Zimbabwe is facing increased political violence linked to Zanu PF party’s efforts to extend President Mnangagwa’s term. The Zimbabwe Peace Project documented 117 human rights violations in February, affecting over 7,000 individuals. These violations include threats, politically motivated assaults, and restrictions on freedoms, primarily attributed to the ruling party and local authorities. The ZPP urges the government to uphold human rights and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a notable increase in political violence, primarily induced by the ruling Zanu PF party’s ambition to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term past 2028. In February alone, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 117 instances of human rights violations affecting a total of 7,292 individuals across the nation. The report highlights occurrences such as threats, politically motivated assaults, biased distribution of food aid, and limitations on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression.
The ZPP report indicates that a majority of the perpetrators of these violations have connections to the ruling party, local officials, and traditional leaders. Notably, the recorded victims included 4,064 women, of whom 94 had disabilities, and 3,228 men, with 77 experiencing disabilities. The report underscores the systematic intimidation faced by citizens, with community members being coerced into attending Zanu PF meetings, often disguised as public events to distribute food aid and promote the party’s “2030 agenda.”
Furthermore, intraparty violence is escalating within Zanu PF itself, with conflicts arising during meetings and community gatherings. An alarming incident in Ward 2, Kadoma involved physical confrontations between factions over the “2030 agenda,” while in Epworth, two members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were violently attacked by Zanu PF supporters for opposing the extension of the presidential term.
The assaults reportedly included brutal attacks with metal rods, resulting in serious facial and head injuries, and the confiscation of personal belongings such as mobile phones. In response to the burgeoning violence, the ZPP has called upon the government and judiciary to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law and to enforce human rights protections. Additionally, they have urged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to implement effective investigative and prosecutorial mechanisms for addressing human rights violations.
In summary, the ongoing political turmoil in Zimbabwe, largely driven by the Zanu PF party’s attempts to extend President Mnangagwa’s term, has resulted in significant human rights violations affecting thousands of citizens. The Zimbabwe Peace Project underscores the urgent need for government accountability and stronger measures to safeguard rights and ensure the rule of law. The rising incidents of violence not only reflect intra-party conflicts but also signify the broader impact on civil liberties in the country.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
