By Staff Reporter
CATHOLICS bishops in Zimbabwe have decried the politicization of food aid in the country and urged responsible authorities to treat citizens equally despite political affiliation.
This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a nationwide state of disaster due to the ongoing El Nino induced drought and called for help from humanitarian organizations.
There have been reports of food politicization in the country where in most rural areas, opposition supporters are denied food aid by the ruling party Zanu PF officials.
However in a statement Thursday, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) appealed to authorities to shun food politicisation saying hunger knows no political divisions.
“As it does happen in many nations, the poor are abused because of their wants. We appeal to all those who have means and who can help to desist from politicizing food aid.
“Hunger knows no political divisions; it is the citizens of this country who are in need.
“In the same vein, we would like to appeal to those who may want to take advantage of the situation to make a profit, that this is not the time.
“Such behavior betrays hunhu hwedu/ubuntu bethu. Let us reach out to our brothers and sisters in their need and assist them in a way that does not take away their dignity or dehumanize them,” ZCBC said.
The bishops also appealed for food aid from fellow catholics and other well wishers who can to feed the need.
“Ours is a plea to all catholics, men and women of good will, humanitarian institutions and agencies that we put our resources together and avert the many deaths that may be caused by the drought.
“We all have a duty and an obligation to care for those in need, more so those who are left exposed by the effects of the drought. Now is the time for us to rise and meet the challenge.”
Over 2.7 million Zimbabweans are currently food insecure.
