The International community has expressed concern over the government’s continued use of security forces to suppress the opposition especially the recent takeover of Harvest House. The US Embassy, European Union and the Netherlands Embassy has condemned the use of security forces to forcibly facilitate the take over of MDC Alliance Headquarters by minority party MDC-T.
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“We are dismayed by the politicized use of security forces to take over the headquarters of an opposition party and arrest its members. A healthy democracy requires healthy opposition parties,” the United States Embassy posted. Their post was followed by another post by the Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi Barbara van Hellemond. She Tweeted., “Unconstitutional use of security forces is worrying.”
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European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Timo Olkkonen tweeted, “Security forces involved in private property dispute. Opposition harassed. Political party threatens journalist. Questions on investigative bias & impunity of human rights violations. Not a good week for Zimbabwe.”
The European Union mission to Zimbabwe posted, “This week’s events in Zimbabwe show a lack of respect for rule of law, due process and constitutional rights: partisan deployment of security forces, arrests, disrespect of property rights, partial investigations, corruption & threats against journalist.
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United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy said, “The United States condemns the Zimbabwean government’s politicized use of security forces to take over an opposition party’s headquarters and arrest its members. This is the latest example of the government of Zimbabwe’s departure from democratic norms and is inconsistent with previous commitments to implement fundamental political and economic reforms.”
The developments have left a dent on Zimbabwe’s outside image and further causes re-engagement with the Western world difficult. The move will also not help Zimbabwe’s efforts to get Covid-19 relief from western controlled money lending institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank.
The development comes after Zimbabwe soldiers and police officers stormed the Harvest House also known as Morgan Tsvangirai house last night. The invasion facilitated the occupation of the iconic building by the MDC-T.