wfn.org | [AACC] Dandala Statement of Zimbabwe Situation

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

REV. DR. MVUME DANDALA ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE

RE:	   Clean-up Campaign in Zimbabwe

The General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), Rev. 
Dr. Mvume Dandala has expressed concerns over the current events taking 
place in Zimbabwe.  He said that information from member Churches, 
International Media and the Civil Society groups indicates that more than 
20,000 families in Hatcliff and other areas in Zimbabwe have been made 
homeless.  Furthermore, police report indicates that over 30 thousand road 
side vendors have so far been arrested.  Their business premises have been 
destroyed under the clean-up operation ordered by the Government of Zimbabwe.

The cost of these actions runs into millions of Zimbabwe 
dollars.  Furthermore, a number of families are now exposed to untold harsh 
winter conditions, they also lack water, shelter and food.  Besides, many 
of these people particularly women and children are now threatened with 
possibilities of an out-break of diseases.

Dr. Dandala therefore, urges the Churches in Zimbabwe, the Civil Society 
Groups, the Citizens and the Government to once again accept to reason 
together and solve these problems through dialogue and peacefully.  At 
times like this, he said, where the air is filled with cries and 
desperation from citizens of Zimbabwe, it is imperative that both the 
Opposition, the Government and the Citizens give Peace and Dialogue a chance.

The AACC, he said, wish to categorically affirm her commitment to the 
support of peace and dialogue as the best option in dealing with the 
problems of Zimbabwe.  Dr. Dandala went on to add, that the AACC and her 
entire membership across the continent of Africa stands in solidarity with 
the Church in Zimbabwe and the citizens of Zimbabwe as children of God who 
have a right for a better life in their motherland.  We trust that the 
Government of Zimbabwe will ensure that her citizens are protected fully 
and the rule of law is upheld fully in every action taken.

Dr. Dandala appealed therefore, to the African Governments, the 
International Donor Community, Specialized aid agencies i.e. ACT 
International, World Food Programme, International Red Cross and others to 
urgently respond to the basic needs of the hundreds of people now displaced 
in various towns of Zimbabwe under the clean-up campaign.  These people 
desperately need supplies of food, water, shelter, medicines and security 
for their lives.  The world he said, has the moral obligations to come to 
the assistance of the Zimbabwean people, particularly at this hour of need.