"We Can’t Afford Not To Talk About Gukurahundi," Mohadi
Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, has said that discussing the Gukurahundi issue was essential in finding an everlasting solution to the issue. Mohadi was speaking after meeting with traditional leaders from the Midlands and Matebeleland Provinces in Midlands.
His remarks come as the issue of Gukurahundi massacres which happened in the aftermath of independence has remained a topical issue in Zimbabwe. Reports suggest that state security forces were deployed into both Matebeleland and Midlands provinces where they tortured and killed residents.
Although the State then argued that it had targeted dissidents who would not accept any other president besides the late former Vice President, Joshua Nkomo, residents in affected and ZAPU leadership areas refuted the allegations.
The issue has always been a taboo in Zimbabwe until recently when President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has always been deeply implicated in the massacres, allowed the issue to be openly and publicly discussed.
Addressing chiefs on Wednesday, Mohadi said:
We had Gukurahundi; it happened here in the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces. We can only talk about it because there is the need to find a lasting solution for the benefit of the country. We can’t afford not to talk about it (Gukurahundi). As leaders we must go out there and promote peace for each other and for our country. This is a topical issue.
Mohadi added that traditional leaders were critical in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and nation-building considering their position in society.
More: The Herald
