Zimbabwe is experiencing a significant rise in political violence attributed to Zanu PF’s agenda to extend President Mnangagwa’s term. The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported 117 human rights violations in February, affecting over 7,000 individuals. Key issues include threats of violence, politically motivated assaults, and forced attendance at ruling party meetings. The ZPP urges the government to uphold human rights and implement protective measures.
Zimbabwe is currently facing an alarming increase in political violence, primarily instigated by the ruling Zanu PF party’s attempts to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) reports that there were 117 documented human rights violations in February, impacting 7,292 individuals across the nation.
These violations have involved a range of offenses, such as threats of violence, politically motivated assaults, and the inequitable distribution of food aid, coupled with restrictions on fundamental freedoms including assembly, association, and expression. Most of the perpetrators are associated with Zanu PF, local authorities, and traditional leaders.
The ZPP report indicates that among the victims, 4,064 were women (including 94 with disabilities) and 3,228 were men (including 77 with disabilities). Moreover, community members are reportedly coerced into attending ruling party meetings disguised as food aid distributions, furthering the party’s “2030 agenda.”
Additionally, intra-party violence within ZANU PF is on the rise, with confrontations occurring at meetings and public gatherings. For instance, a notable altercation in Ward 2, Kadoma, involved two factions of supporters competing over the “2030 agenda.”
Furthermore, there have been incidents of violence against opposition members, with two CCC supporters viciously attacked by ZANU PF affiliates for opposing the president’s term extension. Victims reported being assaulted with metal rods, sustaining serious injuries, and experiencing theft of personal belongings.
In response to this troubling trend of violence, the ZPP has called upon the government and judiciary to enforce the rule of law and safeguard human rights. They have further urged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to implement effective procedures for the investigation and prosecution of human rights violations.
The rise in political violence in Zimbabwe, primarily linked to the Zanu PF party’s plans to extend President Mnangagwa’s term, has resulted in significant human rights violations, affecting thousands. The ZPP’s documentation of these incidents highlights the urgent need for the government and judiciary to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the law. Implementing effective mechanisms for addressing human rights violations is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
