ZIMBABWE: HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER ATTACK: A review of Zimbabwe's Human Rights Record 2018 to 2023 - Amnesty International - Zimbabwe
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- Written by: Charles Kanyimo
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Electoral Reforms: Zimbabwe Opposition’s Urgent Priority
Linked HERE to Physical Petition as handed into 10 Downing Street and e-mailed to FCDO
With the ruling ZANU PF party embroiled in internal factional battles, the political scene in Zimbabwe is approaching interesting times. Unfortunately, the opposition is focused on the fallout within ZANU PF while the most urgent issue—electoral reform—is being sidelined. Without fundamental changes to the electoral system, the next election is likely to be another manipulated process that keeps ZANU PF in power against the will of the people, whether it’s Mnangagwa or Chiwenga at the helm.
The 2023 elections once again exposed how the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) operate as an extension of ZANU PF rather than an independent election body. The opposition lost largely because of a compromised voters’ roll, which was never properly audited, making it easy for ghost voters and irregular registrations to benefit the ruling party. Gerrymandering also played a role, with constituency boundaries altered to favor ZANU PF.
State-sponsored voter intimidation was another major factor. The presence of FAZ (Forever Associates Zimbabwe), a ZANU PF-linked group that effectively acted as an extension of the intelligence services, created a climate of fear at polling stations. Many rural voters were subjected to assisted voting, where they were pressured into casting ballots for the ruling party. Reports of ballot stuffing and vote tampering were ignored by ZEC, which refused to act on any complaints raised by the opposition.
Despite overwhelming evidence of a rigged process, ZEC declared the elections free and fair, reinforcing the reality that it is not a neutral institution. The opposition must stop treating ZEC as a legitimate electoral body and instead demand its complete disbandment. There is no point in participating in elections run by an institution that is designed to keep ZANU PF in power.
For decades, ZANU PF has blocked meaningful electoral reforms because they know that a free and fair election would likely result in their removal from power. They have refused to allow independent audits of the voters’ roll, manipulated electoral laws to ensure ZEC remains under government control, and used state institutions like the police and judiciary to suppress opposition campaigns and protests. ZANU PF party has also relied on intimidation and violence to discourage voter participation, particularly in rural areas where they enforce their control through traditional leaders.
Their resistance to reform is an admission that they cannot win a democratic election without rigging. This is why the opposition must stop getting distracted by ZANU PF’s internal conflicts and instead focus on mobilizing for electoral reforms. The real fight is not about who takes over within ZANU PF—it is about ensuring that the electoral system no longer allows them to manipulate elections.
ZANU PF has been pushing for Zimbabwe’s re-admission into the Commonwealth, hoping to regain unlikely international legitimacy. However, the Commonwealth must not grant Zimbabwe this privilege without concrete electoral reforms. Re-admitting Zimbabwe without fixing its deeply flawed electoral system would be a betrayal of democratic values.
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- Written by: John Burke
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Although the regime stooges are claiming "it's just a 'drill" - it looks like a power play mark 2. In November 2017 the regime staged the removal of Mugabe and the replacement by his henchman, Mnangagwa. Are we seeing any simalrities today with these armoured vehicles moving in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe?
Initial indications do not seem favourable. Despite curious posts by the regime apologists.
Twitter is alive with video and photos
"" Zimbabwe—This morning, residents of Harare woke up to the startling sight of military tanks rolling through the city’s streets. The display of military force comes amidst a backdrop of internal squabbles within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). The power struggle within the party has led to heightened tensions and uncertainty throughout the nation.""
""Sources within ZANU-PF report that factionalism and disagreements over leadership and policy directions have reached a boiling point. The internal discord has been brewing for months, with various factions vying for control and influence. The arrival of military tanks in the capital city has raised concerns about the potential for escalation and violence.""
""The internal disputes are not only confined to the ruling party but have also permeated the nation at large. One of the key points of contention is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s desire to extend his term unconstitutionally to 2030. This ambition has been met with significant opposition within ZANU-PF and among the general populace.""
""Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s plan to extend his rule is a blatant disregard for the constitution and democratic principles. They contend that the focus on maintaining power detracts from addressing pressing domestic issues such as economic instability, unemployment, and corruption. The unpopularity of Mnangagwa’s agenda has further fueled the discontent within ZANU-PF, as factions debate the best course of action for the country’s future."" SOURCE CCC Southend, UK
""Unfortunately any outcome that maintains ZANU PF as the center of power will not change the people's disillusionment with our troubled post-independence experience. In Shona we say "Makudo ndemamwe" which simply means baboons are the same. It's pointless replacing one baboon with another. An exercise in futility. The problem is ZANU PF of which the military is actually an appendage. Our real solution should come from external military intervention. We need a regional or international force to strongarm ZANU PF out of power. Few internal remedies can work against the fascist regime in Harare."" Another Harare SOURCE
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- Written by: Charles Kanyimo
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ZIMBABWE finds itself at yet another critical crossroads. See Article on Newsday {Click Here} Check Out Charles Kanyimo on Twitter/X
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is manoeuvring to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limit, aiming to remain in power until 2030. With a big portion of his own party against it, this move echoes the failed attempt by Grace Mugabe to seize control prior to the 2017 military intervention. Just as Grace’s ambitions caused political instability, Mnangagwa’s efforts risk further destabilising both ZANU-PF and the country, reigniting fears of authoritarian rule. {see additional Articles - CLICK HERE}
Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, the government is attempting to override the country’s constitution, which was carefully crafted to ensure peaceful political transitions. This bold, audacious push is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law, further entrenching corruption and misrule. For a nation already grappling with economic collapse, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty, this move is a betrayal of the hopes Zimbabweans had for a brighter future. {in addition ZAPU President M S Nkomo has made his Party's Position clear in their article and a Press Conference CLICK HERE to read}
Prominent journalist and activist Hopewell Chin’ono has been one of the loudest voices condemning this unconstitutional effort. He has called the plan “a clear assault on the democratic aspirations of Zimbabweans,” describing Mnangagwa’s government as;
“a personal fiefdom, ruled by a corrupt mafia.”
These charges are not unfounded. Under Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe’s government has become synonymous with looting, nepotism, and harsh repression. The president and his inner circle—his family included—have enriched themselves by plundering the nation’s resources, while ordinary Zimbabweans struggle daily. The push to amend the constitution is not about governance or national stability, but rather about consolidating power and continuing the systematic looting of the country’s wealth.
When Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after the coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, many Zimbabweans were hopeful. They believed a new era of reform, economic revival, and democracy had arrived. But nearly eight years into his presidency, it is clear that Mnangagwa’s government is no different—if not worse—than the one it replaced.
The 2013 constitution, which was adopted following a national referendum, represents one of Zimbabwe’s most significant democratic milestones. It limits the presidency to two five-year terms, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. Yet, Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule until 2030 would turn the constitution into an instrument of oppression, instead of a safeguard of democracy.
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- Written by: M S Nkomo, Chief F Ndiweni and J C Burke
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Thursday, Genocide Petition to the Prime Minister!
On 5th December 2024 we congregated outside the newly "secured" Zimbabwe Embassy - they have got some grim looking metal security gated fabrications at the side and front entrances - to make the Embassy even less friendly or appealing to the Zimbabwean Diaspora - security concerns or Guilt? - we have to ask why these new gates - {photo on Flickr - click to see for yourself SIDE DOOR - 429 CORNER DOOR }.
True to form the guilty inside locked their doors - simply as we were there. Indeed they sent out a CIO to sit in his new BMW X6 to "observe us" - so we took their photos too - again on our Flickr Album of the day. {CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DAYS PHOTO ALBUM} Please note that due to technical constraints, the videos recorded today will take some considerable time to be 'compressed' in order to be displayed upon our Flickr Platform - so expect videos to be appearing by the weekend please.
We took some more photos with our "Zanu PF Must Go" banner and by 13:30 we sidled off towards Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall. by 13:45 we were arranged opposite Downing Street - under the gaze of "Monty" at his commemorative statue. By the time we have said our hellos to the new supporters opposite Downing Street it was time to present our band of 6 petitioners to the Diplomatic Police Unit in control of Downing Street. Ronald T Mutumbi, was due to be the Organiser of the 6 of us today - but had unexpected problems with travel on the day - such a pity.
So we 6 lined up at the solid security gates {making the Zimbabwean Embassy gates looking a little flimsy!} at the entrance to Downing Street. Our Police Diplomatic Unit Escort - was a friendly as any tourist guide - calling us in by our first names! As some may know within those gates we have to go through Air Port Quality X-Ray machines to check all our bags, mobile phones or any metal objects.
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- Written by: Basil Kamombe With Amnesty International & Job Sikhala
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SADC Region Faces Instability Under Mnangagwa’s Chairmanship
With the release of a hit list earlier this week, it is evident how compromised the entire SADC region has become under Mnangagwa’s leadership. As chairman, Mnangagwa is causing unprecedented instability, both domestically and regionally. His constant campaigning, whether at home or abroad, has led to significant unrest. For instance, the recent elections in Mozambique were marred by irregularities, prompting widespread protests against the alleged rigging. Amnesty International have written as much on 6th November {see below and full article at the web link}
Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march
"Ahead of a major opposition march planned for 7 November in Maputo following disputed elections, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must halt its violent and widespread crackdown on human rights and respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International said."
"The crisis in Mozambique is the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. Police have killed more than 20 people and injured or arrested hundreds more, according to civil society. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. Authorities say protesters killed at least one police officer."
"“The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force. The number of casualties increases every day, with authorities deploying weapons of war, including rifles and armoured vehicles, on city streets. People cannot even protest in their own homes without risking tear gassing by police,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa."
His interference is also evident in Botswana, where his influence is causing further disruption.
Job Sikhala write on Twitter {Link to Twitter Post Here}
"ZANU PF has become a regional cancer. Addressing a rally recently in Botswana, President Ian Khama said ZANU PF has sent its agents to rig the forthcoming elections in Botswana to be held on the 30th of October 2024 for Masisi.
He says the same ZANU PF party has been involved in the rigging of the recent elections in Mozambique. He also points out the party's nocturnal involvement in the SA elections held in May this year. As Zimbabweans, we are being risked to be hated everywhere in the region because of a stinking party that loves to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.
They are the loudest to cry against interference in the domestic affairs of our own country but found practising exactly the same in other nations. The rigging cancer has been spread throughout the region. Everyone is crying against the activities of ZANU PF. They must not create problems for our people living in those countries through their activities in the region. They are no different from those countries sponsoring terrorism in other regions!!!
Mnangagwa’s relentless pursuit of an unconditional presidency by 2030 is leaving a trail of destruction. The international community must be made aware of the constitutional injustices occurring in Zimbabwe and the broader instability he is fostering in the region. Mnangagwa’s obsession with power is dangerous, and he must be stopped before he causes irreparable harm to the entire region.
As a last question: What were SADC thinking when they {passiviely} handed the Chairmanship to Mnangagwa {The drama of that handover is reported here- CLICK LINK} especially in regards to the blatant rigging of the Zimbabwe Elections on 23rd August 2023 as documented by SADC's own team?
- Liberation was Hijacked
- Ghost of Zimbabwean Gold
- Member Perspectives 13th Dec 2023
- Amnesty International Zimbabwe Review 2018-2023
- Police and ZEC Bias in Zimbabwe - ZHRC
- Job Sikhala's Resilience
- Tendai Biti - STATEMENT
- Cholera and Typhoid
- Election Fraud Zimbabwe - Observers Statements
- Your Right to Vote Zimbabwe
- Something Rotten in the State (of Zimbabwe)
- Gold Mafia - More Fallout
- Zimbabwe has no President
- Gold Mafia Protest in SA
- Jo'Burg ZIP Pressure SA Gov
- Gold Mafia Consequences
Subcategories
Sanitation Article Count: 3
"The current water and sanitation situation in Zimbabwe faces many challenges around capacity, behaviours and the lack of investment in these sectors during and after the economic crisis of the last decade. Access to clean water is a basic right that is important for the survival of humanity yet it can be one of the hardest resources to attain." UNICEF.ORG