AU, world powers slam assassination bid
THE African Union (AU) and Sadc yesterday condemned Saturday’s assassination attempt on President Mnangagwa soon after addressing a ZANU-PF rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
Chairman of the African Union Commission Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a statement, said he “strongly condemns the cowardly bomb attack that took place yesterday (Saturday) at a campaign rally in the city of Bulawayo attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa”.
He said he “wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured during this senseless act of violence, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.
“The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the importance of the elections scheduled for 30 July 2018. Their successful conduct will mark a major step in the efforts to enhance democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
“It should be recalled that, in response to the request made by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) during the chairperson’s visit to Harare in February 2018, the African Union Commission has extended technical assistance to the ZEC. A team of observers will also be deployed to observe the elections.”
Sadc chairman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said violence and criminality had no place in democratic processes in the region.
At least 49 people were injured in the explosion at White City Stadium just as President Mnangagwa was leaving the podium at the end of a rally that was attended by thousands of people.
Through his spokesman Mr Khusela Diko yesterday, President Ramaphosa said he would consult Angola’s President and Sadc’s chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Joao Lourenco, to ensure the forthcoming elections were held in a peacful environment.
“President Ramaphosa said acts of violence and criminality have no place in the democratic process of any sovereign state within the SADC region.
“President Ramaphosa said it is vital that the political and security situation in