International Day of Democracy -By Tendai Christian Mapfumo

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY BY TENDAI CHRISTIAN MAPFUMO

“No one is born a good citizen, and no nation is born a democracy. Both are processes that evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth.” – Kofi Annan

International Democracy Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law. It is a day to ensure accountable institutions and to protect and promote human rights. As we commemorate this day, we must reflect on the vital role democracy plays in shaping a brighter future for the people of Zimbabwe and the world at large. Democracy champions human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law, fostering a collective belief in justice and equality.

However, celebrating democracy in many African countries, particularly Zimbabwe, may seem like a fallacy. Democracy has often existed merely as a concept rather than a practice, especially in light of the events that have unfolded since our so-called independence.

Zimbabwe, constitutionally a republic, has been under the grip of an authoritarian government that has not been fairly elected since the 1980s, dominated by former president Robert Mugabe and his ZANU PF regime. Under the rule of Mugabe and the current president, Emerson Mnangagwa, we have witnessed numerous human rights violations. Their regime has harassed, arrested, tortured, and abducted members of non-ZANU PF parties and civil society activists. There is a widespread disregard for the rule of law among security forces and the judiciary, along with severe restrictions on civil society.

ZANU PF has effectively controlled and manipulated the political process, undermining citizens' rights to change their government. Political activists face arbitrary arrests without justification, endure harsh prison conditions, and experience prolonged detention without trial.

Every year, credible reports emerge of politically motivated abductions and attempted abductions. There have been instances where government agents have committed arbitrary or unlawful killings, and police units have organized and participated in political violence, with perpetrators rarely facing punishment.

While the constitution and laws prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention, the government has enacted measures to weaken these protections. Despite legal prohibitions, security forces continue to carry out arbitrary arrests and detain individuals, particularly those perceived to oppose ZANU PF.

So, where is the democracy? Although the citizens of Zimbabwe yearn for genuine democratic governance, we still have a long way to go. Achieving this goal will require unity and a concerted effort to remove Mnangagwa and his ZANU PF regime.

#WeNeedARevolution

#IDofDemocracy

*About the author*

_Tendai Christian Mapfumo is a UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist. He is in the South Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. He can be contacted by emailing christendai52@gmail.com