Political Violence Escalates in Zimbabwe Amidst Zanu PF’s 2030 Agenda

Zimbabwe is witnessing an increase in political violence linked to the Zanu PF party’s push to extend President Mnangagwa’s term. The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported 117 human rights violations affecting 7,292 individuals in February. These abuses include threats, assaults, and coercion into political meetings, highlighting the dire need for enhanced human rights protections and government accountability.

Zimbabwe is currently facing an alarming rise in political violence, largely attributed to the ruling Zanu PF party’s ambition to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond the year 2028. According to a recent report from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), there were 117 documented human rights violations in February alone, impacting 7,292 individuals across the country.

The reported incidents encompass a range of abuses, including threats of violence, politically motivated assaults, inequitable food aid distribution, and limitations on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. A significant number of the culprits are associated with the ruling party, local governmental authorities, and traditional leaders.

The ZPP’s report specifies that among the victims in February were 4,064 women, including 94 with disabilities, and 3,228 men, of whom 77 were also disabled. Furthermore, it has been reported that community members have been coerced into attending political meetings under the guise of public food aid distributions to promote the party’s 2030 agenda.

There is also a growing incidence of intra-party violence within Zanu PF, highlighted by altercations at meetings over the ‘2030 agenda.’ For instance, two groups clashed in Kadoma, and violence erupted in Epworth where CCC members were assaulted by Zanu PF supporters for their opposition to the presidential term extension, including being attacked with metal rods and having their mobile phones confiscated.

In response to this escalating situation, the ZPP has urged the government and judicial systems to reinforce the rule of law and to prioritize human rights protection. Additionally, the ZPP has called upon the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to develop and implement effective mechanisms aimed at investigating and prosecuting these violations.

In summary, Zimbabwe is experiencing a significant rise in political violence associated with the ruling Zanu PF party’s goals for extending presidential terms. The latest ZPP report shines a light on the issue, documenting thousands of victims subjected to various human rights abuses. The urgent need for intervention by the government and judicial bodies to safeguard human rights has been emphasized, along with a plea for the establishment of proper investigative mechanisms.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com