NOT CELEBRATING “INDEPENDENCE” IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE - by South Branch of UK Chapter

 18th April 2024

The Zimbabwean political arena is decorated with violence from the ruling party, ZANU PF, directed against any opposition. ZANU PF feels threatened by the much-loved Nelson Chamisa and knows they don't stand any chance of winning in any free and fair election. As a result, they resort to violence, beating up, torturing and hounding anyone who stands up to support the people's choice, Chamisa.

Zimbabwe has seen opposition party members, activists and any vocal members of society beaten up and left for dead, abducted and tortured, thrown into prison, and some even killed only because they expressed their views about the oppressive ruling regime.

Zimbabweans are resilient and will not be silenced.

We continue fighting, and we will certainly see "true independence" in the near future.

By South Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe

WHAT INDEPENDENCE WHEN THERE IS NO DEMOCRACY – By Chipo Komboni

18th April 2024

In Zimbabwe, democracy is non-existent. It's just an imagination like the new Zimbabwean currency, the so-called ZIG, which Vene are saying is equivalent to 1 US dollar to 13 ZIG when it is just another way of creating an opportunity for ZANU-PF leadership to loot.

Until there is democracy in Zimbabwe, I am not celebrating “Independence”.

 

About the author

Chipo Komboni is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted by email at chipokomboni1984@gmal.com

Why Zimbabwe is still not independent? - By: Xoliso Sithole

 17 April 2024

Why Zimbabwe is still not independent?

Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule on April 18, 1980. The country's independence was achieved after a long struggle for liberation led by various political movements and figures, including Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo.

After gaining independence, Zimbabwe faced various challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and social issues. In recent years, Zimbabwe has faced significant political and economic challenges, including allegations of election irregularities, human rights abuses, corruption, and a struggling economy.

In just about twenty years, Zimbabwe has gone from being a wealthy nation to a failed state. A prime example of what happens when a party abuses its power and continues to rule the country.

Under President Emmerson Mnangagwa leadership there has been a disregard for human rights, a breakdown of the rule of law, social and economic chaos. The voices of the Zimbabwean citizens are supressed by the government.

#ZimbabweIsNotIndependent

Author:  Xoliso Sithole is a human rights activist in our North branch of  Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. 

ROHR ZIMBABWE STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF NINE VILLAGERS FOR BOOING AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA AT WATSOMBA BUSINESS CENTRE

 14^th April 2024

We strongly condemn the arrest of 9 villagers at Watsomba business centre in Manicaland for booing Auxillia Mnangagwa on Wednesday, 10th April 2024. The Mnangagwas and any politician, for that matter, are not beyond reproach.

According to section 63 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 19 of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights instruments, people have the right to freedom of expression.

The nine, Nester Chatiwana, Panashe Machekanzondo, Winnet Sithole, Maria Choto, Esnath Choto, Ellen Rujuwa, Faith Chidhakwa, Patience Matasva and Joyce Mashingaidza are victims of a paranoid and rabid regime which will stop at nothing to hold on to power at the expense of the welfare of citizens.

We urge the government of Zimbabwe to stop the persecution of citizens for simply expressing themselves, to open up the democratic space and to focus on creating an environment that promotes the welfare of citizens.

End