Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the African Union regarding political violence in Zimbabwe.

The UK remains concerned about the political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the lack of accountability for human rights violations and restrictions to freedom of assembly. The recent attacks on opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were concerning. In response, on 22 October, the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe called for all citizens' freedoms to be guaranteed as set out in Zimbabwe's constitution, all incidents to be investigated, and for all violence and threats to be unequivocally condemned. The former Minister for Africa raised the human rights situation in Zimbabwe with Foreign Minister Shava on 9 June.

The UK regularly discusses the political situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa and the African Union, and we remain committed to working in partnership to identify solutions. We continue to monitor developments closely, regularly encouraging the Government of Zimbabwe to live up to their own constitution and ensure the opposition, civil society and journalists are allowed to operate without harassment.