Violations resurge in Zimbabwe

As the curtain closes on the life of the GNU with the country headed for the referendum and landmark general elections, violence and intimidation are rearing their ugly heads once again.

Over the past four years under the leadership of the GNU, Zimbabwe has been seen as a country on its path to recovery from the horror violence of 2008. However, the reports from the ZESN observers for the month of February indicate that violations on fundamental human freedoms are on the rise. These reports have also come at a time when ZESN offices and other civic society organisations have been raided by the police on what have been described as unconvincing charges.

The next harmonised elections which are probably the biggest since independence and much rests on their outcomes. It is therefore worrisome that the ZESN observers have noted the setting up of structures which can be used to violate people’s rights in provinces such as Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Harare, Masvingo and Matabeleland North and South.

Reports by the ZESN observers indicate that in there appears to be a revival of youth militia activities and the politicisation of food aid in some areas of the country. According to the report the politicisation of food aid is allegedly mainly led by the youth officers who are stationed in each ward. In light of the importance of the impending elections and the great need to respect and safeguard human rights before, during and after the election the role of these officers must be seriously interrogated to avoid a relapse into the 2008 scenario.

Furthermore, the gruesome death of a 12 year old child in Headlands who was burnt in a suspected case of politically motivated case of violence has sent shock waves across the country. ZESN calls on the GNU to ensure that peace is upheld in order to instil confidence in the electorate that there will not be retribution in the aftermath of the election. Zimbabwe cannot afford to go through another undemocratic election and the GNU through its structures must ensure that peace is upheld at all cost.