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Traditional leadership blame politicians for perpetrating violence
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD)
June 21, 2011

COTRAD convened a discussion with the traditional leadership from Masvingo Central over the weekend amid numerous cases of political violence, intimidation and persecution of subjects in the area. The leadership cited politicians as the chief culprits in perpetrating violence and that they are used as pawns in a diplomatic political game in which they are left with no option but to comply.

The traditional leadership lamented acts of brutality and vowed to stamp out all acts of violence and intimidation. In their mitigations the leadership called on participatory approach from all stakeholders to bring sanity and encourage tolerance of diverse political views, multiplicity of political parties and concentrate on relationship building combined with reconstruction of homes destroyed during violence to reconcile victims and perpetrators of violence. Headman Tokonye advocated that all stakeholders be engaged in ways that contribute improving or securing the rural populace at the same time enhancing social and political cohesion among them at the communal and societal levels and pay attention to socio economic, political and cultural activities.

The discussion highlighted the need to avoid political actions, processes and outcomes that can create or enhance divisions among people but encourage the fostering of solidarity among various interest and identity groups as it is imperative to induce inclusivity and equality before the law to promote national development. Chief Shumba noted that violent conflicts represent a threat to life, security, growth and prosperity. The human, physical and social destruction brought by violent conflict entrenches institutional weakness, fractures communities, collapses economies and further diminishes poorly functioning social services. Where conflicts exist programs be implemented in a way that help build consensus, mutual trust, restoration and respect of each other's dignity.

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