By Kundai Marunya
The Embassy of Canada to Zimbabwe has expressed disappointment in government’s efforts or lack thereof in investigating the disappearance of journalist and human rights activist Itai Dzamara.
Dzamara, a strong opposition of the ZANU PF government was allegedly abducted on 9 March 2015 in what is suspected to be a move to silence him.
In a media release, the Embassy of Canada said, “It has now been 100 days since the forced disappearance of Zimbabwean human rights activist Itai Dzamara on 9 March 2015.
“Canada remains deeply concerned for his health and safety; troubled that to date there has been no information forthcoming as to his condition or whereabouts; and disappointed that the Government of Zimbabwe has not done more to communicate its efforts to find Itai and bring to justice those responsible,” read the statement.
The embassy called on government to double its efforts in determining the human rights activist’s fate.
“We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to redouble its efforts in determining the fate and whereabouts of Itai Dzamara and to provide regular reports to the public – and more importantly to his family – about the progress of its investigation.”
Canada said the government of Zimbabwe should show the world that it is willing to protect human rights if willing to deal with the international community
“While Canada recognizes Zimbabwe’s efforts to re-engage with the international community, this engagement must be accompanied by tangible demonstration by the government that it is seeking to protect the human rights of its citizens that are guaranteed in Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution.”
The journalist cum activist was abducted whilst at a barber shop and has been leading a movement called Occupy Africa Unity Square which called for the resignation of President Mugabe for mismanagement of the country, since then no official information has been availed by security officials.