U.S. Calls For Broad-based & Inclusive National Dialogue In Zimbabwe
The United States of America has called fora broad-based and inclusive national dialogue in Zimbabwe following the abduction, assault, and torture of civil society and opposition leaders by unidentified gunmen in Zimbabwe.
Tatenda Mombeyarara, a human rights activist, was abducted from Chitungwiza and assaulted on the night of 13/8/2019, before being dumped in Hatfield, while Blessing Kanotunga, an MDC official was abducted and assaulted in Mufakose.
The statement issued by the United State embassy in Harare on 15 August 2019 reads:
The United States expresses its deep concern over the abduction, assault, and torture of civil society and opposition leaders in advance of the planned march on August 16.
The Government of Zimbabwe bears the responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens under its constitution.
We welcome the Zimbabwean government’s commitment to investigate these crimes and to bring those responsible to justice.
We encourage those Zimbabweans who wish to seek redress before their government to do so peacefully.
The ongoing polarization in Zimbabwean society, as identified by the Motlanthe Commission and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, underscores the urgent need for a broad-based and inclusive national dialogue.
Such a dialogue, coupled with political and economic reforms, holds the promise of a more prosperous and successful Zimbabwe.
