HARARE - This month marks two years after the signing of the Inter-Party Political Agreement (IPA), a power sharing arrangement viewed by proponents as the only viable way out of Zimbabwes decade-long political crisis. (Pictured: WOZA leader Jenni Williams.)
Two years after the two leaders agreed to their fractious union, many Zimbabweans are still in a dire situation-unemployed and unable to access basic needs in an insecure environment charged by political emotions that often turn violent. Events that occurred as the month came to an end highlighted the failures of the coalition government.
Jenni Williams, leader of pressure group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and over 80 of her members were arrested and detained for peacefully marching on Parliament to demand police impartiality and an overhaul of harsh security laws.
Days before, Zanu (PF) militants had used violence, in one instance a gun, to silence people keen to offer views to teams conducting constitution-making outreach meetings in Harare and Chitungwiza.
Nothing has changed in so far as human rights are concerned. Social injustices continue unabated, Williams said.
She was speaking as members of her organisation were being released on bail.
We spent a night in filthy cells. In fact, the conditions have worsened from the last time I was there. There was human waste everywhere, said one of the WOZA members who had just been released.
Unlike her compatriots, Williams freedom did not last. Police hauled her as she addressed WOZA members on transport and medical treatment arrangements.
These people were arrested for nothing, said Charles Kwaramba, a member of Zimbabwe for Lawyers for Human Rights, who represented Williams.
Williams said the law was still being selectively applied in Zimbabwe.
In the cells there were no Zanu (PF) militia which caused chaos in Harare resulting in the constitution making process being suspended, she said.
Post published in: News