Saturday represented the launch of a Pan-African Campaign of Solidarity with Zimbabwe, and will be followed by events continent-wide.

The Pan-African Campaign of Solidarity with Zimbabwe was launched at a press conference, hosted by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) at their offices in Houghton/Parktown with speakers from all co-ordinating organisations, as well as a representative from South African civil society.

The first mobilisation event of the Campaign, organised by South African civil society was a symbolic ballot taken outside the Human Rights Watch offices, where concerned citizens from a diversity of organisations and backgrounds wrote a note of solidarity with the Zimbabwean people, and placed it in a ballot box, highlighting the illegitimacy of the recent May 27 presidential run-off.

“By flagrantly and consistently violating the values upon which present day Africa is premised, Mr Mugabe has done great disservice to the people of Zimbabwe and the continent. We believe it is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to Mr Mugabe's anti-democratic activities,” said Kumi Naidoo, honorary president of CIVICUS.

“The widespread killings, torture and assault of perceived opposition supporters must come to an end in Zimbabwe. Concrete action is long overdue and African leaders must end their silent acquiescence,” said Irene Khan, secretary general of Amnesty International.

“We urge African leaders to call for space to be opened up so that civil society can play a role in tackling Zimbabwe's current crisis - we are needed now more than ever as millions of people face hunger through growing food insecurity brought on by mis-governance,” said Adelaide Sosseh, GCAP co-chair based in The Gambia.

[15 Jul 2008 11:01]

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