Zimbabwe is tackling a surge in political violence, driven by the Zanu PF Party’s efforts to expand President Emerson Mnangawa’s term of office beyond 2028, affecting 117 human rights abuses across the country on 7,292 recorded in February alone.
According to the latest Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report, the incidents included threats of violence, politically motivated attacks, the unfair distribution of food aid, and restrictions on freedom of assembly, associations and expression.
The perpetrators are primarily associated with ruling parties, local governments, and traditional leaders.
“Zimbabwe has witnessed a surge in political violence and threats supported by the ruling party’s agenda to expand President Mnangawa’s term beyond 2028.
“In February, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) recorded 117 human rights violations across the country, affecting 7,292 people. The victims included 4,064 women, 94 people with disabilities, and 3,228 men, including 77 people with disabilities,” the report said.
The ZPP also reported that community members are being forced to attend a ruling party meeting disguised as a public gathering for the distribution of food aid, as part of an effort to advance the “2030 Agenda.”
Within Zanu PF, violence within parties is also increasing, causing conflicts at meetings and community gatherings.
“A tough example is the physical altercation in Kadoma’s second district, where two groups of supporters fought on the ‘2030 Agenda’. Similarly, in Epworth, two CCC members were cruelly assaulted by Zanu PF supporters for opposing the extension of their presidential period,” the report added.
“The victim was attacked with a metal rod, injured his face, mouth and head, and his cell phone was confiscated by the assailant.”
The ZPP urged the government and the judiciary to support the rule of law and protect human rights in order to address escalating violence.
He also called on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to establish an effective mechanism for investigating and prosecuting human rights violations.
