Businessman Frank Buyanga, founder of African Medallion
Group (AMG), on Friday announced that he has launched a humanitarian programme
to help victims of violence in Zimbabwe.
Security forces carried out a brutal clampdown on Monday's
protests, which had been planned for three days, that left nine people dead and
doctors in that country say as many as 68 people were treated for gunshot
wounds. At least 17 of them needed emergency surgery.
The country-wide protests were sparked by astronomical fuel
hikes - the highest in the world - announced at the weekend. A litre of petrol
now costs up to R45 in landlocked Zimbabwe.
In response, the government sent in the army to quell the
protests. Authorities have also shut down the internet.
Videos of brutal beatings of citizens by security personnel
have gone viral on social media prompting an outcry by concerned individuals,
organisations and countries.
Buyanga said he was deeply saddened by the violence that
took place this week in the “beloved nation of Zimbabwe” and he was moved to do
something to help.
Company spokesperson Estee Maman said: “AMG management has
taken urgent steps to expedite setting up of its humanitarian aid department.
Our department is ready to assist those that have been affected by the
violence.
"We urge those affected, those needing medical
attention due to sustaining severe injuries and those who have lost their loved
ones and require burial assistance, to send an email to our Humanitarian Aid
Department which is on standby and ready to assist.”
Maman added: “We believe the entire community shares the
same sentiments as AMG - the utmost yearning that peace prevails in the nation
of Zimbabwe. AMG is strongly against the violence that occurred. It is in the
same spirit that we urge the people of Zimbabwe to strive for peace and unity
during these troubled times.”
Buyanga said AMG was looking for the woman who was shot in
the legs by soldiers and had to be carried in a wheelbarrow to get medical
help. She has become the face of victims of the riots in Zimbabwe. The company
intends to offer her any assistance they may be able to render.
The violence in Zimbabwe has been condemned internationally
with various bodies calling for peace and restraint.
On Thursday, the EU decried the disproportionate use of
force by Zimbabwe authorities during protests in which doctors say 68 people
suffered gunshot wounds.
"The escalation of violence in Zimbabwe over recent
days has been aggravated by the disproportionate use of force by security
personnel," European Commission spokeswoman Maja Komcijancic said in a
statement.
"We expect the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold human
rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the constitution, and ensure due
legal process for those detained," the statement added.
The EU also asked that the government "conduct a
thorough investigation into the deaths and abuses over the last days."
Buyanga, 38, who owns various successful companies, is not
new to helping people, has spent much of the past few years supporting various
humanitarian causes in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
African News Agency (ANA)
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