From Promise to Peril
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- Written by: Patsen Nkomo
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Zimbabwe: From Promise to Peril
The Human Rights Crisis Under Mnangagwa
When President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga toppled Robert Mugabe in November 2017, they promised Zimbabweans a new dawn. They claimed they wanted to rid the country of the corrupt thugs who had surrounded the aging dictator and restore Zimbabwe to prosperity. Seven years later, that promise has proven hollow. Nothing has fundamentally changed – Mnangagwa has simply replaced Mugabe's corrupt network with his own.
The Continuation of Corruption
The international community has taken notice of Zimbabwe's continued descent into corruption under Mnangagwa's leadership. In March 2024, the United States imposed targeted sanctions on President Mnangagwa himself, along with his wife and other senior officials, citing their involvement in corruption and serious human rights abuses. The U.S. Treasury Department specifically accused Mnangagwa of protecting gold and diamond smuggling networks, directing government officials to facilitate illicit sales, and taking bribes in exchange for his services.
The names of Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei have become synonymous with the kind of crony capitalism that has flourished under Mnangagwa's rule. These individuals, with their ostentatious displays of wealth, represent a system where political connections matter more than merit or legality. According to investigative reports, Tagwirei received treasury bills at favourable exchange rates while running the Command Agriculture program, epitomizing the kind of corruption that has become endemic under the current administration.
Infrastructure in Ruins
The evidence of this corruption is visible everywhere in Zimbabwe's crumbling infrastructure. The state of the country's roads tells a story of neglect and misplaced priorities. While billions of dollars disappear through corrupt deals, ordinary Zimbabweans struggle with impassable roads that hamper economic activity and isolate communities. The deterioration of basic infrastructure reflects a government more concerned with enriching its allies than serving its people.
24th May 2025 - Africa Day Petition
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- Written by: ZHRO and the Petitioners
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In Recognition of AFRICA DAY - Sunday 25th MAY 2025: Updated
Today (Saturday 24th May 2025) we presented our Petition to the UK PM at Number 10 Downing Street at 14:00. This had been arranged (3 weeks ago) with the DSLO (Downing Street Liaison Office Police Unit). In addition, a copy will be e-mailed to the Zimbabwe Desk within the FCDO located in King Charles Street (Accessable via the arch opposite the front door to 10 Downing Street!)
6 Activists were cleared to enter the gates of Downing Street to handover at that 'famous' front door - with a letter box inscribed with the words "First Lord of the Treasury"Note However, due to train delays and other emergecies only 3.5 (three and one half!) entered the famous courtyard at Number 10!!
This article became 'LIVE' at 14:30 as planned, after we physically delivered the written petition, and the wriiten document can be read or downloaded at this LINK - Click Here to Read/Download
We have done this many times before as can be seen on this link to our summary of the last 33 months of activism and demonstrations 16 Events Not Out - as a nod to Zimbabwe's cricket team at Trent Bridge (May 22nd to Africa Day - 25th May 2025)
Diana Machingauta, Vengai Mutsawu, Tatenda Changambika, Tawanda Matangambiri, Mollin Muteto and Happiness Ncube, will be delivering the Petition to the Offices within 10 Downing Street. Tawanda will be filming the video log of the hand over and comments from all the petitioners about Africa Day, and how Zimbabwe is NOT an ideal representative of the real potential within the Continent!
However things did not go to plan - Tawanda, and Mollin got caught up in the train chaos today so could not arrive in time for the ID Checks at the Gates to Downing Street - they were only 10 minutes late - but the police are VERY strict! Very Strict indeed. Tatenda and Vengai both had family emergencies to contend with. So it was left to myself to take up one place plus Happiness's young daughter to fill in! - See the photo log.
Twitter Accusations - an Analysis
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- Written by: AI, @Chivhu4lyfe and John Burke
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The X post by Anesu (@Chivhu4lyfe) CLICK HERE for Original
On March 31, 2025, @Chivhu4lyfe accuses 34 individuals of being part of "ED's Grand Looting Mafia" and "Political Criminals," collectively referred to as "Zvigananda" (Shona for "thieves"). These individuals are blamed for Zimbabwe's economic collapse, healthcare crisis, and overall governance/administration failures.
The post ties into the broader context of the March 31, 2025, protests in Harare, where citizens expressed frustration over corruption, economic hardship, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa's potential term extension to 2030, which many view as a violation of the constitution. Below is an analysis of the named individuals, their roles, and their ties to Mnangagwa, based on the provided data and broader context.
Context of the Post and Protests
The post reflects deep public discontent in Zimbabwe, a country grappling with economic decline, hyperinflation, and a failing healthcare system. The term "Zvigananda" underscores the perception of systemic corruption, where a small elite is accused of plundering national resources while the majority suffer. The protests on March 31, 2025, were part of a national shutdown, with demonstrators opposing Mnangagwa’s rumored plan to extend his presidency beyond his constitutional two-term limit (ending in 2028). This unrest is further fueled by internal ZANU-PF factionalism, particularly between Mnangagwa’s camp and supporters of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, as highlighted by war veteran Blessed Geza’s resistance movement (M31).
Mnangagwa, who came to power in a 2017 coup against Robert Mugabe, has been accused of consolidating power through patronage networks, rewarding loyalists with key positions and economic opportunities while sidelining rivals. The individuals listed in the post are seen as part of this network, benefiting from their proximity to Mnangagwa while allegedly engaging in corrupt practices.
London vs Harare 31st March 2025
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- Written by: John Burke
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Harare, Still Conflicting
Given the date, March 31, 2025, and the context of Harare, Zimbabwe, there are several conflicting messages and developments that make predicting today’s events challenging but possible to assess based on available information. Let’s break this down systematically.
Context and Conflicting Messages
There are reports of significant political tension in Harare leading up to today. A planned demonstration, described by some as an "uprising," has been called for by Blessed Geza, an exiled military veteran, demanding the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This stems from allegations of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement, with some war veterans and political elites reportedly backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as a potential successor. The ruling ZANU-PF party, however, has dismissed these calls as "delusional rumblings" and vowed that no protests will occur, with the government taking pre-emptive measures like dismissing a senior general and increasing security.
On the other hand, recent arson attacks in Harare and Goromonzi, confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, have heightened tensions, with some linking these incidents to the upcoming protests. Posts on X reflect public concern, with warnings to avoid Harare’s CBD due to expected heavy police presence, a weapons ban, and potential violence. Some speculate that clashes could erupt if crowds grow, while others believe the protests might fizzle out due to government crackdowns, with Geza’s allies potentially being arrested.
Additionally, there are unrelated but concurrent developments in Zimbabwe, such as the Chinese embassy’s donations of Boer goats and boreholes, a cholera outbreak, and economic struggles (e.g., civil servants moonlighting as vendors due to low salaries). These highlight the broader socio-economic challenges that might fuel public discontent but don’t directly predict today’s events.
Analysis of Likely Scenarios
- Protest Activity and Government Response:
- The planned demonstration is a focal point. Given the government’s pre-emptive actions—dismissing a senior general, increasing security, and issuing warnings—it’s likely that Harare will see a heavy police and possibly military presence today, especially in the CBD. The weapons ban suggests authorities are preparing for potential unrest.
- However, the scale of the protests is uncertain. Some sources, like independent political analyst Elton Ziki, suggest that the "temperature" isn’t as high as it was during the 2017 coup against Robert Mugabe, implying that public turnout might be limited. The arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga and the crackdown on dissent (e.g., activists being tortured before a regional summit last year) indicate the government’s willingness to suppress opposition, which could deter large crowds.
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