The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.
In a statement on Monday, AUC chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said the government of Zimbabwe should uphold the rule of law allowing for freedom of the media, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and the right to information.
He added that violations of these rights are a breach of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Mahamat said the commission was following closely, political developments in Zimbabwe as the country mounts concerted efforts in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chairperson urged Mnangagwa to respond to the pandemic ensuring that the national response is premised on human rights as enshrined in the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Mahamat said he is concerned about reports of disproportionate use of force by security forces in enforcing COVID-19 emergency measures. He implores the authorities to exercise restraint in their response to peaceful protests.
In this regard, the Chairperson welcomes the appointment by South African President and current Chair of the Union, HE Cyril Ramaphosa of two special envoys to Zimbabwe, namely former Cabinet Minister Dr Sydney Mufamadi and former Speaker of Parliament Ms Baleka Mbete, both from South Africa.
