Southern African church reps urge sanctions against Mugabe regime

Published: 2008-07-18

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNS) -- Representatives of churches from 10 southern African nations urged governments in the region to refuse to recognize the government of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and to impose economic sanctions against his regime. The representatives urged nations to ensure that displaced Zimbabweans in the region and other parts of the world "are granted refugee status and are treated with respect and dignity." They also urged a broader mediation effort to resolve Zimbabwe's current crisis and encouraged African nations to "use their influence to work for a transitional administration and a truly negotiated settlement." Their statement was issued July 17 at the end of a four-day summit on Zimbabwe in Johannesburg. One of the hosts of the ecumenical summit was the South African Council of Churches, of which the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference is a member. Participants committed themselves to "pray for an end to illegitimate rule in Zimbabwe and for honesty and transparency in the mediation process" led by South African President Thabo Mbeki. They urged Mbeki to "recognize the extreme urgency of the situation" and to "use his influence to halt political violence and protect the security of all Zimbabweans."

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