Zimbabwe opposition party warns of mass violence
Robert Mugabe is refusing to relinquish power
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Tuesday, 15, Apr 2008 03:14
A senior member of Zimbabwe's main opposition party has warned that a "Rwanda-sized massacre" could take place if there isn't international intervention in resolving the country's disputed presidential election.
Tendai Bitti, the Movement for Democratic Change's (MDC) secretary general, accused Robert Mugabe's ruling party of unleashing an "orgy of violence" in an interview with CNN, as the presidential crisis continues.
Mr Bitti alleged that two of his party's supporters had been killed and over 200 injured by youth militias belonging to Mr Mugabe's party.
However, government spokesman Bright Matonga claimed the only violence in Zimbabwe was caused by the MDC.
Police are reported to be stepping up activities today after the MDC called for a general strike to protest against the failure to publish official election results.
Mr Bitti criticised the lack of international action in helping resolve the situation and said his party may send a delegation to the United Nations calling for help.
"It's the kind of inaction that gave rise to over a million people dead in July of 1994 in Rwanda. I guess they are again waiting for graves in Zimbabwe before they start responding," he said.
Reports suggest that the MDC's leader Morgan Tsvangirai will agree to a presidential run-off against Mr Mugabe if the correct conditions are met.
Zimbabwe is currently suffering a crippling economic crisis, with huge inflation and only 20 per cent of the country's population believed to be in formal employment.