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Youth Forum disturbed by continuation of politically motivated violence & illegal arrests of youths
Youth Forum
May 18, 2009

Youth Forum condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest of 15 MDC youths at Mhlahlandlela hall in Bulawayo last Friday. This incident occurred following a clash between ZANU PF and MDC youths.

This is a clear manifestation of unrepentant behaviour of ZANU PF zealots and the partisanship of the police. Furthermore it proves that the spirit of inclusiveness is only at the top, contrary to a situation prevailing on the ground.

The situation is most likely to be worse in rural and other marginalised areas where violence was more prevalent. As Youth Forum we believe that as long there is no sustainable peace building and conflict transformation initiatives by the communities themselves hatred and acrimony between the former victims and perpetrators will continue unabated, thereby staggering the much needed development.

We also reiterate that initiators of violence should be brought to book whilst those who were manipulated as weapons of violence (mostly youths) should be rehabilitated. Zimbabwe Youth Council should also be depoliticised.

Firstly it should be relocated from the thirteenth floor of the ZANU PF headquarters so that all non-ZANU PF youths can also access it,

Secondly Youth Council Act should be revised in the best interest of youths, a total opposite of the current act which give blank cheque powers to the respective minister over the council and lastly the youths should meaningfully participate in that process, the current one was imposed on youths just like the Youth policy.

The Youth Forum will vehemently object any attempts by the government to effect up to bottom approaches on youth issues. It is the youths and youths alone who know what is best for them. Youths should be actively involved in issues to do with them from the initial stages, attempts to view them as rubberstampers will be resisted with the contempt it deserves.

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