18 Jul 2018 | 10:54 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Religious group to hold peace march in Bulawayo July 19
Religious group organizes peace march and ceremony in Bulawayo July 19; heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions possible
Event
On Thursday, July 19, the Churches Convergence on Peace Consortium (CCOP) will hold a peace march through Bulawayo followed by a signing ceremony of the Ukuthula-Runyararo peace covenant, a pledge to promote violence-free elections initiated by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). Religious organizations, political parties, and civic groups are expected to participate in the march and subsequent signing ceremony. The march will begin at City Hall car park and end at the Methodist Church on Joshua Nkomo Street. The times at which the march and subsequent ceremony will begin were not immediately reported. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are possible near the march route and ceremony.
Context
Frequent, sometimes violent, demonstrations have occurred throughout the country leading up the presidential and parliamentary elections, which will take place on July 30.
Advice
Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Bulawayo, are advised to avoid large public gatherings, even those that seem peaceful, monitor local developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
