Is Freedom of Religion becoming Politicized in Africa?

From Ghana-

Two of the Longest Running Crisis Spots in Africa are Darfur and Zimbabwe. There are striking similarites in both situations. Both have been victims of very repressive governments. The Darfur crisis has caused the Sudanese Government to become ostracized from the International Community. The Actions of the Ruling Party within Zimbabwe has garnered a similar result. But there is a situation that has not seen the light of day that could have people concerend.

One issue that has been selectively raised in Africa is that of Freedom of Religion. In Eritrea it is one of the sources of the Poor Relations with the United States. In Nigeria periodic acts of violence committed by those from the Muslim North and the Christian Dominated South flare up from Time to Time. Recent Attacks by the LRA in the Congo have targeted Catholic Churches in their attempts at reprisals for attacks by three Armies for walking away from the Peace Table.

First of all Let us talk about Zimbabwe. Since 2002 the Country has had a series of deeply flawed Political Elections, Inflation at an astronomical rate, A similar rate for HIV Infection and Political Persecution. Some of the Political Strife has made its way into the Churches. In 2003 the Group Solidarity Peace Trust Published a Report that highlighted the Political Strife that was affecting the Church regardless of denomination.

In recent weeks there have been a series of reports indicating the Problems that have been afflicting the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. Some time ago the Governing Body of the Anglican Church excommunicated a Bishop who has close ties to ZANU-PF. He was replaced by another person deemed acceptable by the Church. People Loyal to the Excommunicated Bishop have used force to prevent parishoners from attending services. There are branches of the Zimbabwean Government actively protecting Mr. Kunonga. In this case the silence of the Civil Society Groups in Zimbabwe has been Deafening.

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