Statement
Saddened, by the unfolding tragedy in Zimbabwe, that may impact upon Southern African political and economic transformation, We, Micah Challenge, a global initiative to: deepen Christian engagement with impoverished and marginalised communities; and to influence leaders of rich and poor nations to fulfil their public promise to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and so halve absolute global poverty by 2015, do hereby call upon:
President Robert Mugabe
We acknowledge your sacrifice to fight against colonial rule and for having provided leadership in liberating Zimbabwe. However, we are grieved by the brutal injustices being perpetrated by your regime on your own people.
As leader of your great nation, you have a responsibility to ensure that all people, irrespective of their political, religious, race or ethnic affiliation, have the right to protection from every form of abuse, ill-treatment, torture, sexual abuse and discrimination. We call upon you to make sure that these rights are respected so that all Zimbabweans can participate in using their God given gifts to their full potential, for their benefit and for the good of the nation.
Southern African Leaders (SADC)
We are shocked, by your apparent silence about the situation on your door steps. During the liberation struggle, the then leaders of independent Southern African countries, saw it as an obligation to seek justice, human rights and freedom for the African people of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Angola. Don't change the response today! Your approach must be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow-seeking justice and human rights for others, including the Zimbabweans who are being oppressed and tortured.
Rev Ndaba Mazabane
President of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and
International Chairperson of the World Evangelical Alliance
Rev Joel Edwards
International Co-Chairperson of Micah Challenge
