World • 5h ago
Descendants of Zimbabwe resistance heroes urge UK to locate looted skulls
**Descendants of Zimbabwe Resistance Heroes Demand UK Institutions Locate Looting of Ancestors' Remains**
In a move that highlights the ongoing struggle for historical justice and accountability, descendants of Zimbabwe's freedom fighters who resisted colonial British rule in the late 19th century have appealed to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to help locate the looted remains of their ancestors. This call to action is a poignant reminder of the brutal treatment meted out to our African forebears by European colonizers.
According to the descendants, several of the skulls of their ancestors, who were executed and beheaded by colonial forces, are believed to be stored in the UK institutions. The family members of Chief Chingaira Makoni, a prominent leader who opposed British land seizures in what is now Manicaland province, are among those seeking answers. Makoni's own skull is believed to be among those taken to England after his execution in 1896.
In a formal letter to the institutions, the descendants expressed their disappointment and frustration over the 2022 statement from the museum and university that they had not identified any remains belonging to the colonial resistance fighters. They are now demanding the creation of a joint taskforce of experts from Zimbabwe and the UK to examine the contested remains and archives in both countries.
The descendants' plea is not just about historical accountability but also about the ongoing impact of colonial violence on their lives and communities. They believe that until the remains of their ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering of their past will continue.
This is a significant moment for Nigeria and our own history of colonialism. We too have experienced the brutal treatment of our ancestors by European colonizers, and the ongoing legacies of that violence. The descendants of Zimbabwe's resistance heroes are showing great courage in demanding justice and accountability. We can learn from their example and continue to push for the truth about our own past.
The Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge must now respond to the descendants' demands and work towards a resolution that acknowledges the historical injustices committed against the people of Zimbabwe. This is a critical step towards healing and reconciliation, not just for the families of the resistance heroes but for all of us who have been affected by colonialism.