Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed what he described as an cowardly act that will not derail Zimbabwe’s first elections since the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa escaped injury in an explosion at a political rally at the White City stadium in Bulawaya and what has been described as an assassination attempt on his life.
Mnangagwa says the object had exploded a few inches from him, but it was not his time. No details of what had caused the explosion have been given by the authorities. Several people have been injured and admitted to hospital.
Zimbabwe’s largest opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC), says political violence of any form is unacceptable. MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has called on SADC and the African Union to intervene in the country’s politics to ensure safety and peace during elections on the 30th of July.
Earlier this afternoon, an explosion rocked the White City in Bulawayo where President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed thousands of supporters. Several people were injured.
Chamisa says Zimbabwe also needs the assistance of President Cyril Ramaphosa in such situations.
“Very, very sad because security during elections has always been an issue. For the past 38 years, our politics have been littered with violence. This is what we would want to make sure, put a stop to. We need the involvement of SADC, we need the involvement of the African Union and of course we count on SA President Ramaphosa to also help in making sure that the situation does not deteriorate.”
EFF condemns the assassination attempt
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemns the assassination attempt on President Mnangagwa, saying Zimbabwe has undergone a number of structural changes and the recent removal of former President Robert Mugabe was a peaceful and non-violence action by people Zimbabwe.
“We have hoped that this peace remains in place until the upcoming elections and beyond that in order for Zimbabwe to return to its former glory as the bread basket of Africa.”
Additional Reporting by Reuters.
