Posted on 02/14/2003 12:34:25 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
HARARE, Zimbabwe - Police raided a meeting of opposition and reform groups at a church in Zimbabwe's capital on Thursday, arresting a bishop and four human rights activists, witnesses said.
Police used riot sticks to disperse about 60 people who had gathered to discuss the role of the church in Zimbabwe's deepening political and economic crisis, said Mike Davies, a member of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, an alliance of reform groups.
Bishop Trevor Manhanga was among those arrested.
Also arrested at the Northside Community Church were human rights lawyer Brian Kagoro, university political scientist John Makumbe, activist John Stewart and a church worker, Davies said.
An official of the U.S. Agency for International Development also was arrested but released when police learned her identity, Davies said.
The government did not disclose the charges against those who were taken into custody.
Davies said police had been informed in advance of the meeting as required under the nation's sweeping security laws. But officers claimed the meeting was not approved.
Police officials were not immediately available for comment.
On Wednesday, the European Union renewed diplomatic sanctions against the government of President Robert Mugabe, accusing it of violating human rights and pursuing policies that have led Zimbabwe into economic and political chaos.
Speaking through a translator, the chief expressed appreciation for past help in recovery efforts from Christian Care, the relief arm of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches that is affiliated with the UK-based Christian Aid, and international relief agencies such as the United Methodist Committee on Relief. He asked churches not to abandon Zimbabwe's people.
The war veterans asked U.S. visitors not to be afraid of them, despite reports of violence. "We are all poor people," one of the veterans said. "We need the help of the United States."
Because it occurred primarily in rural communities, much of the violence that surrounded Zimbabwe's election was not obvious to international election observers who watched the voting but did not talk freely with community leaders and other residents, said one Zimbabwe church leader. Upset by the South African government's delegation's endorsement of the election as fair and free, the leader said that outside observers should either listen to the experiences of local leaders who have experienced the violence or "just keep quiet" rather than endorse the status quo.
(((HOWEVER)))------------------ Bishop Christopher Jokomo, head of the Zimbabwe Area of the United Methodist Church, expressed appreciation that the nation preserved peace throughout the election period despite the deep political disagreements. He said that the ruling party and opposition leaders need to work together on behalf of the welfare of Zimbabwe's people.
He said he was concerned about the questions he has been receiving from churches and groups, such as Volunteer In Mission, from the United States about whether it is safe to visit Zimbabwe. Visitors to Zimbabwe's urban communities, including Africa University, are in no danger, he emphasized.
"Zimbabwe is as safe to travel to as it was 20 years ago, I believe," he said. ***
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