Zimbabwe Campaign for Good Governance (ZCGG), a human rights lobby group, has urged traditional leaders to engage the National Peace, Healing and Reconciliation Commission to find a solution to the Gukurahundi atrocities.
ZCGG said the Gukurahundi issue can only be solved in accordance with cultural beliefs of the people affected and traditional leaders have a role to play.
In a statement ZCGG welcomed the move, by President Mnangagwa ,to commission Gukurahundi public hearings.
“The decision by President Mnangagwa to commission Gukurahundi public hearings among other issues is most welcome and commended.
“We look forward to their commencement, smooth and peaceful execution.
“The 1987 ZAPU / ZANU UNITY agreement stopped the brutal conflict but did not address other important issues like justice, healing, and reconciliation.
“Gukurahundi has generated hate, anger, discord and ethnic division. We have heard and seen people booing, heckling, shouting and denouncing each other over this emotive issue,”reads the statement.
Meanwhile, ZCGG has urged Zimbabweans to put their hands together with the commission.
“The commission is now in place. People must give it a chance and support to carry out its mandate. This is the opportunity for people to have their views and opinions heard and considered.
“For the exercise to go well, people should understand the terms of reference of the commission, mobilize and attend the public hearings in big numbers. be orderly and peaceful.
“The commission will hear their contributions, put them in one basket, synthesize and come up with recommendations,” reads part of the the statement.
“Traditional leaders and their communities should play a central role during the hearings. It is them who were affected and must prescribe the solution to the Gukurahundi issue in terms of their cultural beliefs, practices, norms, and values,” said ZCGG.
The Gukurahundi massacres is one of the darkest times in the country’s history since its independence ,between 20,000 and 80,000 civilians were killed by the Fifth Brigade.
