Zimbabweans living in Ireland will march in solidarity with their countrymen today demanding an end to the humanitarian crisis gripping the southern African state.
Just a day after fearful voters went to the polls in the culmination of Robert Mugabe’s bloody election campaign, the Dublin protesters are to deliver a letter to Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.
They are calling for a renewed effort by the international community to bring an end to the violence which has plagued the campaign.
“People in Zimbabwe are being intimidated, beaten, forced from their homes and even killed in Mugabe’s campaign of terror,” said Tendai Madondo, a march organiser.
“It is time for the international community to stop talking and take action to protect the poor and vulnerable people who are suffering most.”
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai quit the run-off election last Sunday saying the poll was no longer credible and the loss of life among his supporters was too high to continue.
Mr Tsvangirai addressed a news conference in Zimbabwe’s capital after thousands of militants loyal to Mr Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party prevented opposition supporters from gathering for its main campaign rally.
It is estimated that more than 80 people have died in pre-election political violence while Mr Tsvangirai has been detained.
The international community, including the Irish government, has condemned Mr Mugabe’s brutal campaign.
The march starts at the GPO at noon and ends at the Dail at 3pm.