 Saturday represents the launch of a Pan-African
Campaign of Solidarity for Zimbabwe, and will be followed by events
continent-wide.
The widespread killings, torture and intimidation of the political
opposition that characterised the presidential election run-off on June 27
cannot be condoned under any circumstances. ‘By flagrantly and consistently
violating the values upon which present day Africa is premised, Mr Mugabe
has done great disservice to the people of Zimbabwe and the continent. We
believe it is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to
Mr Mugabe’s anti-democratic activities’ said Kumi Naidoo Honorary President
of CIVICUS.
‘The widespread killings, torture and assault of perceived opposition
supporters must come to an end in Zimbabwe. Concrete action is long overdue
and African leaders must end their silent acquiescence,’ said Irene Khan,
Secretary General of Amnesty International.
In this hour of crisis, the people of Africa stand together with the people
of Zimbabwe. ‘We urge African leaders to call for space to be opened up so
that civil society can play a role in tackling Zimbabwe’s current crisis –
we are needed now more than ever as millions of people face hunger through
growing food insecurity brought on by mis-governance.’ said Adelaide Sosseh,
GCAP Co-chair based in The Gambia.
Saturday’s Pan-African events will express the concern of people
continent-wide for the situation in Zimbabwe, and demonstrate the unity with
which Africans stand against the violations committed against Zimbabwe’s
people. It represents the beginning of an Africa-wide campaign at the
grassroots level, allowing African voices to speak out about injustice in
Zimbabwe.