Amnesty International Zimbabwe Review 2018-2023

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Written by: John Burke

Published: 05 December 2023

Last Updated: 05 December 2023

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"Zimbabwe: Human rights under attack: A review of Zimbabwe’s human rights record in the period 2018-2023"

"This advocacy briefing looks at the human rights record in Zimbabwe from the time that Emmerson Mnangagwa took Office as President of Zimbabwe. It assesses the extent to which the present government has failed to reform the abysmal legacy of human rights under Robert Mugabe. It further demonstrates that there has not been a real shift in the human rights legacy between the Mugabe and the Mnangagwa presidencies. It makes several recommendations to the government on how a real shift could be achieved, including by simply adhering to the Constitution of Zimbabwe."

The above has been copied verbatim from the Amnesty International Website and the full PDF report can be viewed and/or downloaded by clicking HERE Published on the 29th September 2023 it is a damning testimony of Zanu PF and Mnangagwa's toxic dictatorship.

Amnesty International Zimbabwe have been campaigning for Human Rights in Zimbabwe for a very long time. They are advocates for justice and democracy - two aspects {amongst many others} that are clearly and evidently 'missing' in Zimbabwe. Here their campaign regarding Job Sikhala is made quite evident [Amnesty International Zimbabwe - Job Sikhala]

Their tireless activities to highlight the crimes and criminality of the Zanu PF military regime, is carried out at the same time as their campaigns to help the down-trodden citizens in Zimbabwe. 

"Human rights change starts with the facts. Our experts do accurate, cross-checked research into human rights violations by governments and others worldwide."

"We use our analysis to influence and press governments, companies and decision-makers to do the right thing."

"Through petitions, letters and protests, campaigners worldwide press for action from the people and institutions who can make change happen."

Amnesty International Zimbabwe follow ZHRO on X/Twitter - you should too. @ZHRO_Zimbabwe

Read more: Amnesty International Zimbabwe Review 2018-2023

Police and ZEC Bias in Zimbabwe - ZHRC

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Written by: Marshall Bwanya with additional commentary by ZHRO

Published: 28 November 2023

Last Updated: 28 November 2023

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Selective and 'passive' {and potentially partisan} reporting by ZHRC makes difficult reading of their Election Report for 2023.

"Some political parties complained of selective application of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) by the Police"

HARARE – A {tainted} report on the August 2023 elections by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) {view it here} has highlighted the menace caused on the controversial poll by notorious Zanu PF affiliated group, Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) as well as alleged bias towards the ruling party by the police and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

What is of even more of concern is the 'undemocratic' imposition of laws, and Judicial Judgments, by the regime {Zanu PF} in furtherance of their ambition for a one-party State, a pure Dictatorship!

Whilst Reporting on Irregularities

In its post-election report, ZHRC also highlighted complaints which were directed at traditional leaders for intimidating voters on behalf of Zanu PF.

• “In some communities, there were allegations that some people were being forced by their community leaders and FAZ members to attend certain political rallies,” said the commission.
• “These complaints were received from both rural and urban communities of the following areas: Bikita, Zaka, Chipinge, Buhera, Mangwe, Hopley, Chitungwiza, Mutoko, Hurungwe, Rushinga, Vungu, Umguza, Gokwe, Binga- amongst other communities.
• “Some political parties complained of selective application of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) by the Police.
• “This selective application of MOPA resulted in these parties resorting to night and door to door campaigns but still people feared associating with them.
• "The environment preceding the 2023 Harmonised elections was generally peaceful and calm. Despite the foregoing, ZHRC continued to receive cases of violation of civil and political rights, including, intimidation, coercion and threats among others. Such incidents allegedly instilled fear in some of the electorate thereby infringing on the political rights guaranteed in the Constitution."
• “CCC complained that in Bindura, they were denied clearance to conduct campaign rallies, although the party insisted that their notifications conformed to the MOPA guidelines.
• “Stakeholders reported cases of intimidation, violence, and forced gatherings by some parties, often facilitated by FAZ and ZHT in areas like Chipinge, Harare South, Bikita West, and Chiredzi West.
• “Similar sentiments were echoed by some business communities who alleged that in some occasions, they were forced to close their businesses or donate goods and services at political gatherings, a violation of Section 58 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.”

The August 23-24 plebiscite was discredited by the SADC, EU and AU election observer missions, which stated in their reports poll that saw incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa keep his job fell short of meeting regional and international election guidelines governing the holding of credible polls.

ZHRC Failed to mention these into their "Very Brief Conclusions"

The commission noted cyber-based advocacy group, Team Pachedu “had significant influence in the electoral processes.” - But the ZHRC failed to mention that these were POSITIVE influences!

Despite acknowledging massive irregularities, the government funded commission concluded the poll, described as a national disgrace by the opposition, met the country’s constitutional provisions. - This in itself is patently untrue and a statement made with partisan "influence" by their sponsors. The Constitution WAS NOT upheld!

In addition, partisan claims of violence by CCC Opposition was included without question as to Authenticity.

ZHRC Full Conclusion at their Item No.6 is quoted IN FULL here: Make of this what you will!!

""The 2023 Harmonised elections were conducted in line with the law starting with the Proclamation, Nomination Court, Polling and Announcement of results. ZHRC commends ZEC for conducting voter education exercise across the country which made the electorate appreciate the voting process. The ZHRC notes that despite the logistical challenges that included delay in the delivery of ballot papers, voters roll and other election material, voting went on for a prescribed 12 hour period allowing people to exercise their right to vote.""

That's all there is! Hard to imagine that this is all - Question from ZHRO: "What were they {ZHRC} told to remove from these conclusions and by whom?"

Read more: Police and ZEC Bias in Zimbabwe - ZHRC

Job Sikhala's Resilience

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Written by: Chido Shamu

Published: 24 November 2023

Last Updated: 05 February 2024

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In the heart of Zimbabwe, within the formidable walls of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, lies a tale of unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit. Job Sikhala, a former Member of Parliament for the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and a renowned activist, has become the embodiment of resistance and hope in the face of extreme adversity. Arrested in June 2022, Sikhala’s 18-month incarceration has unveiled a harrowing yet inspiring journey, one that he recently shared in an open letter, providing a glimpse into his life in what he describes as a “dark solitary dungeon.”

Sikhala’s cell, a place where the sun rarely penetrates, is a constant battle against suffocating darkness, intense heat, and relentless mosquito attacks. Yet, in this oppressive environment, Sikhala’s resolve remains unshaken. This unbreakable spirit is a product of a life marred by hardship but also a testament to his upbringing and unyielding commitment to fighting against oppression.

Reflecting on his past, Sikhala recounts the days of poverty and hunger that shaped his early life. His childhood was a daily struggle for survival, marked by laborious work in fields and perilous journeys to school. These experiences, harsh as they were, forged in him a resilience that now sustains him through the mental and physical challenges of his imprisonment. Sikhala’s current ordeal in prison is not just a test of his endurance but also a continuation of a lifelong battle against adversity.

Sikhala’s story transcends the personal; it is a narrative that resonates with the broader issues of political repression and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. His journey from a challenging childhood to his current status as a political prisoner highlights his steadfast dedication to social justice and the plight of the underprivileged. Sikhala’s experiences in Chikurubi are not just about surviving the unbearable conditions of his confinement; they are about his unwavering commitment to the ideals he has long championed.

His 18 months behind bars have been a testament to his mental fortitude. Despite the severe conditions, Sikhala has not wavered in his determination to overcome the strategies employed by his persecutors to break his spirit.

His resilience in the face of such adversity is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive even under the most challenging circumstances.

Sikhala’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. His endurance, forged in the fires of his childhood hardships, now shines as a beacon of hope and resistance against the backdrop of political oppression. As he continues to face each day in Chikurubi, his story is not just about survival; it is a powerful statement about the unyielding human spirit and the relentless pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, Job Sikhala’s experience in Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison is more than a tale of survival; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. His life story, marked by hardship and an unbreakable will, serves as an inspiration and a stark reminder of the struggles faced by those fighting for justice and democracy in Zimbabwe. As Sikhala continues his journey in the confines of his cell, his spirit remains unbroken, echoing the resilience and hope of countless others who stand against oppression.

Source: Chido Shamu