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ACTSA calls for an end to violence in Zimbabwe on third anniversary
of presidential run-off
Action
for Southern Africa (ACTSA)
June 30, 2011
On 27 June Action
for Southern Africa (ACTSA) marked the third anniversary of Zimbabwe's
fateful
2008 presidential 'run-off' election with a vigil
outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. The vigil was attended by ACTSA supporters,
members of the Zimbabwean Diaspora and representatives of many of
Britain's main trade unions.
ACTSA presented
the Embassy with over 1300 cards calling for an end to violence
and for free elections. The Embassy refused to take the cards from
ACTSA, saying they could only accept them by post. The cards were
attached to bunches of red roses, often used by women's groups
in Zimbabwe as a symbol of peaceful protest.
Violence has
surged throughout the country with speculation there may be an election
in the coming months. Civil society groups are finding themselves
increasingly under threat and MDC activists have been beaten and
harassed. ACTSA fears free and fair elections will not be possible
in the context of violence and intimidation and supports the call
of the Zimbabwean people and the Southern African Development Community
that the Global
Political Agreement on which the inclusive government is based
be properly implemented. ACTSA calls for an end to the violence
being used against civil society groups and members. An orchestrated
and brutal campaign of murder, rape and torture emerged in 2008
in a bid by supporters of Zanu PF to hold on to power; this cannot
be allowed to happen again.
Tony Dykes,
Director of ACTSA said:
"ACTSA
is extremely concerned about the increasing violence in Zimbabwe
and joins the country's people in calling for an end to the
harassment and intimidation of those seen as not supporting Zanu
PF. We are disappointed that the Embassy declined to receive the
1,300 cards we collected, calling for an end to violence and intimidation
within the country. I have written to the Ambassador requesting
he receive them.
ACTSA's
calls are simple and echo what the people of Zimbabwe are saying;
end the violence and when conditions are conducive, hold free and
fair elections in line with SADC principles and guidelines governing
democratic elections. This call is supported by many ordinary people
across Britain who support democracy and development in Zimbabwe.
We very much hope that in the interests of the Zimbabwean people
these straightforward, non-partisan demands are heard and acted
on."
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