Zimbabwe Marks 30 Years of Independence

(19 Apr 10 - RV) Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe called for an end to political violence and focus on rebuilding a devastated economy that critics say is a victim of his three decades in power.

Addressing a rally yesterday to mark 30 years of independence from Britain, Mugabe said Zimbabwe would pursue its controversial land seizure policy and plans to transfer control of foreign firms to locals as part of a black empowerment drive.

Jesuit Father Oscar Wumter is the director of Jesuit Communications in Zimbabwe. He says that life for Zimbabweans continues to be increasingly difficult: