Zimbabwian army intervene opposition protesters
The European Union on Thursday called for calm in Zimbabwe, where three people where killed in clashes following Monday's presidential election.
The deployment of soldiers and their beating of unarmed protesters set back President Emmerson Mnangagwa's efforts to shed Zimbabwe's pariah status after decades of repression under Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a coup in November.
"Following the shootings and violence that have in the past day already claimed the lives of several people, we appeal for calm and restraint on all sides and for protests to be conducted according to the law," the European Union's foreign service (EEAS) said.
The EEAS said that, while the elections were competitive and political freedoms were respected during the campaign, EU observers had pointed out a lack of a truly level playing field.
Britain has called on Zimbabwe's political leaders to ensure calm and restraint after three opposition protesters were killed in post-election clashes in Harare.Troops opened fire to clear the capital's streets of demonstrators who accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling party of trying to rig Monday's election."Deeply concerned by today's violence in Harare. Call on Zimbabwe's political leaders to take responsibility for ensuring calm and restraint at this critical moment. We're monitoring the situation closely," Harriet Baldwin, a minister in Britain's Foreign Office said on Twitter late on Wednesday.
Britain urges calm after post-election violence in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean authorities said Thursday military troops would remain in the capital Harare after post-election protests turned violent.On Wednesday, a government crackdown on opposition protesters resulted in the deaths of at least six people, according to local media.Police confirmed that three people have been shot dead as troops used live bullets to quell demonstrators who accuse the ruling Zanu-PF party of rigging the elections.Minister of Home Affairs Obert Mpofu said the government will not allow protests, accusing opposition party leaders of inciting the violence.The situation was tense but calm on Thursday as troops have set up a number of roadblocks on all major roads leading out of the capital.The election result has yet to be declared. The MDC opposition alliance insists its candidate, Nelson Chamisa, won the vote against incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe: Government says troops to remain in capital