London-based rights group Amnesty International has appealed to African leaders to boost pressure on Zimbabwe to cease alleged state human rights violations.
In a statement coinciding with the 27th anniversary of Zimbabwean independence, the London-based group accused African leaders of letting “a culture of impunity” thrive in Harare amid the continued arrest, detention and beatings of opposition members.
Amnesty noted signs that official African solidarity is breaking down, for instance in the recent statement by Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa comparing the neighboring country as a "sinking Titanic," and last month's gathering of leaders from the Southern African Development Community at which, said reports, Mr. Mugabe was privately dressed down, much remained to be done to increase accountability.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe campaigner Amy Agnew told reporter Ndimyake Mwakalyele of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that African leaders must demand an end to Harare’s crackdown on members of the political and civic opposition.
More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...