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Political opposition party MDC alliance has reached out to SADC for its mediation on the Zimbabwean human rights and political situation saying it is in need of regional attention and the international community as a possible solution to free Zimbabwe’s current situation.
MDC noted that there is need for intervention as in accordance with the SADC Protocol on politics , defence and security to maintain regional peace,
The opposition party concerns comes following the just ended 40th summit of SADC which was held virtually due to COVID19.
During the summit the heads of state praised Mnangwga in a remarkable way for upholding regional peace and stability.
The meeting focused on other issues like the Mozambican terrorist situation, the Zambia-DRC boarder dispute turning a blind spot to the human rights crisis in Zimbabwe.
In a statement MDC Alliance Secretary for International Relations Gladys Hlatshwayo said , “ We note that the Communique of the just ended 40th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government has omitted the deteriorating governance and legitimacy crisis in Zimbabwe. Whereas the Communique has taken note of the security situations in some countries including Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
“W e urge regional leaders to equally pay attention to the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe. Under the cover of COVID-19, the Government of Zimbabwe has intensified its crackdown on human rights defenders including journalists, lawyers, labor unions, civic society, the church and the opposition for exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression,” reads the statement.
Off late government has been violating human rights,exercisng brutal arrests , with the arrest of Hopewell Chin’ono who is currently at Chikurubi maximum and has been denied ball several times.
Amongst other human rights abuse cases include the arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume on allegations of inciting public violence , while Fadzai Mahere , Novelist Tsitsi Dangaremba were arrested for staging a one man demo on 31 July.
” the political elite has abused state institutions to carry out systematic abductions, torture, extra-judicial killings and unlawful arrests. In the short period before and after the July 31 2020 peaceful citizen protests, we have recorded at least 146 cases of human rights violations against our members including 38 abductions. “
“The situation, coupled with the lack of cohesion in government now pose a serious threat to peace and security in Zimbabwe and the SADC region in general,” the alliance said.
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