Human rights activists are urging a national dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis that arose from the disputed elections held on August 23 to 24, 2023. They believe that relying on regional organisations like the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) for intervention might be difficult.
Karen Mukwasi, a human rights activist, called for a united citizens’ movement to address the challenges faced by Zimbabwe in these difficult times. Speaking during an X-space hosted by the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, Mukwasi said:
<blockquote>
There is a serious crisis. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has failed to protect itself. We see so many recalls and as citizens, we are not happy. The crisis that we have right now affects human beings, we stand for human beings. We have to start engaging at the local level. As citizens we are not going to sit back and see all these recalls.
</blockquote>
Reverend Wilfred Dimingo, the general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, expressed the importance of engaging in political dialogue. He acknowledged the current situation after the recent elections, where the results have been disputed. Dimingo highlighted the challenges faced and emphasized that the church still believes in the possibility of finding solutions through dialogue. Dimingo said:
<blockquote>
SADC will just come to support us but will not initiate a dialogue, so it’s our duty to ensure that we sit down as a country and come up with a solution.
</blockquote>
Fortune Kuhudzehwe, the national coordinator of the National Transitional Justice Working Group, expressed that Zimbabwe is currently facing a critical moment. Kuhudzehwe highlighted that the entire country, as well as the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc), is being tested. There is a concern about politicians who perceive themselves as the sole owners of the country, leading to a rise in human rights abuses. 
Fambai Ngarande, the coordinator of the Southern African People Solidarity Network, emphasized that elections alone are not enough to resolve the current challenges in Zimbabwe. Ngarande highlighted the widespread suffering experienced by the people and the concentration of power within the political elite. The concerns raised include the lack of concern for the well-being of citizens and the prevalence of corruption, as evidenced by the Mutapa Fund issue.
Activist Ngqabutho Mabhena suggested utilizing the national working people’s convention approach for conducting dialogue. Mabhena stressed the significance of reverting to the 1990 working people’s conventions to address the current challenges effectively. Without this, the problems faced will persist indefinitely.
Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the CCC, refused to accept the election results, alleging that they were manipulated. Independent election observers also raised concerns, stating that the polls did not meet the criteria for being considered credible and fair according to local, regional, and international guidelines.
SADC has advised that parties who feel aggrieved should seek resolution through domestic legal channels.
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Human Rights Activists Call For Dialogue To Resolve Zimbabwe's Post-Election Political Crisis

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has called upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take decisive action in resolving the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe. The CiZC expressed concern over the disputed results of the 23-24 August 2023 harmonised elections and emphasised the negative impact it has had on the region.
During an online discussion titled “Zimbabwe’s Post-Election Legitimacy and Way Forward,” the CiZC concluded that it is crucial for SADC to play an active role in holding the Zimbabwean government and its institutions accountable. They stressed the importance of a dialogue process facilitated by SADC that includes all stakeholders, including civil society and the church, to address the issue of disputed elections.
The CiZC urged SADC to push for transparency and credibility in elections within the region, based on the report from the SADC electoral observer mission. CiZC said:
<blockquote>
There is widespread concurrence that it is in the best interest of Sadc to act boldly in finding a lasting solution to the Zimbabwean crisis which continues to have ramifications across the region.
Sadc-facilitated all stakeholders’ dialogue process is imperative to help cure the scourge of disputed elections in Zimbabwe. The dialogue process must in no way be a political pact and in this regard, the role of civil society and other stakeholders that include the church, is critical.
Based on the Zimbabwean crisis post the 2023 elections, Sadc needs to stamp authority and push for transparency and credibility on elections within the region.
</blockquote>
The opposition Citizens Coalitions for Change has been actively advocating for fresh elections and has sought support from both the region and the African Union in their efforts. The CCC led by Nelson Chamisa wants the elections supervised by an impartial body like SADC, the African Union or the United Nations instead of the perceived biased Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
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CiZC Urges SADC To Act Decisively In Resolving The Ongoing Crisis In Zimbabwe

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure/">Obert Masaraure</a>, the spokesperson for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), says the sharp decline of the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) could be disastrous for rural communities, as they lack financial literacy.
Masaraure who is also the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said many people in rural areas depend on savings from farming produce to survive, and with the ongoing devaluation of the ZWL, they are at risk of becoming impoverished.
He said the lack of financial knowledge among rural communities also makes them vulnerable to inflation and price fluctuations. The rising food prices ahead of the elections have made matters worse for the rural population. He said:
<blockquote>
People in rural areas survive on savings from farming produce. With the continuous ZWL devaluation, the rural community will be rendered impoverished. 
Rural communities are unable to make informed decisions to hedge their savings from the marauding inflation, which leaves them more vulnerable. They are not informed about the value of the ZWL against the greenback and some are selling wares at a loss.
</blockquote>
There are concerns <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/010/zanu-pf-officials-fear-economic-crisis-may-cost-election-seats/">within the ruling ZANU PF</a> that the state of the economy may have an impact on the outcome of the August 23 harmonised elections. This is particularly worrying since the rural population is the constituency where the party has the majority of its support. 
According to official reports, on June 14, 2023, the exchange rate of the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) to the United States dollar was ZWL$ 5,978. However, by June 20, 2023, the exchange rate had fallen to ZWL$ 6,926.5764 to the dollar. This represents a significant decline in the value of the ZWL against the US dollar within a short period. The depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar is more severe on the black market, where the United States dollar is being sold at around ZWL$ 7,900. 
The rapid devaluation of the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabwean dollar</a> (ZWL$) in recent months has resulted in businesses increasing the prices of their goods and services. This development has affected many Zimbabweans, especially government workers who receive their salaries in the local currency. Despite the significant depreciation of the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabwe dollar</a>, the salaries of government workers have remained relatively unchanged. As a result, the depreciation of the currency has eroded the value of their salaries, leaving them worse off financially. This situation has caused significant concerns among government workers who are struggling to make ends meet due to rising costs of living. 
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Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Warns The Decline Of The ZWL Could Be Disastrous For Rural Areas

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has criticised President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> for labelling some local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “rogue” and “surrogate entities“. Mnangagwa made the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/be-wary-of-rouge-ngos-mnangagwa/">remarks during a speech</a> commemorating Zimbabwe’s 43 years of independence. Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
No voices, foreign or local, inclusive of rogue NGOs, should sow seeds of division and disharmony among us.
</blockquote>
The president’s remarks come as the ruling ZANU PF is trying to pass the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/?s=pvo">Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill</a>, which local NGOs argue will enable the government to interfere in their affairs and restrict their activities. 
In response, CiZC defended the role of NGOs and accused Mnangagwa of trying to shift blame for Zimbabwe’s problems onto them, rather than taking responsibility for the government’s own failures.
A spokesperson for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a>, criticized the President for engaging in a blame game and not acknowledging that the real problem facing the country was the inequality caused by a small group of privileged people looting national resources. He said:
<blockquote>
Massive looting of national wealth revealed in the Gold Mafia documentary and other previous publications is driving inequality.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/?s=gold+mafia">Gold Mafia</a> is a documentary by Al Jazeera that allegedly exposes <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/?s=smuggling">gold smuggling and money laundering</a> within and around Zimbabwe.  <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/gold-mafia-grace-mugabe-accused-of-smuggling-diamonds-and-ivory/">Some prominent government officials</a> were implicated in the multi-million-dollar gold smuggling and money laundering racket.
Masaraure stated that inequality is the main cause of instability because the majority of people who are excluded demand a share of the national wealth that has been taken by a small minority for personal gain. He called on the President, who is accused of being involved in this looting, to revise the government’s economic model to benefit the majority instead of the few. He added that peace and stability will only be possible if national resources are distributed fairly.
Masaraure stated that the President’s comments were linked to his government’s attempts to restrict civil society organizations. He argued that the proposed PVO bill is an effort to silence civil society, which plays an important role in holding those in power accountable.
Masaraure, who is also the president of ARTUZ, vowed that CiZC will continue to fight for good governance, in accordance with the national constitution, regardless of the government’s attempts to restrict their activities.
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CiZC Criticises President Mnangagwa For Labelling NGOs "Rogue"

Local human rights watchdog, Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CiCZ) says Zimbabwe is not ready to hold free, fair and credible elections given the escalating incidents of politically-motivated violence, among other factors.
Cicz national director Blessing Vava said current events do not point to a country ready for fair elections.
He told a South Africa-based radio station recently:
<blockquote>
If you look at the prevailing conditions, they do not point out a country ready for free, fair and credible elections. The violence we have witnessed during the by-elections in areas such as Insiza and the continuous arrest of opposition activists such as Job Sikhala currently languishing in remand prison without trial casts doubt on the credibility of the upcoming elections.
What we are seeing now is a playing field tilted towards the ruling party with the opposition party not being allowed to organise rallies.
</blockquote>
Vava also indicated that the current controversy around the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report was another pointer to the nation’s unpreparedness.
Political violence has been escalating since late 2021 amid concerns that this year’s elections might be bloody as the ruling ZANU PF is “willing to do whatever it takes to retain power.”
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"Zimbabwe Is Not Ready For Free, Fair And Credible Elections" - Human Rights Watchdog

The government reportedly gave ZW$1 000 only as “compensation” to families of the August 1, 2018 army shooting victims, NewsDay Weekender reported.
The amount, given to assist in the burial of those killed by army personnel during the post-election protests over the delayed announcement of presidential election results, translates to less than US$2.
Last week, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) hosted a roundtable discussion to measure progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the commission where families of the deceased victims expressed sadness over their neglect.
Alison Charles, who lost her brother Galvin Dean, could not hold back her tears saying her brother “was killed like a dog”. Alison said in-between tears:
<blockquote>
My brother died like a dog. He was never a violent person. 
I have tried litigation to no avail. The government is untouchable and unapproachable. The only compensation we got from the government was the $1 000 deposited into our accounts to cover some funeral expenses.
It was not even enough at the time as we were assisted by loved ones and friends.
</blockquote>
Maxwell Tauro said he wanted justice to find closure over the killing of his son Charles Tauro. 
He said his “wounds are still fresh” adding that he “can’t even maintain my son’s grave because I have no money. He was our breadwinner.” Tauro added:
<blockquote>
I am also demanding justice. We need to know the perpetrators.
</blockquote>
CiCZ chairperson Peter Mutasa said August 1, 2018, brings sad memories and expressed regret that there is no will on the part of the government to compensate the victims.
<h2>Some Context:</h2>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly beat opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the disputed elections, with the case spilling into the Constitutional Court, where Chamisa lost the challenge.
During the post-election protests the army, using live ammunition, opened fire on fleeing protesters, killing:
<blockquote>
i). Silvia Maphosa, 
ii). Galvin Dean Charles, 
iii). Ishmael Kumire, 
iv). Jealous Chakandira, 
v). Challenge Tauro and 
vi). Brian Zhuwawo.
</blockquote>
Thirty-five others were wounded in the shootings in Harare’s central business district.
The killings attracted the attention of the international community prompting Mnangagwa to appoint a commission of inquiry, headed by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, to investigate the killings.
Among a raft of recommendations, the commission said families of the deceased should be compensated and that perpetrators be held accountable.
Opposition leader Linda Masarira, who testified before the Motlanthe commission, donated five bags of cement to Tauro for his son’s grave.
She said there is no political will to compensate the victims adding that there should be a special fund to compensate the families.
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August 1, 2018 Shootings: "The Only Compensation We Got Was ZW$1 000" - Family Of Victim

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has vowed to hold unannounced protests in the future after the civic group’s efforts to comply with the law by notifying police have been in vain.
CiZC chairperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Peter_Mutasa">Peter Mutasa</a> said this after police last week banned a prayer rally the 75-member alliance had planned for Harare’s Africa Unity Square, which is adjacent to the parliament building.
Police issued a ban on the demonstration citing provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act which prohibited protests within 20 metres of the august house.
Activists had planned to register their concerns as well as petition the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and parliament to act on the resurgence of politically motivated violence and continued harassment of human rights defenders by the State.
ZimLive reports that it was the second time in a month that police have banned a planned protest by the group.
Following the latest ban, CiZC filed a court challenge but the matter had not been set down for determination by the High Court.
Mutasa said the police and High Court’s conduct has frustrated his organisation’s efforts to engage state institutions when planning to conduct peaceful protests in future. He told ZimLive:
<blockquote>
We are heavily concerned about the attitude of the police and the High Court of Zimbabwe.
So, we are seeing a well-coordinated approach by State institutions to stifle and to suspend constitutional rights and this is quite sad.
What this will mean is we are going to be forced to go into the streets without notifying the police and we are also going to disengage discussions with the courts and use civil disobedience in a non-violent manner to disregard unjust laws.
</blockquote>
Mutasa claims police are biased as they have been approving ZANU PF rallies or demonstrations while denying the same rights to civic groups and the opposition.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

CiZC Vows Not To Notify Police About Future Protests

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has criticised the government over the newly gazetted prices for summer produce saying they are too low.
In a statement seen by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/cizc-lashes-robber-government-over-prices-for-summer-produce-warns-that-hunger-set-to-worsen-in-the-country/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, CiZC said the new government prices signify actions of a robber government “whose intent is to rob farmers and peasants of the produce of their swear and hard work”. Further reads the statement:
<blockquote>
In addition, such moves will not only work to drive grain production down, but inherently leave the farmer poorer after each season.
These grains form the staple diet and starch for the majority of Zimbabweans, acting both as a food source and store which are key for national food security.
The newly gazetted producer prices do not make economic sense for the farmer who has to increasingly rely on the private market to obtain inputs timely so as to safeguard and control production.
Statistics show that in June 2022, the price of fertilizers increased by over 71 percent and a 50kg bag of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) fertilizer was costing between US$75 and US$94.00 while a 50kg bag of Compound D fertilizer was costing around US$35.00. In the same month, a 25kg bag of seed maize was costing between $30 000 and $42 000 in local currency and this translates to between US$30.00 to US$42.00.
</blockquote>
<h2>The new floor producer prices were set as follows:</h2>
<blockquote>
a). Maize and traditional – $100 000 per tonne, up from $75 000.
b). Soya beans – $228 660, up from $171,495, 
c). Sunflower – $274,392 a tonne, up from $205 794,52.
</blockquote>
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than five million Zimbabweans are facing hunger and the situation could get worse if farmers withhold their produce over low prices being offered by the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board">Grain Marketing Board (GMB)</a> at low prices.
The GMB has in the past delayed paying farmers, a situation that was undesirable in an inflationary economy. 
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Criticises Govt Over New Producer Prices

The former President of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Peter_Mutasa">Peter Mutasa</a> has said the economic crisis in Zimbabwe was not triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mutasa, who is the chairperson of the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition, said a plummeting local currency and government interventions are all contributing to skyrocketing cost of living in Zimbabwe.
He said the state is choosing to run the economy through propaganda and not economic fundamentals. Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
We can talk about the Ukraine invasion, we can talk about COVID-19, but all those came when we already had a crisis. A big crisis for that matter. So we are a state that is failing, and we are failing in all respects.
So both people, Zimbabweans within the country and those in the diaspora, especially those who are in the diaspora who are the main players in terms of keeping the economy going contributing almost a quarter of our budget through remittances and also covering the state’s failure to provide social protection, they are paying school fees of orphans, paying for medical care for the parents and for extended family.
So everyone is not taking the minister seriously. It is a pity that they want to run the economy through propaganda and not economic fundamentals.
</blockquote>
He speaks after Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube">Mthuli Ncube</a> suggested that there was no crisis in the southern African country. When asked how the government plans to deal with the crisis, Ncube’s response was: “What crisis”?
His response comes when prices of basic commodities have been rising in local shops while some products are disappearing from shelves.
The Zimbabwe dollar is shedding value against the United States dollar and other currencies prompting workers across the board to demand payment of salaries in foreign currency.
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"Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Did Not Trigger The Crisis In Zimbabwe" - Peter Mutasa

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) chairperson Peter Mutasa has told President Emmerson Mnangagwa to appreciate the work done by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe.
Mutasa was responding to Mnangagwa’s threats to expel NGOs for allegedly meddling in politics. 
Mutasa, a former Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president, pointed out that some of the country’s sectors were being kept alive by NGOs. He told NewZimbabwe.com:
<blockquote>
Instead of seeing CSOs as enemies, the government must be thankful for the work that NGOs are playing.
NGOs are providing for medical care, education, food security, disaster management, social security and host of other important functions.
We are deeply concerned by that statement which clearly shows intentions of the government on the PVO Bill.
We are supposed to be enhancing democracy by making government accountable and proffering alternatives policies. the government is neglecting.
This statement, therefore, is a wake-up call for citizens.
It is a clear declaration of some marshal law of some sort. The president’s statement effectively shows that we are under a serious authoritarian regime where the constitution and constitutional freedoms and rights do not matter anymore.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s predecessor, Robert Mugabe, had a hostile stance towards NGOs. 
The PVO Bill which requires NGOs to submit their plans and work to the government is interpreted by civil society leaders as being another attempt at stifling freedoms. 
Last year, the government forced NGOs to register with provincial development coordinators (PDCs) and at one point announced the suspension of hundreds of them.
Mutasa said the judiciary, legislature, and other important organs of the state are compromised, therefore, CSOs remain the only sector that can check and balance the executive. 
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/leave-ngos-alone-mnangagwa-told/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Government Must Be Thankful For Work Done By NGOs - Mutasa

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC)has paid tribute to heroes of the liberation struggle that ushered independence in 1980. CiZC speaks ahead of the Heroes Day – 9 August 2021. We present the statement below.
<blockquote>
On Heroes Day (August 9, 2021) Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition pays tribute to the living and fallen heroes of the struggle for an independent Zimbabwe.
We cherish the sacrifices made by the heroes who sacrificed their lives to liberate Zimbabwe from the shackles of colonialism.
As the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we continue to be inspired by the bravery and selflessness shown by the heroes who were determined to see an independent Zimbabwe hence our vision to see a democratic and economically developed Zimbabwe.
We remain true to the ideals of democracy and economic development and in the same vein, we continue to implore the government to respect the tenets of democracy while implementing policies that will unlock the multi-faceted crisis in Zimbabwe.
The current situation prevailing in Zimbabwe, which has been characterized by militarization of key state institutions, closure of the democratic space, persecution of dissenting voices, weaponization of the judiciary, gross corruption and plunder of national resources while the majority wallow in abject poverty and a constitutional crisis among other vices serves to betray the aspirations of the heroes who went to war to fight against colonialism.
We implore the country’s leadership to honor the sacrifices made by living and fallen heroes by respecting tenets of democracy, ensuring transparency and accountability and respect for fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution.
Criminalization of civil society work, draconian legislation and the push towards a one-party state serve to betray the aspirations of living and fallen heroes of the struggle for an independent Zimbabwe.
It is our firm belief that heroes of the Zimbabwean struggle fought for a Zimbabwe for all and we note with concern the entitlement behaviour by the current leadership. Resolving the Zimbabwean crisis requires an all stakeholders approach hence the need for the country’s leadership to respect and consider voices of all progressive Zimbabweans rather than to respond with brutality to genuine calls for reforms.
Liberation war credentials should not be abused as a means to cling to power and loot national resources.
As Zimbabwe celebrates Heroes Day, we call upon progressive Zimbabweans to continue the push for a democratic and economically developed Zimbabwe; principles that guided our heroes who went to fight the war against colonial rule.
HAPPY HEROES DAY ZIMBABWE!!! 
</blockquote>

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Pays Tribute To Liberation Struggle Heroes (FT)

Civic society organisations (CSOs) on Friday filed an urgent chamber court application, seeking to stop government moves to ban their operations.
The applicants, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, said they wanted to be allowed to continue operating in the interim while awaiting a court determination on the constitutionality of the ban.
On 29 July, Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC), Tafadzwa <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/29/harare-pdc-tafadzwa-muguti-bans-noncompliant-ngos/">Muguti, said that NGOs and Trusts that have failed to comply with a directive to present their credentials to his office by 30 June 2021</a> will be forced to cease operations until they comply.
The applicants want a court declaration that Muguti, Harare Provincial Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu and Local Government minister July Moyo have no regulatory powers over CSOs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private voluntary organisations.
Only 40 NGOs have been permitted to operate after they presented their credentials to Muguti.
The NGOs, through their lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, pleaded with the court to nullify Muguti’s directive for them to report to his office,
They want Muguti to bear the costs of the lawsuit.
The ban comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government accused NGOs of fronting the interests of the opposition and has on several occasions threatened to shut them down.
The “attack” against NGOs started during the late Robert Mugabe’s era.
Critics say the government is afraid of being held to account by CSOs.
More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2021/08/01/under-siege-ngos-fight-back/">The Standard</a>

NGOs Approach The Courts Over Ban

<div class="article-top">
<header>
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has projected that the political and economic crises in Zimbabwe are likely to worsen as the Southern  African country approaches the 2023 elections. We present the coalition’s statement in full below.
<blockquote>
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) and Human Rights Watch (I IRW) on March 24, 2021 held a virtual Diplomatic Briefing with African and international Diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and South Africa to brief the diplomats on the continued economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe.
During the meeting, the Crisis Coalition and Human Rights Watch noted with concern the closure of the democratic space in Zimbabwe which has been characterized by arbitrary arrests of civic society and opposition activists, lengthy pre-trial detention of pro-democracy activists and draconian legislation meant to entrench the ruling party, ZANU PF’s authoritarian rule.
Other issues highlighted to the diplomats include weaponization of the judiciary to persecute pro-democracy activists, subversion of the people’s will through recalls of Parliamentarians who won elections on the MDC Alliance ticket as well as continued harassment of human rights campaigners by activists aligned to the ruling party ZANU PF.
Abuse of Covid-19 regulations to clampdown on citizens’ fundamental rights was also highlighted as an issue of major concern during the meeting.
Another issue highlighted during the meeting is the continued involvement of the military in civilian and political processes. 
The diplomats were briefed that this trend had worsened since the November 2017 military coup that led to the ascendancy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power and that the government of Zimbabwe continues to use terror to silence dissent.
The diplomats were also told that corruption and militarization of the state has worsened the economic and political crises in Zimbabwe.
In light of the government’s tactic to use terror against dissenting voices, the diplomats were briefed that there has been a continuous pattern of abduction and torture of pro-democracy campaigners including opposition activists.
This has been worsened by the fact that the state media continues with its smear campaign against pro-democracy activists and thus aiding their persecution.
The state’s clampdown on journalists exposing corruption and human rights abuses was also highlighted during the diplomatic briefing.
Zimbabwe’s constitutional crisis, which has been characterized by several amendments to the constitution, was highlighted during the meeting and Crisis Coalition and Human Rights Watch bemoaned that the amendments are part of efforts to further shrink the democratic space.
Way Forward The Crisis Coalition and Human Rights Watch noted during the meeting that as Zimbabwe heads for the 2023 elections, there is a high likelihood that the political and economic crisis in the country will worsen especially given the military involvement in political processes.
Crisis Coalition Chairperson, Rashid Mahiya emphasized that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has an important role to play in as far as resolving the Zimbabwean crisis is concerned hence the need for intervention by the regional body.
As part of efforts to unlock the Zimbabwean crisis, Mahiya highlighted the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder dialogue adding that there should be a clear roadmap for political, economic, electoral and institutional reforms as well as a clear implementation matrix of the reforms. 
I lc added that reforms arc critical for credible elections in Zimbabwe.
Another proposal highlighted during the meeting was that the government of Zimbabwe should implement the recommendations of the Modanthe Commission which recommended that perpetrators of the August 1, 2019 shootings should be brought to book.
ISSUED BY THE CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE COALITION Marvellous Kumalo Spokesperson
</blockquote>
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Zimbabwe's Crises Might Worsen Towards 2023 Elections - CiZC

<div class="article-top">
<blockquote>
<div class="newsarticle-summary">The continued clampdown on civic society activists by the government of Zimbabwe clearly reveals a deliberate attempt to close the democratic space in the country.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="newsarticle-summary">Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) notes with great concern that the ‘new dispensation’ continues to label civic society organizations as agents of regime change and this has been the basis upon which the government has tried to justify its crackdown on the organizations whose mandate is to uphold democracy and hold the government accountable.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="newsarticle-summary">We are also concerned that the State media has been complicit in the ongoing clampdown against civic society activists through biased reportage.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="newsarticle-summary">On May 20, 2019, four civic society activists; George Makoni, Frank Mpahlo, Tatenda Mombeyarara and Gamuchirai Mukura were arrested at the Robert Mugabe International Airport upon their arrival from a peacebuilding workshop in Maldives.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">They are currently facing trumped-up charges of subversion.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">Another girls and women’s’ rights activist, Farirai Gumbonzvanda was arrested on May 21, 2019, at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as well and is facing charges of subversion.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">On May 27, two other womens’ rights activists, Stabile Dewa and Dr. Rita Nyampinga were arrested at the Robert Mugabe International Airport as well.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">Since the November military coup which saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendancy to power, there has been continued militarization of key state institutions in Zimbabwe as well as systemic closure of the democratic space through persecution of civic society activists.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">This continues to adversely affect efforts at economic development, broadening of democratic space as well as re-engagement with the international community. What has further worsened the situation is the legitimacy crisis on the part of President Mnangagwa following the much disputed 2018 polls as well as the August 1, 2018 and January 2019 shootings.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">CiZC is disturbed that while the government has apparently failed to revive the economy and uphold tenets of democracy, ‘the new dispensation’ has declared war against concerned Zimbabweans fighting for a democratic and economically developed Zimbabwe.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">This is reminiscent of the Mugabe era and bears testimony to the fact that Zimbabwe remains stuck in the dark past.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">The clampdown on civic society activists, coupled with the continued economic meltdown is a call to action.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">Going Forward</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">As an umbrella body of civic society organizations in Zimbabwe, we urge the Government of Zimbabwe to refocus its energies on an inclusive national reforms program that seeks to broaden and strengthen democratic space and development. The persecution of CSOs leaders only dampens efforts at achieving a shared national consensus to reform. We reiterate our call for an inclusive process on the national dialogue that brings all stakeholders together.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">We further clarify that in our view the national dialogue that we continue to call for is not predicated on creating another version of a Global Political Agreement or an elite power-sharing deal. We reiterate that our envisaged national dialogue should be a reform process that seeks to safeguard the interest of citizens by restoring the Social Contract between the citizens and those that govern.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">In this regard, we hold the firm view that the national dialogue process must never be restricted to political parties but should rather bring on board a cross-section of stakeholders that include civic society, labour, religious groups, business among other critical stakeholders.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">Restricting the dialogue process to political parties will only create a political pact that excludes the concerns of ordinary citizens. We strongly denounce cosmetic approaches to the national dialogue process.</div>
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<div class="newsarticle-summary">We implore President Mnangagwa that given the fact that he is an interested party and conflicted, the national dialogue process must be facilitated by an impartial body. We also raise our concerns over a national dialogue process that is facilitated by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission on the basis of the following:</div>
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<ol>
<li class="newsarticle-summary">NPRC Commissioners are appointees of the President and save at his mercy who in this case is a conflicted party</li>
<li class="newsarticle-summary">The commission has, despite repeated calls and need, failed to rollout tangible national reconciliation initiatives</li>
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We further call on the president to prove his sincerity by ensuring that Zimbabwe has a conducive environment for holding an inclusive dialogue process in the wake of state-sponsored terror that has increased fear levels amongst citizens. To create a conducive environment and as part of confidence and trust building in the national dialogue, the government must immediately meet the following conditions:
<ol>
<li>End torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, murder, rape and maiming civilians by the military, state security agents and ruling party vigilante groups</li>
<li>Decriminalize the work of civic society and end the continued persecution and arbitrary arrests of civic society leaders</li>
<li>Ensure that peace and human security to prevail to allow for all stakeholder to freely express their views on the national dialogue process</li>
<li>Release of all political prisoners and return Zimbabwe to the rule of law</li>
<li>The attack on Chapter 12 institutions must seize and independent constitutional bodies allowed to discharge their mandate without undue interference from the state and other conflicted parties</li>
<li>Promote fair media coverage for all stakeholders and allow divergent views to be shared on all media platforms. Tolerance to divergence is the hallmark of enriching the national dialogue process</li>
</ol>
We reiterate that efforts at arresting the multi-faceted crisis facing the country are hinged on a proper national dialogue process that seeks to put the concerns of ordinary citizens on board.
Addressing the Zimbabwean crisis implies addressing the concerns of the ordinary citizens who have had to bear the brutal effects of an economic meltdown stemming from a constitutional and legitimacy crisis.
Government needs to honour its social protection obligations and this is achievable through wide consultations hence the need for an inclusive process.
On our part as Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we have set our minimum demands for the national dialogue process based on wider consultations with our membership around the country.
Our demands are highlighted below;
On the process:
1)   It is our conviction that the national dialogue process must involve all stakeholders and a national visioning process that has civil society, government, political parties, business, religious groups and labour unions among other critical stakeholders. The dialogue process should produce a clearly timed roadmap to the demilitarisation of civilian political processes and the restoration of normalcy by focusing on key political, economic and social reforms. In this regard, we call for FULL CONSULTATION of all stakeholders rather than cosmetic processes.
On the Economy:
2)   It is imperative to arrest the economic downturn in Zimbabwe based on a clear reform roadmap and implementation of pro-poor and inclusive economic policies. Efforts at economic transformation, stabilisation and growth should be aimed at achieving inclusive sustainable economic growth and development.
On Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, Human Rights and Human Security:
3)  The Government of Zimbabwe must uphold and guarantee citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution and other regional and international human rights treaties and statutes. Full implementation of the country’s constitution is equally important in promoting democracy in Zimbabwe.
4)  The Government of Zimbabwe must respect the fundamental right of access to information, freedom of expression as well as freedom of association.
5)  There is need to immediately operationalise a comprehensive programme on national healing, reconciliation and nation-building that will depolarise society and entrench the respect for diversity, inclusion and tolerance in all facets of life.
6)  The army must desist from partisan politics and confine themselves to the barracks. There is an imperative need to de-militarise the Zimbabwean state.
7)  There is need for non-interference into the work of institutions that support democracy. This again calls for full implementation and respect of the country’s constitution. Also, government must not be seen to be criminalising the work of civic society organisations.
8)  CiZC holds the firm view that implementation of electoral reforms is critical as a way of doing away with disputed elections that often result in a legitimacy crisis which comes with negative impacts on democracy and economic development.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2019/05/cizc-statement-on-the-continued-clampdown-on-civic-society-activists/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Zimbabwean</a>
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