The Zimbabwean government has remained silent following a fresh Al Jazeera investigation that links Ambassador-at-Large Uebert Angel to a payment used to orchestrate a staged protest in the United Kingdom during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit. Information Minister Zhemu Soda reportedly declined to comment on the allegations, deferring inquiries to Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, who was unreachable.
The Al Jazeera documentary, titled “Contract Killers and the Far Right,” claims Angel was involved in efforts to stage a purported grassroots demonstration in Glasgow during the 2021 COP26 climate summit. The aim was to create an impression of British public support for the lifting of sanctions against Mnangagwa’s government. The investigation further alleges that Turning Point UK chief executive Jack Ross acted on behalf of the Zimbabwean government to arrange the demonstration, agreeing to pay Allan Nesbitt, described as a convicted violent criminal with links to the proscribed Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), thousands of pounds. This new exposé intensifies scrutiny on Angel, who was previously featured in Al Jazeera’s 2023 “Gold Mafia” documentary series, which uncovered alleged gold smuggling and money-laundering networks involving politically connected Zimbabwean figures.
Key Players Involved
- Uebert Angel: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-at-Large and special presidential envoy to Europe and the Americas, linked to new allegations by Al Jazeera.
- Zhemu Soda: Zimbabwe’s Information Minister, who declined to comment on the allegations.
- Al Jazeera: Media outlet behind the “Contract Killers and the Far Right” investigation.
- Allan Nesbitt: Convicted criminal with alleged links to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), reportedly paid to organize a staged protest.
Event Timeline
- October 25, 2026: New Al Jazeera investigation linking Uebert Angel to a staged protest payment is reported.
- 2021: Alleged staged protest occurred in Glasgow during the COP26 climate summit.
- 2023: Angel previously featured in Al Jazeera’s “Gold Mafia” documentary series.
