Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai announced his withdrawal from a run-off election against President Robert Mugabe, citing the impossibility of a free and fair poll due to the current climate of violence. Tsvangirai made the decision after his opposition Movement for Democratic Change rally was disrupted by pro-Mugabe youth militia. He called for intervention from the United Nations and African Union to prevent "genocide" in Zimbabwe and stated that the MDC would no longer participate in what he described as a violent and illegitimate election process. Tsvangirai and the MDC have accused government security forces and militia of intimidation tactics to ensure Mugabe's victory in the upcoming poll. Tsvangirai expressed concern for the safety of voters, stating that holding the election on June 27 could put their lives at risk. He mentioned that 86 MDC supporters had been killed and 200,000 displaced, while also noting that Mugabe has refused to relinquish power to the opposition, which he accuses of being influenced by Britain and the United States. Mugabe denies any responsibility for the political violence and economic decline that has occurred under his leadership since 1980. Millions of people have left their country due to the political and economic crisis, seeking refuge in neighboring states. The MDC reported that thousands of youth militia supporting Mugabe disrupted an MDC rally in Harare by attacking journalists and forcing election observers to flee. Despite the police initially banning the rally, a high court overturned the ban, allowing the event to proceed. Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, claims he won the March vote and only agreed to a run-off under international pressure. The state-run media has refused to air opposition political ads, and police have obstructed some opposition rallies. Tendai Biti, a high-ranking MDC official and close associate of Tsvangirai, is currently in custody facing charges of treason and other serious offenses, including the possibility of the death penalty. A magistrate has ruled that he must remain in custody at least until July 7. Pressure is mounting on Mugabe's government to stop the violence, with a growing number of African leaders expressing concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, a longtime supporter of Mugabe, has called on the Zimbabwean leader to ensure that the election is conducted with tolerance and in accordance with democratic principles.