ZPP irked by escalating political violence

Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has expressed concerns over  "deafening" silence of the leadership of political parties, particularly the ruling party, on the spate of violence which erupted in various parts of the country in the past few weeks.

In a statement ZPP said as an advocate of sustainable peace, ZPP urges leadership of all political parties to foster peaceful strategies of resolving conflict and publicly, without any equivocation, speak against violence where and when it occurs.
 
"While ZPP condemns in the strongest terms those parties and party members who provoke those with alternative political persuasions; the organisation equally frowns upon those who engage in violence even if it is in defence. ZPP notes that the perpetration of violence whether in offence or defense is equally detrimental to peace and party leaders should impress the same upon their membership," reads the statement.

"ZPP strongly calls for the sanctioning of perpetrators of political violence, intimidation and other forms of harassment at party level and by relevant law enforcement agents without fear or favour."

The organisation said continued silence and lack of punitive or redemptive actions on perpetrators only serves to encourage repeated or 'copycat' incidences.

"A strict, bold and consistent zero tolerance stance on any forms of violence should be and must be seen to be upheld by all in private and public spaces," reads the statement.

"Violent-free politics is possible and must begin at individual level; be fostered and buttressed at party level; and be enforced by law enforcement agents. Silence over perpetration of violence should stop forthwith," reads the statement.