Demonstrators hold placards as they chant slogans and wave Zimbabwe’s national flags during a rally to denounce US and EU economic sanctions against Zimbabwe at the National Stadium, in the capital Harare, October 25, 2019. – Zimbabweans staged a mass protest on October 25, 2019 against sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union during the despotic rule of late ex-leader Robert Mugabe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been battling to re-engage with the West since Mugabe was ousted by the military in November 2017. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
As an umbrella body coordinating civil society organizations focusing on democracy and good governance , we reiterate that Zanu PF should desist from abusing the sanctions mantra to cover up for gross corruption and looting of national resources by the political elite.
Human rights abuses, a legitimacy crisis on the part of Zanu PF following the disputed 2018 elections, weaponization of the law through judicial capture, shrinking of the democratic space, militarization of key state institutions, and a constitutional crisis among other ills are the key issues that the current government must face head on. These are the real vices that continue to alienate the country from the international community.
As highlighted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, H.E Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on October 25, 2021, restoration of human rights, democracy and governance should form part of efforts towards Zimbabwe’s re-engagement drive.
This is also contained in the statement released by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Restrictive Measures ,Professor Alena Douhan.
It is unfortunate that Zanu PF continues to use propaganda to disseminate a false narrative to cover up for its mal-administration, gross corruption and rights violations.
As the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we reiterate that an all-inclusive dialogue process facilitated by SADC is critical in unlocking the Zimbabwean crisis and facilitating re-engagement with the international community.
The current clampdown on the opposition which has resulted in attempts to assassinate opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa can only serve to confirm the regime’s bad human rights record and further alienate the country from the league of nations.
We implore the ruling party to desist from authoritarian tendencies and embrace political tolerance and calls for a genuine and an all-inclusive dialogue.
Post published in: Featured