By Lloyd Takawira
The African Union Commission (AUC) has reprimanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government over alleged human rights abuses in the country.
In a statement AUC chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat said his commission was closely monitoring political developments in Zimbabwe.
“Cognisant of the existing harsh socio-economic situation in the country, the chairperson urges the Zimbabwe authorities to respond to the pandemic ensuring that the national response is premised on human rights as enshrined in the 1981 African Charter on Human on Human and People’s Rights.”
The AUC said Zimbabwe should abide by the African Charter on human rights.
“Violations of these rights are a breach to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance,” AUC warned.
The statement follows a series of backlash against government from many quoters over alleged human rights abuses to which the government has been refurbishing as smear campaign by detractors.
Meanwhile, the opposition MDC Alliance in a statement said it welcomed AUC’s intervention.
“We thank the African Union for issuing a statement on the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe & urging @edmnangagwa to uphold the rule of law & protect human rights,” read a statement from the MDC Alliance.
