U.S. Envoy breaks silence on political violence in Zimbabwe

U.S. Ambassador James D. McGee joined 6 other top diplomats from the E.U. and SADC on a tour of victims of political violence at Avenues Clinic in Harare. The victims included the young (4 years old) and the old (over 80 years).

I feel compelled, as a supporter of human rights, to speak out about the atrocities being committed across Zimbabwe. Whatever one believes about the questionable poll results finally announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the controversy over a run-off, the real story in Zimbabwe now is the violence being directed against average citizens for exercising their right to vote.

On March 29, a majority of Zimbabweans voted for change. There is no doubting that. Even the ZEC’s figures admit it.  Equally undeniable is that some within ZANU-PF have started a systematic campaign of violence designed to block this vote for change. The U.S. Government has concrete evidence of destruction of homes, beatings, intimidation, and even murder. We have shared this evidence with the UN and regional leaders.

So far the U.S. Government has received confirmed reports of over 700 incidents of violence resulting in over 200 people taken to hospital. At least 20 have been killed. For example, an MDC ward chairman was taken from his home in Epworth on April 26 by a group of soldiers  who beat him with clubs and guns before leaving him at a police station where he was detained all day and made to pay a fine. (more)

Time for Zimbabwe’s Neighbors to Exercise Leverage, U.S. Says

Jendayi Frazer tells reporters the international community cannot let the situation in Zimbabwe “escalate further.” (© AP Images)

Washington- The Bush administration has called on Zimbabwe’s neighbors to use “maximum leverage” to help the country’s citizens avoid a dramatic crisis, citing indications that forces loyal to President Robert Mugabe are preparing to use severe force against the government’s political opposition.

"There have been some raids. Clearly, there was a use of force there. And, sadly, it is consistent with the behavior of this regime over the past years,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters April 25.

“It is really incumbent upon the neighbors of Zimbabwe and anybody who has an interest in this issue to bring about the maximum leverage that they can to help avoid what could be a terrible situation for Zimbabwe,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwean riot police raided the headquarters of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, and witnesses claimed they arrested at least 100 MDC supporters and seized computers and documents.

The riot police also raided the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), the largest independent observer group in the country’s March 29 elections, which said MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had gained the most votes in the presidential ballot against Mugabe. (MORE)

Zimbabwe Independence Day- Message from U.S. Ambassador

James D. McGee

I would like to join all Zimbabweans in commemorating the 28th anniversary of independence.  Independence days provide a chance to reflect on proud achievements, a united sense of purpose and the future.  Sadly, as Zimbabwe celebrates its 28th birthday, many Zimbabweans are unable to celebrate.  What should be a proud and joyful day for Zimbabweans is overshadowed by uncertainty and fear.

Nearly three weeks after elections, the results are still not known, the economic tailspin continues and for many, hope is fading.  Even more disturbing are the many reports of violent retribution being carried out in rural communities.  Since April 8, there is growing evidence that rural communities are being punished for their support for opposition candidates.  We have disturbing and confirmed reports of threats, beatings, abductions, burning of homes and even murder, from many parts of the country.  I call on the government to protect the human rights of all Zimbabweans, on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release the results of the March 29 elections immediately, and for all parties to respect the outcome (More)

U.S. civil rights campaigner offers hope to Zim human rights campaigners

Reverend Dr. Elbert Ransom Jnr, American civil rights activist and associate to slain civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr, left a message of hope to Zimbabwean human rights activists working to restore democracy in Zimbabwe.

Rev. Ransom (in picture) shared his experience in the U.S. civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s with civil society and the clergy engaged in social justice, human rights, democracy and advocacy work. Rev. Ransom spoke about the Civil Rights Movement as well current work in racial and cultural dialogue.

Rev. Ransom kicked off his visit to Zimbabwe with a keynote address at the second anniversary of Christian Alliance (CA), a network of Christians working for justice and peace in Zimbabwe. The anniversary observed through a prayer breakfast was attended by the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James McGee and representatives from other diplomatic missions. The prayer breakfast afforded Rev. Ransom a preview of the role and the courage of the Christian community in speaking out against injustice in Zimbabwe...(More)