There is anxiety all over Zimbabwe as citizens await announcement of results of the presidential election.
On Wednesday soldiers clashed with protesters from the opposition shooting and killing at least five people.
The opposition supporters from the MDC were disputing Monday’s election results.
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament but no presidential results have been announced so far.
There have been condemnation to the eruption of violence on Wednesday with the African Union expressing concern.
The head of the African Union Election Mission to the election in Zimbabwe, Hailemariam Dessalegn Boshe, has issued a statement.
The statement called on “all stakeholders, particularly political leaders and their supporters, to exercise restraint and avoid violent confrontation”.
Street cleaners busy this morning outside @mdczimbabwe headquarters. Wondering if Zimbabawe’s politics class, and election officials, will show same sense of duty. #ZimbabweElection2018 pic.twitter.com/3h0q805MO4
— andrew harding (@AndrewWJHarding) August 2, 2018
Reaction to killings
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) boss Godwin Matanga has told local media that he did not order the troops to shoot into protesters.
“I’m not yet aware who is responsible for the killings; now you are telling me that the army has killed people. It’s too early for me to say that. “I’m still investigating, will respond when the time comes,” he said.
The government places full responsibility of the Wednesday post election riots on the MDC Alliance says Minister of Home Affairs Obert Mpofu. #ZimElection2018 pic.twitter.com/pn68vEn2ZT
— Privilege Musvanhiri (@Musvanhiri) August 1, 2018
The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday tweeted condemning the violence.
He expressed sadness about the deaths recorded so far. “I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s violence.
All human life is sacred, and their deaths are a tragedy, irrespective of the circumstances. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in yesterday’s events”.
Mnangagwa says he is in talks with the opposition to ensure peace and calm.
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s violence. All human life is sacred, and their deaths are a tragedy, irrespective of the circumstances. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in yesterday’s events
1/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
I am therefore calling for an independent investigation into what occurred in Harare yesterday. We believe in transparency and accountability, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
3/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
We have been in communication with Nelson Chamisa to discuss how to immediately diffuse the situation, and we must maintain this dialogue in order to protect the peace we hold dear.
5/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
Rights group, Amnesty International in a statement called for a probe into the army’s conduct.
“Investigate the army’s conduct in post-election killings.
“By using live ammunition against unarmed protesters, the army has broken the very same rule of law that they should protect,” the group said.
#ZimElections2018 – Calm in Zimbabwe after election violence yesterday. We get an update from Thulasizwe Simelane in Harare.
Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/vibmjMBfhi
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 2, 2018
Troops to remain on ground
The Zimbabwe government says the soldiers and police will remain on the streets to prevent further unrest.
Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu told a press conference “We will not tolerate any of the actions that were witnessed today.”
“The opposition… have perhaps interpreted our understanding to be weak, and I think they are testing our resolve and I think they are making a big mistake,” Mpofu added.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) says it will announce some presidential election results later today. Final results are however expected within five days.
The elections have been held for the first time without the involvement of the former President, Robert Mugabe who exited power after a military takeover.
Source: Africafeeds.com
