression deserves firm UK response
- Parliamentary Integrity: Private meetings excluding relevant peers undermines democratic oversight
- The fact that Lord Oates has recently been demanding accountability for Zimbabwe’s treatment of journalists makes his exclusion from these meetings particularly telling and potentially politically embarrassing for whoever is organizing them.