Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in political violence linked to Zanu PF’s efforts to extend President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, with 117 human rights violations affecting 7,292 people documented in February. The ZPP report highlights various abuses, including assault and restrictions on freedoms, primarily involving ruling party affiliates. Community coercion and intra-party violence are also increasing, necessitating urgent government action to uphold human rights.
Zimbabwe is currently facing an alarming increase in political violence, notably linked to the ruling Zanu PF party’s ambition to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. In February alone, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) recorded 117 human rights violations impacting a total of 7,292 individuals. These incidents were primarily violent threats, assault motivated by political reasons, and discrimination in food aid distribution, all compounded by restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as assembly, association, and expression.
The majority of these violations can be traced back to various actors associated with Zanu PF, local governmental structures, and traditional leadership. The recent ZPP report emphasizes this trend, noting the significant number of women and disabled individuals among the victims; specifically, 4,064 women were affected, including 94 with disabilities, and 3,228 men, encompassing 77 disabled individuals.
Furthermore, community members are reportedly coerced into attending ostensibly public gatherings that serve as platforms for disseminating Zanu PF agendas, under the guise of food aid distribution. Additionally, intra-party confrontations are escalating within Zanu PF, indicating rising tensions among members themselves, with physical altercations being reported.
A striking incident occurred in Ward 2, Kadoma, where supporters clashed over disagreements pertaining to the ‘2030 agenda.’ Similarly, in Epworth, two members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faced violent assaults from Zanu PF supporters for their dissent against extending the presidential term. Victims suffered injuries from metal rods and had personal belongings confiscated during these assaults.
In light of these disturbing developments, ZPP has appealed to both the government and judicial authorities to reinforce legal protections and uphold human rights standards. They also urged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to create robust mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting human rights abuses in the country.
The rising political violence in Zimbabwe, primarily fueled by Zanu PF’s intent to extend the presidential term, poses a grave threat to human rights. With over 7,000 individuals affected by reported violations and increased intra-party violence, there is an urgent need for legal intervention and protection measures. The calls for accountability and effective human rights preservation by the Zimbabwe Peace Project highlight the critical situation and the need for government action to restore peace and order.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
