Zimbabwe: Bishops appeal for calm after violent clampdown on protestors

Source: Fides/ZCBC/Zimvigil

At least eight people have been killed, around 200 have been injured and more than 600 arrested in cities in Zimbabwe, during clashes between police and unarmed demonstrators protesting over fuel price rises. A doctors' group said it had treated 68 people for gunshot wounds and many others for injuries from beatings.

Among those arrested is Baptist pastor Evan Mawarire, leader of the #ThisFlag movement, accused by police of inciting violence.

Zimbabwe has been governed by Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assumed the post of interim Head of State following the resignation of Mugabe and was elected at the end of July 2018. The new regime has so far failed to improve the economic situation. There is high unemployment and massive shortages. A sudden doubling of fuel prices triggered the latest protest.

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has expressed its concern over "the wide circulation of hate-filled social media messages, calling for the nation to take to the streets to protest against the economic hardships."

The Bishops said: "The economic situation is not favourable to the general citizenry" but they appeal to citizens "to exercise restraint and avoid reacting in the heat of the moment to give room for dialogue with all stakeholders."

They urge Zimbabweans to shun violence and avoid engaging in mass gatherings which are "called by faceless social media characters, who have no responsibility to the collateral damage that might ensue."

Details of the violence leaked out despite internet and social media accounts being blocked. Zimbabwe's largest telecommunications company Econet told customers it had shut off internet access at the government's request.

The ruling MDC said opposition Zanu PF supporters had thrown petrol bombs at its Harare headquarters. In Bulawayo the Mthwakazi Republic Party said its secretary was in a critical condition after being shot in the head in front of his children after accusing security officials of heavy-handedness in the protests.

President Mnangagwa, who is continuing another tour overseas trying to raise money, said: "What we have witnessed is violence and vandalism instead of peaceful protests."

The British government has condemned this week's brutal repression of anti-government protesters and called for restraint by security forces. Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin said the use of live ammunition was "deeply concerning and disproportionate." She told the Zimbabwean Ambassador Britain would continue to put pressure on Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and human rights.

She said the Zimbabwean government must learn lessons from the post-election violence last year and implement the recommendations of the subsequent commission of inquiry.

Zimbabwean exiles plan to demonstrate outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London this Saturday, 19 January from 12noon to 6pm in solidarity with victims of violence and to draw attention to the worsening situation in Zimbabwe.

The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, takes place every Saturday from 2 to 5pm, to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. Organisers say the Vigil which started in October 2002, will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.

For more information see: www.zimvigil.co.uk.