Political Manipulation in Zimbabwe: A Human Rights Crisis Deepens

A fresh wave of human rights violations is sweeping through Zimbabwe, with political party activists playing a central role. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has revealed alarming statistics in its latest report, indicating that political party activists were responsible for a staggering 40% of the recorded human rights abuses between July and September 2024. The violations span various regions, reflecting a dire situation for the most vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.

ZimRights identified that access to basic services such as food, water, and healthcare is often manipulated for political gain. Activists, predominantly from Zanu PF, have reportedly leveraged these essential resources to coerce villagers into political allegiance, forcing attendance at party meetings or requiring the purchase of party membership cards. Such acts, the report reveals, have been most prevalent in rural areas like Mazowe and Chivi, where residents have faced severe restrictions unless they align with the ruling party.

This deliberate manipulation of resources not only creates a hostile environment but also places undue pressure on families already struggling with economic hardship. Communities that refuse to show political loyalty are left stranded without access to vital services, adding to the unbearable strain on their daily lives.

The scale of the abuses is most acute in regions such as Harare, Manicaland, and Mashonaland Central, where political violence and forced displacements are rampant. The denial of access to food and clean water has emerged as a key instrument for political intimidation. This pattern of abuse violates both Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international human rights norms, further eroding the fragile state of democracy in the country.

The report highlights disturbing accounts of forced attendance at rallies, with threats of violence looming for those who resist. In Guruve, for example, Zanu PF activists reportedly threatened villagers with violence if they refused to join party cell groups. In another shocking case, residents in Mazowe were pressured to attend rallies promoting the extension of President Mnangagwa’s term, despite constitutional term limits.

The misuse of resources for political control is compounded by broader institutional failures. Local councils, responsible for 30% of reported violations, have restricted access to clean water in urban areas, worsening the living conditions for millions. Harare and Chitungwiza, in particular, have seen widespread water shortages, with the decommissioning of key water treatment facilities leaving many residents without running water for months.

ZimRights’ national director, Dzikamai Bere, has voiced deep concern over the rising number of violations. Bere emphasized the gravity of using food and water as political weapons, labeling the situation as unprecedented in scale. He called for immediate action to address these systemic abuses, urging for the depoliticization of essential services to ensure fair and equitable access for all Zimbabweans.

The response from the ruling Zanu PF has been dismissive. Farai Marapira, the party’s director of information, brushed aside the ZimRights report, accusing the organization of being politically biased. Marapira’s statements, however, have done little to counter the growing evidence of human rights violations documented across the country.

In addition to political coercion, the report sheds light on a disturbing pattern of unjustified arrests, torture, and degrading treatment by state security forces. These forces, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police and intelligence agencies, were responsible for 15% of the violations recorded. Arrests have often been arbitrary, with human rights defenders and opposition figures among the primary targets.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, has condemned the ruling party’s actions. Promise Mkwanazi, a CCC spokesperson, pointed to the systematic targeting of Nelson Chamisa’s supporters as part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition. He stressed that the violation of human rights reflects an intentional campaign to decimate the political base of the CCC.

Forced displacement has emerged as another grave issue in the country. The report found that 20% of the incidents involved forced removals, with vulnerable communities often bearing the brunt of these actions. In Hurungwe, for instance, villagers were evicted to make way for a Chinese-operated cement plant, with no prior consultation or compensation, sparking outrage among local communities.

ZimRights has called for independent investigative bodies to be established to examine these abuses and hold perpetrators accountable. The movement has also called for a depoliticized approach to social services, ensuring that access to food, water, and healthcare is determined by need, not political affiliation.

The report paints a bleak picture of Zimbabwe’s political landscape, where fear and coercion are becoming entrenched in everyday life. Urgent reforms are needed to restore the integrity of essential services and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

The Zim Bulletin