The meeting was held at the Zanu (PF) Headquarters in Harare.
Recently, several civic society organisations have fallen victim to arrests and police raids in a move that has been seen as an attempt to silence non-governmental organisations ahead of elections.
These CSOs include ZimRights, Counselling Services Unit, Zimbabwe Election Support Network and the Zimbabwe Peace Project.
The CiZC delegation comprised its Advocacy Committee Chairperson and Combined Harare Residents Association Director, Mfundo Mlilo, Programmes Manager, Nixon Nyikadzino and Advocacy and Networking Officer, Memory Kadau.
CiZC is a conglomeration of about 350 non-governmental organisations formed in 2001 in response to the multi-faceted crisis in Zimbabwe.
“The three member delegation ranked a flag on the unrelenting clampdown on CSOs by the government and highlighted repercussions on civil society’s critical work in preparation for the upcoming referendum and elections.
“The delegation also extended a hand to Zanu (PF) to continue promoting thought leadership through participating at CIZC’s platforms,” reads a report by Crisis.
The delegation implored Gumbo to ensure their supporters desisted from violence in the forthcoming harmonised elections.
“One the issues raised included the political party’s (Zanu PF’s) responsibility to reign in its supporters so that Zimbabwe can hold a peaceful election among other issues. Responding to the issues raised by the delegation, Gumbo promised to raise these issues with the other Zanu (PF) leaders,” said Crisis.
It added that Gumbo acknowledged to the delegation the need for mutual engagement and information sharing between civil society and the party.
The report quoted Gumbo as saying: “I talk to everyone and believe critical engagement is necessary because we are all Zimbabweans. We should tolerate each other.”
The report however said Gumbo revealed his reservations with civil society and its work.
According to the report, Gumbo said: “What is the interest of these people that are funding you? Some-times we listen to the issues that you will be saying and think they are all about regime change, the “Mugabe and Zanu (PF)must go” talk. So we are then forced to defend ourselves.”
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Mlilo expressed confidence the engagement with Zanu (PF) would help establish “door of continuous engagement” although he expressed skepticism over the party’s sincerity.
“We are however not sure of their sincerity on engagement with CSOs, only time will tell. Our message is clear. These unwarranted attacks of civil society should stop,” said Mlilo.
Nyikadzino said: “It was a productive meeting where we exchanged notes with Honourable Gumbo. It was a courtesy call and because of the nature of the meeting, we had limited space to air our views but we managed to clarify the work and mandate of CSOs,” said Nyikadzino.
Post published in: News