Affrontements à Harare – 7 septembre 2011

Scores injured in violent clashes in Zimbabwe’s capital

theafricareport.com

Wednesday, 07 September 2011

Several people were injured in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare on Wednesday following violent clashes between supporters of President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF party and those of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC.

Unconfirmed reports said as many as 28 people were injured in the clashes over market stalls in high density suburbs.

A civil society organisation, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CZC) blamed the violence on Zanu PF supporters.

“The thugs declared that they would allow anyone perceived to be a supporter of the MDC to sell their wares in the market which they claimed to be Zanu PF property,” CZC said.

“The youths stated that the stalls were now a no go area for their opponents.”

Several nearby shops were forced to close for fear the violence could degenerate into looting.

The violence erupted a day after Mugabe appealed for peace when he officially opened a session of Zimbabwe’s parliament.

“I therefore, wish to urge you as MPs and leaders in your own right to preach the message of national healing and reconciliation amongst our people,” the veteran ruler said.

“Let us, therefore, in unison, say NO! to violence in all its manifestations.”

But there were still reports of violent clashes outside parliament as Mugabe delivered his speech.

The mob descended on anyone sporting a red T-shirt and accused them of being MDC supporters.

Red is the MDC’s official colour.

Mugabe last week called for polls in March next year after calling frequently in recent weeks for an end to the fragile coalition that was formed after disputed 2008 elections.

Mugabe called on the nation’s leaders to preach messages of peace, reconciliation and national healing after a decade of bitter rivalry between him and Tsvangirai