In a strong worded statement the churches under three independent bodies of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and the Evalegical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), said that the government of Zimbabwe should ensure that a conducive environment should be created so that people exercise their
freedoms.
“All aspects of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) should be fully implemented before an election is held. We also call upon SADC, to ensure that the agreement is fully implemented accountably and timeously,” said the church. Of late Zanu PF has been crying horse and accusing the MDC of not honoring its part in the agreement by calling for the removal of
sanctions, however Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said that there is no clause in the GPA which is greater than the other.
Tsvangirai among other things accuses President Robert Mugabe of failing to swear in Deputy Agriculture designate Roy Bennet. And also of the appointment of Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana.
In utter disregard of the GPA Mugabe also unilaterally appointed provincial governors. The MDC-T has called for the creation of a conducive environment before a plebiscite and the church is fully behind that direction while Zanu PF is reluctant to set benchmarks for a free poll devoid of violence that is endemic in the country’s history.
“The church is willing to facilitate and support dialogue between the principals and political parties to ensure the resolution of the outstanding issues,” said the church. The church also implored upon the leaders in the troubled coalition to reflect on national healing and take into account the fact that nothing significant has so far been achieved.
The hiatus that was there in 2010 is fast evaporating as political parties make statements that denounce other parties. Zanu PF leaders have been whipping up emotions of their supporters to rise against the MDC which they accuse of have applied for the so-called sanctions.
The paradox for MDC supporters is that while they are the victims they end up being arrested as security sector reforms have thus far remained a pipedream with state security agents firmly in the grip of Zanu PF. “The church calls on the security forces to maintain peace and security for all citizens. They should exercise their duties in a non-partisan manner,” said the church. However, the police commissioner General Augustine Chihuri has remained largely pro-Zanu PF and accuses the MDC of causing violence.
Post published in: News