Bishops’ Conference urges healing and reconciliation

Zimbabweans at the South African embassy in Harare, June 2008 [REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo, courtesy www.alertnet.org]

"Huge challenges" ahead for Zimbabwe's new government of national unity, despite the power-sharing deal which has sparked new hope for the people

Father Fradereck Chiromba, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has spoken of the immediate challenges facing the new government after he attended the signing of the historic power-sharing deal.

The Zimbabwean Catholic Church has a strong history of both providing care and support for those affected by the country’s economic, social and political crises.

It has also repeatedly challenged the Zimbabwean government to reflect the needs of its people.

Joyous and momentous

Following the signing, Father Chiromba said: "It was a joyful and momentous occasion. But, behind the signatures on that piece of paper are huge challenges ahead for Zimbabwe’s so-called government of national unity.

"The celebrations have not really started yet, the people of Zimbabwe have just heaved a sigh of relief.

"One of the immediate challenges is getting food to people. There is a great need to provide basic food aid as people are coping with a bad harvest and of course the country’s dire economic situation.

"There are also no medicines in the hospitals, doctors do not even have aspirins to give out and there is the situation of the three million or so Zimbabweans living in neighbouring countries.

"And of course development doesn’t work unless it goes hand in hand with healing and reconciliation for those people who have been traumatised by the violence.

"The Catholic Church has always played a pivotal role in prioritising the needs of the people and will continue to do so as we all hope and pray that peoples’ lives will now change for the better."

Interviews are available in both London and Harare.

For Harare interviews please contact Nana Anto-Awuakye on 07866 787 995

For London interviews or further information please contact: Fiona Callister on 020 7095 5558 or 07867 908720 or fcallister@cafod.org.uk

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