MBABANE: PUDEMO has condemned the ongoing violent attacks on Zimbabwe’s opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change(CCC) formerly known as the MDC Alliance.
PUDEMO stands for People’s United Democratic Movement, a political organization fighting for democratic reforms in the Kingdom of eSwatini.
In a public statement sent to this Swaziland News on Sunday, Wandile Dludlu, the PUDEMO Secretary General said they gathered that the Zimbabwe Republic Police and a pro-ruling party militia violently attacked and disturbed the CCC) election rallies held on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“On Saturday in a rally held in Gokwe, members of CCC were tear gassed and subjected to water canon spray and beatings by the Zimbabwe Republic Police who were determined to thwart the rally even though it had been given a go ahead by the High Court of Zimbabwe.Today(Sunday) in a rally that was held in Kwekwe, a violent pro-ruling party militia that was armed with machetes, spears and knobkerries attacked CCC supporters who were in attendance resulting into at least one loss of life and dozens of injuries.As an organisation that is committed to the maintenance of peace in our region, Africa and the world at large, we are concerned about such stubborn acts of violence. Violence against opposing stakeholders in our region by ruling governments is sadly becoming an acceptable norm”, reads the statement in part.
The PUDEMO Secretary General described the attack as a threat to the development of the region as genuine development has proven to be anchored on peace, respect for human rights and good governance.
“We therefore project our condemnation of States violent response to genu- ine calls for democracy and good governance.
We say No to violence and Yes to peace in our region”, reads the statement released by the PUDEMO Secretary General.
PUDEMO condemns violence against CCC members(pic: CCC)