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S.African Facilitators Hail Zimbabwe's Efforts to Curb Violence


The three principals in the inclusive government met last Friday and denounced political violence in the wake of clashes that left several MDC activists in Chitungwiza injured.

Facilitators for South African President Jacob Zuma have hailed efforts by Zimbabwe's ruling partners to end violence, urging them to continue working on broad reforms that allow for free political activity.

President Robert Mugabe joined hands with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube, leader of the smaller MDC faction last week and appealed for peace after ZANU-PF militants attacked Tsvangirai's supporters in Chitungwiza.

The violence occurred while Zuma’s facilitators were in the country to push for finalization of the election roadmap and the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement that underpins the inclusive government.

The three principals also urged police to act professionally and not take sides in their discharge of official duty.

Zuma facilitator Lindiwe Zulu told VOA Studio 7 reporter Ntungamili Nkomo they are impressed by government efforts to stem violence.

"This shows that the principals are taking seriously their mandate to end political violence in the country," Zulu said.

But political analyst Nkululeko Sibanda, lecturer of Global and African Politics at the University of Huddersfield in Britain said he doubts ZANU-PF supporters will heed the calls for peace as they have ignored similar advice before.

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