In a statement released on Tuesday, the United States condemned the continued excessive use of force by Zimbabwe’s Government.
US Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino also called on the need to embrace dialogue. Palladino also said for dialogue to succeed, the Government of Zimbabwe should end its excessive violence and intimidation, immediately release people arrested during Shutdown protests. We publish the full statement below:
The United States remains seriously concerned about the excessive use of force by Government of Zimbabwe security forces since January 14, which has resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those killed or injured. The Government of Zimbabwe’s use of violence against civil society and imposition of undue internet restrictions betray promises to create a new Zimbabwe.
The United States calls on all sides to come together immediately in national dialogue. The dialogue process must be credible, inclusive, and mediated by a neutral third party. In order for such a dialogue to succeed, the Government of Zimbabwe should end its excessive violence and intimidation, immediately release the civil society activists who have been arbitrarily detained, and hold security force members responsible for human rights violations and abuses accountable. We also reiterate our call for the Government of Zimbabwe to enact promised political and economic reforms.