Thousands of supporters have signed a petition that Botswana’s Gana and Gwi Bushmen be allowed to return to their ancestral land, a human rights spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Miriam Ross, speaking for Survival International, said that a petition containing 100 000 signatures would be handed to Botswana consulates and embassies this week.
”The hand-in marks the second anniversary of the forced relocation of hundreds of Gana and Gwi Bushmen from their ancestral land. One year ago Survival presented the first 100 000 signatures to the Botswana government.”
A delegation of Ogiek hunter-gatherers in Kenya had joined the campaign and that they had supported the quest by saying in a statement: ”The heart of the Ogiek people goes out to our brothers and sisters, the Gana and Gwi Bushmen.
”Brothers and sisters, do not let your persecutors make you forget who you are.
”No matter how far away from it you have been taken, the land and life your forefathers gave you, belong to you. Be strong. You will see your land again.”
Ross said petitions would be handed over at consulates and embassies in Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Belgium, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Kenya and South Africa. — Sapa