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Call for CSOs, churches and residents to pray for peace amid political tensions
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CHIPINGE - The Residents, Churches Peace Network (RCPNT) has issued an urgent call for nationwide prayers for peace and rainfall, amid growing concerns over potential political violence and a looming drought.
Speaking in an interview, RCPNT Chairman Max Mkandla emphasized the need for civic society, churches, and communities to unite in prayer, especially as tensions rise within the ruling ZANU-PF party and uncertainty looms over the upcoming agricultural season.
"Looking at the situation on the ground, there is a demand for peace before any skirmishes break out. Whether we face another drought or receive heavy rains, the bottom line is that no one can go to the fields if there is no peace in the country," Mkandla said.
He cited recent incidents such as the bombing of Job Sikhala's house and a surge in road accidents as signs of instability that require spiritual intervention.
"Lives are being lost unnecessarily. All this calls for nothing short of peace prayers," he added.
Mkandla noted that while no opposition party currently poses a serious threat to ZANU-PF, dissatisfaction with government service delivery could lead citizens to field independent candidates in their constituencies.
"We hear of ZAPU and the Mthwakazi Republic Party, but these do not have the capacity to unseat ZANU-PF," he said.
He warned that the real danger lies in internal divisions within the ruling party itself.
"There are reports of factions - some backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, others supporting the 2030 lobby aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. These people are in the same house, and we expect them to resolve their differences without dragging citizens into their squabbles."
Mkandla urged party members to avoid creating enemies among themselves and called on civil society, churches, and residents to initiate peace prayers.
He also raised concerns about individuals who were vetted three years ago and are still waiting for their compensation.
"Some have died without receiving their money. The minister must clarify this issue. It's creating negative attitudes not just among the beneficiaries, but also their families, who may lose trust in the government," he said.
Speaking in an interview, RCPNT Chairman Max Mkandla emphasized the need for civic society, churches, and communities to unite in prayer, especially as tensions rise within the ruling ZANU-PF party and uncertainty looms over the upcoming agricultural season.
"Looking at the situation on the ground, there is a demand for peace before any skirmishes break out. Whether we face another drought or receive heavy rains, the bottom line is that no one can go to the fields if there is no peace in the country," Mkandla said.
He cited recent incidents such as the bombing of Job Sikhala's house and a surge in road accidents as signs of instability that require spiritual intervention.
"Lives are being lost unnecessarily. All this calls for nothing short of peace prayers," he added.
Mkandla noted that while no opposition party currently poses a serious threat to ZANU-PF, dissatisfaction with government service delivery could lead citizens to field independent candidates in their constituencies.
"We hear of ZAPU and the Mthwakazi Republic Party, but these do not have the capacity to unseat ZANU-PF," he said.
He warned that the real danger lies in internal divisions within the ruling party itself.
"There are reports of factions - some backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, others supporting the 2030 lobby aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. These people are in the same house, and we expect them to resolve their differences without dragging citizens into their squabbles."
Mkandla urged party members to avoid creating enemies among themselves and called on civil society, churches, and residents to initiate peace prayers.
He also raised concerns about individuals who were vetted three years ago and are still waiting for their compensation.
"Some have died without receiving their money. The minister must clarify this issue. It's creating negative attitudes not just among the beneficiaries, but also their families, who may lose trust in the government," he said.
Source - Byo24News
