afrol News, 15 July - Zimbabwean church leadership has expressed concerns over deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.

A statement by Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe said citizens were subjected to organised violence perpetrated against individuals, families and communities who are accused of campaigning or voting for the wrong political party in the 29 March elections.

March polls saw a turnabout in Zimbabwe's political fraternity, when President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled the country for 28 years, was defeated for the first time by the country's main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change.

Though Church leadership issued statements commending Zimbabweans for the generally peaceful and politically mature manner in which they conducted themselves before and during the elections, the country took a wrong turn with people being abducted tortured and killed soon after election.

"Reports that are coming through to us from our Churches and members throughout the country indicate that the peaceful environment has, regrettably changed," said Church leadership statement.

Church leaders appealed to Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) to work towards arresting the deteriorating political and security situation in Zimbabwe.

"We warn the world that if nothing is done to help the people of Zimbabwe from their predicament, we shall soon be witnessing genocide similar to that experienced in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and other hot spots in Africa and elsewhere," said a statement.

Church leadership further urged the country to dismantle youth militia and war veterans camps which are perpetrating violence in Zimbabwe if peace is to be restored in the troubled Africa state.

"Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should release the true results of the presidential poll of 29 March without further delay. The delayed publication has caused anxiety, frustration, depression and suspicion," further said a statement.

The group's executive secretary, Father Fredrick Chiromba, says a culture of tolerance no longer exists in Zimbabwe, saying Zimbabweans are failing to see the need for unity in the country.

"We the churches of Zimbabwe stand ready and committed to partner with all efforts that will result in a transitional authority and subsequently a government of national unity to bring peace, stability and reconciliation within the nation," he said.

Last week, Russia and China vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions on Mr Mugabe and 13 of his allies.

South Africa, which is mediating talks between the two sides in Zimbabwe, said sanctions would interfere with attempts to form a national unity government.

Meanwhile, fourteen MDC activists and officials who were facing charges of political violence were acquitted on the grounds that the state failed to produce its eyewitness at the scene who could tell the court what exactly transpired.

According to MDC statement, more than 1000 MDC activists and officials are still under police custody on trumped up charges of political violence. MDC insists on the release of these political prisoners as part of clearing the course for meaningful negotiations.

Since March polls, MDC said 113 of its supporters have been killed, some 5,000 are missing and more than 200,000 have been forced from their homes since March.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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