The groups said the three political parties could not reconcile and heal the whole nation, as political interference would derail the exercise.
In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Douglas Danha from Zimrights said: The nation would be advised on the roll-out plan of activities once necessary consultations are concluded. We want full participation from independent groups.
The general public and all religious organisations are hereby advised that we have an important role to play in reconciling and healing the nation. We know that Zanu (PF) will not be comfortable with this because it is the party that caused many deaths of people during the 2008 March and June elections, he said.
He said the whole nation was aware that Zanu (PF) masterminded the political harassment and torture that led to the death to innocent MDC supporters.
As independent groups we know exactly what happened during that period. We had our people on the ground. So we do not find it very significant to leave the process of reconciliation to the three political parties only. Various independent groups, including churches, civic groups, human rights groups and NGOs among others, should be included in the process, said Danha.
Meanwhile, religious organisations have called on all churches and Christian denominations across the country to congregate and pray for repentance, reconciliation, revival and rebuilding of the country.
The independent groups have resolved that all Zimbabweans regardless of race, gender and ethnic would be required to participate in the national healing process once a roll-out plan is designed.
The public will soon be advised of the nationally co-ordinated process through which they can contribute to the noble goals of national healing, reconciliation and integration in a transparent and accountable manner, Danha said.
State ministers from the three main parties are heading the national healing, reconciliation and integration process.
The parties, under the global political agreement they signed in 2008, have since set up a committee to lead the process of national reconciliation.
Among some of the functions of the committee are addressing the political violence that engulfed the country in the run-up to the March 29 harmonised elections and the June run-off in 2008.
Leaders of the inclusive government including President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai have all called for an end to politically motivated violence.
Post published in: Politics