Opposition parties in the country yesterday condemned government’s failure to observe the United Nations peace declaration , saying that the day is not meant for countries like Zimbabwe where human rights violations are still rampant.
Their sentiments came at time when Zimbabwe has reached a tipping point, characterised by a brutal police force which always assaults civilians.
Movement for Democratic Change, (MDC-T) spokesperson, Obert Gutu said Zimbabwe is not at peace at all. He blamed the ruling party for fueling violence in the country.
“Zimbabwe is now under siege from the brutal and collapsing Zanu PF regime. The people of Zimbabwe are now prisoners in their own country, held captive by a cruel, insensitive and rogue regime that is obsessed with the politics of power retention.
“Unfortunately, the Zanu PF regime has since degenerated and mutated into an evil Frankenstein monster that wants to feed on the suffering and the blood of its own people. Instead of addressing the people’s concerns such as the adoption of electoral reforms, creation of jobs, arresting and prosecuting high level corrupt politicians. Zanu PF has effectively declared war against the suffering and toiling masses of Zimbabwe,” he said.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Jacob Mafume also weighed in saying that the country is not supposed to join the rest of the world in commemorating the day as violence has become the order of the day.
“There is an appearance of peace on the surface but the country is at war with itself in terms of economy and the presence of dysfunctional government that does not condone conflict,” he said.
He added, “They institutionalised violence carried out by the state on defenceless people. They have monopolised the use of violence which they use to suppress the people and that cannot be peace.”
Zimbabwe lawyers for human rights also castigated the use of violence against. The lawyers argued that the duty of Zimbabwe Republic Police is to maintain law and order.
The International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people.
The theme for this year’s UN International Day of Peace is: The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.
