AU asked to condemn violence

2004-03-29 16:44

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance on Monday appealed to the African Union (AU) to condemn incidents of political violence and intolerance that took place at the weekend in Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Uganda.

Failure to act would constitute a grave omission, and pose serious questions about the AU's ability to protect democracy, DA national chair Joe Seremane said in a statement.

The AU and leading states within in it, including South Africa, should assert that these incidents were a violation of the union's core values, which included the "promotion and protection of democratic principles and institutions, public participation and good governance".

Nigeria

In Nigeria, violence triggered by a two-day delay of the local government elections resulted in the deaths of at least 46 people.

"Large scale violence, including political factions running amok, burning of homes, seizing of ballot boxes and assault of candidates, has resulted in many citizens not voting," Seremane said.

Uganda

In Uganda, security officers had been accused of the increasing use of torture against suspected opponents of President Yoweri Museveni, indicating a growing intolerance of political opposition.

Methods reported by Human Rights Watch included threats using poisonous snakes, and jabbing victims with hypodermic needles.

Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, political violence associated with a highly contested by-election in the Zengeza constituency resulted in the death of one opposition MDC member, while 11 others were injured.

This raised concerns about the prospects of a free and fair poll in Zimbabwe during its coming parliamentary elections.

Also of concern was the Zimbabwe ministry of higher education's plan to introduce a compulsory course, "National and Strategic Studies", at all institutions of higher learning.

"Certain students may not be allowed to graduate this year if they do not complete the course, which is essentially Zanu-PF propaganda."

Zimbabwe also announced plans this weekend to acquire all privately-owned game parks and conservancies, drawing sharp criticism from the World Wildlife Forum (WWF).

This would pose a threat to conservation, the Zimbabwean economy, and the rule of law.

"Political intolerance of this magnitude cannot be allowed, the AU must act now," Seremane said.

- SAPA