A decade after the disappearance of Itai Dzamara, pressure is mounting on the Zimbabwean government to account for this incident. Activists demand a transparent investigation, condemning Zanu PF as responsible for his abduction. Prominent figures stress the emotional toll on Dzamara’s family and call for ratification of international human rights treaties. The government has yet to respond adequately to these allegations, revealing an ongoing struggle for justice.
A decade has elapsed since the disappearance of human rights activist and journalist Itai Dzamara, yet calls for accountability from the Zanu PF government continue to intensify. Activists have condemned the ruling party, labeling it a terrorist organization responsible for Dzamara’s abduction, which occurred on March 9, 2015, when he was allegedly taken by state security operatives from his home in Harare.
The ongoing mystery surrounding Dzamara’s fate has prompted demands for a comprehensive investigation. Arnold Tsunga, an esteemed human rights attorney, urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to publicly clarify its inaction regarding Dzamara’s case. He emphasized the emotional toll on the family of the missing activist, stating, “The failure of any progress… affects the family. The family of a disappeared person… suffer[s] uncertainty, trauma, and [lack of] closure.”
Former Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala, asserted that the government is aware of Dzamara’s whereabouts and is obligated to inform the public of his fate. He stated unequivocally, “The regime knows what happened to Itai Dzamara… We still demand with our loud voices to know what happened to Itai. It remains a serious issue of public interest.”
Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, labeled Zanu PF a terrorist organization, vowing that those responsible for Dzamara’s abduction would eventually answer for their actions. He remarked, “We will not tire to demand the return of Dzamara. Those who abducted him will be forced to pay in the coming Zimbabwe.”
Attempts to reach government officials for comments were unsuccessful, though Zanu PF’s Director of Communication, Farai Marapira, rejected accusations against the party. He argued that it is the responsibility of human rights activists to back their claims. He stated, “He who alleges must prove… We are a law-abiding institution which holds the laws of our land sacrosanct.”
Zimbabwe has not signed the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, despite repeated international pressure. The law was established in 2006, with implementation commencing in 2010. Last year, human rights attorney Obey Shava filed a lawsuit against the Mnangagwa government, urging them to ratify the convention due to ongoing patterns of enforced disappearances and related abuses against various individuals, including ordinary citizens and opposition supporters.
The prolonged absence of Itai Dzamara continues to highlight the pressing need for accountability from the Zimbabwean government. As activists and politicians demand answers, the lack of action from the ruling party contributes to the erosion of public trust and the rule of law. The situation raises critical questions about human rights protections and the responsibilities of the state towards its citizens, particularly in the context of enforced disappearances and related abuses.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
