Rev Matale challenges AU, SADC to explain Zim intervention

Rev Matale challenges AU, SADC to explain Zim intervention
Written by Margaret Mtonga
Saturday, December 20, 2008 9:57:12 PM

THE Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) secretary general Reverend Suzanne Matale has challenged the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) explain how they intend to intervene in the current situation in Zimbabwe.

In a statement, Matale stated that it was sad that there were rampant abductions in Zimbabwe, with the recent one being that of a Human Rights activist, Jestina Mukoko, who was abducted on the December 3, 2008 by a group of armed plain clothed men who identified themselves as policemen.

“CCZ is deeply concerned at violation of human rights and systematic persecution of human rights defenders by Zimbabwe police and armed forces,” Matale stated. “The people of Zimbabwe have suffered enough at the hands of politicians who have no concern, whatsoever with preservation and enhancing of human life under any circumstances,”

Matale stated that the excuse used that Zimbabwe was a sovereign country did not mean anything in view of the magnitude of the brutality.

“Perpetuation of killings in Zimbabwe goes beyond sovereignty, the concern and priority should be protection of human life under any circumstances,” she stated.

Matale stated that it was important for the African Union and SADC to find ways of addressing the current political situation in Zimbabwe.

“Enough is enough, the current political situation in Zimbabwe affects Zambia in a lot of issue,” she stated.

Matale called on all Zambians to stand up and intensify prayers for total liberation of Zimbabwens.