Ecumenical leaders welcome Zimbabwe power sharing talks

A coalition of church organisations that includes the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) has welcomed an agreement that paves the way for power sharing in Zimbabwe but also raised concerns about continuing violence and human rights violations.

Leaders of the World Council of Churches, the World Student Christian Federation, World YWCA, WARC and the World Alliance of YMCAs congratulated both the ZANU PF party and the Movement for Democratic Change on signing the Memorandum earlier this week.

"We greet the beginning of this critical round of negotiations with fervent hope for a new beginning for all Zimbabweans, restoration of peace, prosperity, dignity and the rule of law," the letter dated 24 July states.

However the letter also reminds the parties of the concern of churches, civil society and the people of Zimbabwe for a lasting and viable solution to the crisis. "We pray for all the negotiators so that they are guided by the best interests and deeper aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe."

The church leaders state that violence and human rights abuses continue, that millions face starvation and thousands have lost homes and property.

"We are appalled by reports of continuing violence in many parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas. All forms of violence, harassment, intimidation and torture must cease immediately in order to provide an environment truly conducive for peaceful negotiations."

The church groups also called for a lifting of the ban that has prevented humanitarian aid agencies and non-governmental organisations from working in the country.

"We further urge the parties to remain committed to a genuine restoration of the rule of law that rejects impunity but allows true reconciliation and healing."

The coalition letter states that it is "most regrettable" that none of the negotiating parties include civil society or women and called for a place at the table for Zimbabwe civil society representatives so that the aspirations of grassroots communities will not go unheard.

And the church groups urged the signatories to restore faith in the Zimbabwe electoral system: "We would like to reaffirm the need to protect the integrity of elections as the most legitimate and democratic way to express the sovereign will of the people, not only in Zimbabwe but throughout Africa."