The latest reports about the assault and torture of known opposition supporters in Zimbabwe warrant an immediate investigation by both the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN). While the ACDP supports calls for the Zimbabwean crisis to be addressed by the UN Security Council, we nevertheless believe that in the light of the atrocities committed by militias comprising war veterans and members of the Zanu-PF’s youth wing, an immediate intervention must take place to stop the suffering of innocent people, whose only crime’ was to exercise their democratic right to vote for a candidate and party of their choice.
The ACDP calls on the appointed AU mediator in the Zimbabwean crisis, President Mbeki, to visit hospitals and clinics where tortured and brutalized members of the opposition have been receiving medical treatment, and then prevail on the Zimbabwean President to clamp down on groups and the militia responsible for terrorizing innocent civilians.
The AU must disqualify the 84 year old Mugabe who is an embarrassment to the African continent and take heed of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s appeal for SADC leaders to persuade Zimbabwean President to step down.
The ACDP supports calls by the Human Rights Watch, a respected non-governmental group that monitors human rights across the globe, for the African Union to step in immediately to address the crisis and protect civilians.
For more information please contact:
Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP and President of the ACDP: 082 962 5884
Released by Liziwe Ndalana
Media Liaison, ACDP Parliament Â
Tel 021 403 2284 or 072 199 30126
lndalana@parliament.gov.za
Post published in: News