We have fed the stereotype of a violent Africa because of unnecessary wars, conflicts and our desire to mete out violence on political opponents. We have confirmed the negative belief held by Africa’s critics by decimating each other through political violence orchestrated mainly by organs of the State. We want to pray against that demon today, with faith that the Lord will hear our prayers.
I am happy to join you today in prayer for a God-fearing leadership that will work towards achieving peace and harmony in Zimbabwe.
Our unity at this prayer meeting is a clear testimony that collective effort is important to ensure that the citizens of this country live in peace, with neither fear nor coercion.
We all want a new era – where knives, machetes, knobkerries, guns and booted feet as instruments of violence and repression are no longer fashionable. As a country, we have been forced to walk the painful road of violence and hatred and we are not prepared to walk it forever more.
We have lost relatives. Our homes and property have been destroyed. We have seen State agents engaged in shameful acts of violence and the unbridled violation of the people’s rights and freedoms. I have personally experienced this violence and I understand the pain of brutality and indignity.
Psalms 34 verse 14 is a clear instruction to all of us: “Turn from evil; do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Zimbabwe cannot afford to slide back if it is to reclaim its rightful place among the civilized family of nations. Across the political, tribal, religious or racial divide, we all want to live in peace and harmony; in a tranquil environment where our rights and basic freedoms are respected and protected.
The challenge of the new crop of Africa leaders is to kill this culture of violence against defenceless citizens so that governments concentrate on national issues such as eradicating poverty, creating jobs, growing the economy and delivering quality and affordable service to the people, especially health and education.
We want a new Zimbabwe where political or religious differences are not an excuse for violence and conflict; where State institutions promote peace and unity – not war and violence against defenceless people. Peace must be everyone’s clarion call and I urge you to leave no stone unturned in rallying everyone to support the creation of a peaceful nation.
It is only through peace that we can achieve the necessary stability that will enable us to pursue and live our dreams. As we go towards the next election, you must pray for us as the national leadership to shun violence and to bow ourselves before God.
Let us fight for peace in the political parties, peace in the church, peace in the homes and peace in the country as a pre-condition for creating a better society and a better foundation for future generations. I wish to thank the people of Zimbabwe for investing their faith in this transitional arrangement that has given us a modicum of peace; for choosing hope over despair, peace over violence and a bright future over a troubled past.
I know those pursuing violence will fail!
I have traversed the length and breadth of Zimbabwe and spoken to villagers, farmers, students, church leaders, businessmen, cross-border traders and factory workers. I have talked to bankers, investors, housewives, the youth, women and minority groups and I have been humbled by their unequivocal wish for a peaceful country.
Our faith in the Lord and our fortitude in waging this great fight for peace, dignity and prosperity should continue to drive us in the coming year. The uniqueness of our situation means that bringing Zimbabwe back to legitimacy and peace is both a national and international issue.
In the words of Psalm 122 verse 7: “May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” Indeed, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5, verse 9)
Post published in: Faith