Mugabe calls for end to violence as Zimbabwe celebrates independence

“The leadership of the inclusive government urges you to desist from any acts of violence that will cause harm to others and become a blight on our society,” Mugabe told thousands of Zimbabweans at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

“We need to foster an environment of tolerance and treating each other with dignity and respect irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, tribe, political or religious affiliation,” he said.

Correspondent Ryan Truscott Listen (01:13)     18/04/2010 by Billie O'Kadameri Political analyst Eldred Masunungure Listen (01:11)     18/04/2010 by Billie O'Kadameri

The stadium was decorated by Zimbabwean flags. However a warning earlier in the week had informed participants that political or party regalia would not be allowed.

“This was only the second time the Movement for Democratic Change has officially been included in independence day celebrations,” correspondent Ryan Truscott told RFI. “There were loud cheers as President Robert Mugabe welcomed MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.”

Mugabe led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980, although his influence has declined in recent years, and at 86 years old, he is Africa’s oldest leader.

“Fresh elections are a real possibility, as early as next year,” says Truscott. “More than 200 Zimbabweans were killed in the last elections, and many locals are petrified violence could break out again, once a date is set.”

Tsvangirai pulled out of 2008’s presidential run-off poll, despite winning a majority in parliament, citing violence against his supporters.

Political scientist Eldred Masunungure told RFI that of 30 years of independence, the 10 years were a “lost decade”.

“The first decade was a decade of progress and development,” says the University of Zimbabwe professor. “In the second decade it was the beginning, perhaps, of the decline.”

“The third decade…is a lost decade,” he says. “And no one is nostalgic about this lost decade. But the decade closes on, a more-or-less, modest note. Some reasonable recovery is being registered, particularly in the last one and a half years, with the formation of the inclusion government. The tide has turned somewhat in a positive direction.”