The General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has expressed concerns over the current events taking place in Zimbabwe.

In a statement released yesterday by the AACC, Rev. Dr. Mvume Dandala said that information from member Churches, International Media and the Civil Society groups indicate that more than 20,000 families in Hatcliff and other areas in Zimbabwe have been made homeless. Furthermore, police reports indicate that over 30,000 roadside vendors have been arrested so far - their business premises destroyed under the "clean-up" operation ordered by the Government of Zimbabwe.

"A number of families are now exposed to untold harsh winter conditions," Dandala said, according to the statement. "They also lack water, shelter and food. Many of these people, particularly women and children, are now threatened with possibilities of an outbreak of diseases."

Dandala urged the Churches in Zimbabwe, the Civil Society Groups, the Citizens and the Government to reason with one another and solve the problems peacefully through dialogue.

"At times like this, where the air is filled with cries and desperation from citizens of Zimbabwe, it is imperative that the Opposition, the Government and the Citizens give Peace and Dialogue a chance," he said.

According to Dandala, the AACC wishes to "categorically affirm her commitment to the support of peace and dialogue as the best option in dealing with the problems of Zimbabwe."

The AACC head went on to add that "the AACC and her entire membership across the continent of Africa stands in solidarity with the Church in Zimbabwe and the citizens of Zimbabwe as children of God who have a right for a better life in their motherland."

"We trust that the Government of Zimbabwe will ensure that her citizens are protected fully and the rule of law is upheld fully in every action taken," Dandala said.

In his concluding remarks, the General Secretary made an appeal to the African Governments, the International Donor Community, Specialized aid agencies including ACT International, World Food Program, International Red Cross and others to urgently respond to the basic needs of the hundreds of people now displaced in various towns of Zimbabwe under the "clean-up" campaign.

"These people desperately need supplies of food, water, shelter, medicines and security for their lives," he said. "The world has the moral obligations to come to the assistance of the Zimbabwean people, particularly at this hour of need."






Anthony La Fleur
Christian Today Correspondent