By A Correspondent| The international community has joined hands to condemn the deteriorating human rights situation in the country with the hashtag #Zimbabweanlivesmatter now trending on Twitter.

This follows the arrest, abduction and torture of a number of opposition aligned activists by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime as it sought to thwart the planned anti-corruption march that had been slated for 31 July.

Prominent people who have also spoken against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe includes South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, musicians AKA and Lady Zamar and former South African Prosecutor Thuli Madonsela.

“Pray for Zimbabwe #ZimbabweanLivesMatter as #BlackLivesMatter .. We’re all human beings deserving of kindness, equality and fairness #GodBlessAfrica,” said Lady Zamar.

Maimane has also pressured South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is also the chairperson of the African Union to tell Mnangagwa to respect the rights of the media and opposition.

“Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa this is not the time for quiet diplomacy. You are the chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion. You cannot sit quietly and act like you do not see what is happening next door. Call @edmnangagwa and tell him to respect the rights of the media and opposition,” said Maimane.

Multi-award winning musician AKA said, “Let’s spread awareness about what’s going on In Zimbabwe… because ultimately the people need all the help they can get.”