EU and US warn Zimbabwe about violence after contested election
Harare — On Tuesday, the EU and US condemned violent attacks targeting the Zimbabwe opposition since elections last week, as 27 supporters of the MDC party were released on bail.President Emmerson Mnangagwa, declared winner of the country’s first ballot since the downfall of Robert Mugabe, again vowed to protect rights, but the government has been accused of overseeing a brutal post-vote crackdown.Last week’s poll, which was marred by soldiers opening fire at a protest killing six people, was meant to relaunch Zimbabwe on the international stage and attract foreign aid and investment after the repression of the Mugabe era.Mnangagwa won the presidential vote by a narrow margin, and the opposition MDC has accused him of rigging the result. "The eruption of violence… stands in sharp contrast to the high hopes and expectations for a peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible election," said a joint statement from the EU, US, Canada and Switzerland. It called for the government "to en...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.