UN warns of escalating violence in Zimbabwe

The United Nations says the situation in Zimbabwe is degenerating into a humanitarian crisis

By Thami Dickson
The United Nations has warned that post election violence is increasing in Zimbabwe as the country prepares for the second round of its presidential election.

Several people have been killed while many others are becoming internally displaced victims. The world body says its humanitarian agencies are inundated with requests for assistance but are unable to reach needy people due to the escalating violence in Zimbabwe.

The UN says the violence is worse in rural areas and farms in Zimbabwe and it warns that it could reach crisis levels as more people are dying.

The violence is preventing the UN's humanitarian agencies from delivering aid to people in need as non-governmental organizations are also being targeted. The agencies are now threatening to reduce their operations in Zimbabwe if violence persists.

The violence has raised fears and suspicions of intimidation ahead of the planned presidential run-off. There are now questions about whether it would be free and fair under such circumstances.