Mugabe, Tsvangirai, Mutambara call for an end to political violence

By Violet Gonda
24 July 2009

The Principals in the coalition government called for an end to political attacks, at the beginning of three days of countrywide prayers for national healing and reconciliation. The government said it set aside this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to allow Muslims, Adventists, other Christians and religious groups to pray for national peace during their respective days of worship.

Speaking at the official start of the weekend of prayers, Mugabe said: "There are still reported cases of political violence and this must stop.” He added: "Let us move among the people... promoting the values and practice of tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue as a sustainable means of resolving political differences." Despite these words critics still question Mugabe’s sincerity, especially as scores of MDC activists continue to be victimised by ZANU PF thugs across the country. There are also many reports that indicate that the youth militia is again being deployed around the country to ensure that people are ‘persuaded’ to back the Kariba Draft of the constitution, which keeps Mugabe’s powers intact.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai said the launch of the three days of national prayers must mark the beginning of an open and genuine process and an acceptance of responsibility for the hurts and pains inflicted on so many Zimbabweans. "In addition to the three principles of truth, justice and forgiveness, we must openly discuss the issue of reparation," Tsvangirai said.

Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa said while Mugabe condemned the violence, his keynote address talked more about the values of Zimbabwe and culture and the essence of the liberation struggle. “Of course he did not categorically mention the issue of Gukurahundi and the post independence violence, like what the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara did.”

Muchemwa said Mutambara did not mince his words and called a spade a spade. The Deputy PM said the election violence of last year, which resulted in the murder of scores of MDC activists, and the torture of tens of thousands, should never be repeated, while Tsvangirai called for perpetrators of violence to own up.

The Prime Minister did warn that retribution would only perpetuate violence. He also noted that the reconciliation process should include the pre-independence period where atrocities were also committed under white minority rule.

He said: "Zimbabwe has suffered so many phases of trauma, upheaval and conflict that there must be agreement on defining the scope of the healing process."
The Harare event at the Sheraton Hotel was attended by the diplomatic community, government officials and parliamentarians.
Our correspondents said unfortunately not many members of the public are aware of these three days of dedication as adverts only appeared in the state control media - the ZTV and the Herald newspaper. “Which is unfortunate because the people who are being targeted are victims live mostly in the rural areas,” Muchemwa added.
Meanwhile, the pressure group Zimbabwe Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) has invited the public to wear black clothes during these three days of prayer to protest “the eclipse of peace in Zimbabwe and to remember our fellow countrymen who lost lives, property and homes in the political violence that preceded the June 27 2008 sham elections.”