In its foreign travel advice, the US has warned its citizens that Zimbabwe’s security situation is unpredictable and has the potential to change at any time.
“While the country has been relatively stable since the establishment of a unity government in early 2009, election-related demonstrations and riots may become more common,” reads US travel advice. “Political tension associated with the anticipated elections in 2013 is high and political rallies frequently end with violent clashes. US citizens travelling to Zimbabwe should avoid crowds, all public demonstrations, and protests.”
The US warned its citizens against expressing their opinions of the political regime in Zimbabwe as this could attract a huge penalty. It also said not to go to areas occupied by war veterans, who were behind the seizure of farms formerly owned by white commercial farmers, as this could put their lives at risk.
“Criticism of the President is a crime in Zimbabwe. The streets around State House, the official residence of the President, and the Botanical Gardens are particularly sensitive. A number of pedestrians and motorists, including US citizens, have been assaulted by local security forces when walking or driving in that area,” reads the travel warning.
Avoid politics
The British Foreign Travel and Commonwealth Office said that political tension was high in Zimbabwe’s Inclusive Government and that continued sanctions against companies and individuals involved in human rights violations could attract retaliation against the British.
“Monitor local media and avoid areas where demonstrations or rallies may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people. In the past the authorities have used force to suppress demonstrations. The police have told some British nationals that they will not respond to politically motivated crime. Avoid political activity or criticism of the President,” read Britain’s travel advice.
Australia has warned its citizens that Zimbabwe’s pre-electoral period carries the potential for crime, civil unrest and political violence.
“The situation in Zimbabwe is generally calm, although incidents of political violence continue to occur in some urban and rural areas. There is potential for the security situation to deteriorate quickly, especially in the lead up to elections,” it says.
The Australian foreign travel advice for Zimbabwe warned that health services in the country were poor due to the poor state of the economy.
No friendly waving
Canada has warned its citizens that hostility has been exhibited by Zanu (PF) supporters towards independent newspapers.
“Avoid participating in political discussions in public places or engaging in political activity. Note that an open hand is the symbol of the main opposition political party, and that therefore a friendly wave could be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture.
“Avoid carrying books by banned authors, and in rural areas, do not carry copies of the main independent newspapers, such as The Financial Gazette, The Independent and The Standard,” read the travel advice.
Ireland has warned that the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe could deteriorate quite quickly.
“Because of uncertainty in the political and economic situation, we strongly advise against independent travel. You should ensure that your travel documents are up to date and readily available in case you need to leave the country at short notice.
“Given the instability and unrest of recent years, it is strongly advised that visitors avoid all political events or meetings which are heavily patrolled by police,” read the warning.
Security risks
New Zealand, in its travel advice said political tensions could put travellers at risk.
“There is some risk to your security in Zimbabwe due to underlying political tension and high levels of crime and we advise a high degree of caution. We recommend you avoid travel to any area where war veterans are active or incidents of violence are taking place,” read the travel advice.
The MDC-T claims that it lost about 200 of its supporters due to politically motivated violence during the June 2008 elections. MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, said the intervention of the international community was necessary to avoid a repeat of the June 2008 violence.
“Zanu (PF) will resort to violence as soon as it becomes apparent that they are losing. So the international community must intervene to make sure there is no violence. SADC must also make it clear to Zanu (PF) that they will not tolerate any form of violence,” said Mwonzora.
Political analyst, Blessing Vava, believes the chances of Zanu (PF) engaging in violence are slim.
“I do not think that there will be much violence this time around. In the past, Zanu (PF) were the chief architects of violence but they seem to have realised that violence does not work and they are looking for a clean victory,” said Vava.
Post published in: News