Churches in Zimbabwe are opening their doors to people facing persecution in the aftermath of the country’s elections.
Tearfund partner, Churches in Bulawayo (CIB), says its members will be `immediately opening their doors so as to shelter the victims of harassment’.
The development comes as Zanu PF militias target those suspected of voting for the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change.
CIB is also calling on the Zimbabwe government to release the presidential poll results immediately, and for increased international efforts to resolve the crisis before the situation degenerates into a ‘bloodbath’.
Property destroyed
Since the elections, property has been destroyed and seized. Communities have been threatened with further violence if they fail to vote for Robert Mugabe should a run off ballot take place.
While the South African Development Committee (SADC) leaders have called for the release of the presidential results, they consistently avoid open criticism of Robert Mugabe.
And despite South African President Mbeki's claims that there is ‘no crisis’ in Zimbabwe, Tearfund partner organisations are reporting something quite different.
Pastor Promise Manceda, of Zimbabwe’s Christian Alliance, said, `Talk of a run off is frightening as people are still waiting for the result of the presidential elections.
Military presence
`Worse still in the outskirts of Bulawayo, militia are reported to be undergoing intense training. Such a heavy presence and involvement of the military is having a traumatic affect on the population.’
Tearfund’s partners have reported violence in rural areas, particularly in those areas scheduled for a recount.
Karyn Beattie, Tearfund’s Disaster Response Manager for Zimbabwe, said, `Fear and confusion are spreading across the country in this vacuum of uncertainty and threat.
‘We are very concerned for the safety of people, those just simply trying to exist – although there is nothing simple about existing in a country in collapse.’
Speaking out
There is increasing concern for church leaders and staff of civil society groups, who have courageously spoken out, demanding a democratic and peaceful transition.
Tearfund is calling on SADC, the African Union and UN to intervene and ensure that the results of the elections are not falsified and that the democratic right of the people of Zimbabwe to choose their leaders is respected.
Tearfund is sustaining a feeding programme through local churches to support some 35,000 people - orphans and vulnerable families – although the current situation is hindering logistic movements.
Food, water and nearly all basic necessities have become all but unavailable to the vast majority.