Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world today in commemorating the International Day of Peace, amid increased political violence in the country.
Also known as World Peace Day, it is dedicated to peace, specifically the absence of war.
However, violence in Zimbabwe has escalated in the recent past, blackening the important day.
Barely two weeks ago, violence rocked the official opening of the Fourth Session of the Seventh Parliament of Zimbabwe.
On Monday this week, suspected members of the infamous Mbare-based Chipangano group took their violent culture a gear up – causing mayhem right at the doorstep of Harare Central Police Station as they assaulted commuter omnibus operators at the Charge Office Bus Terminus in a bid to seize control of the terminus.
Communications officer at Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZHLR) Kumbirai Mafunda said it was unfortunate that Zimbabwe was not enjoying peace.
“Zimbabwe continues to be an island in a sea of democracy on the African continent. ZHLR has recorded and witnessed continued harassment and attacks on human rights defenders and others at large¸” said Mafunda. Crisis in Zimbabwe spokesperson Phillip Pasirayi said the absence of war in Zimbabwe did not mean there was peace in the country.
“We have been advocating for political tolerance and co-existence between political parties, but the State security apparatus has been implicated in the violence and has failed to protect the people,” Pasirayi said.
