Re-engagement: Zanu PF must come face to face with reality

For Immediate Release October 29, 2021 Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls upon the ruling party, Zanu PF to face reality and stop politicking about restrictive measures imposed on individuals and entities aligned to the revolutionary party. As an umbrella body coordinating civil society organizations focusing on democracy and good governance , we reiterate that Zanu PF should desist from abusing the sanctions mantra to cover up for gross corruption and looting of national resources by the political elite. Human rights abuses, a legitimacy crisis on the part of Zanu PF following the disputed 2018 elections, weaponization of the law through judicial capture, shrinking of the democratic space, militarization of key state institutions, and a constitutional crisis among other ills are the key issues that the current government must face head on. These are the real vices that continue to alienate the country from the international community. As highlighted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, H.E Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on October 25, 2021, restoration of human rights, democracy and governance should form part of efforts towards Zimbabwe’s re-engagement drive. This is also contained in the statement released by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Restrictive Measures ,Professor Alena Douhan. It is unfortunate that Zanu PF continues to use propaganda to disseminate a false narrative to cover up for its mal-administration, gross corruption and rights violations. As the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we reiterate that an all-inclusive dialogue process facilitated by SADC is critical in unlocking the Zimbabwean crisis and facilitating re-engagement with the international community. The current clampdown on the opposition which has resulted in attempts to assassinate opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa can only serve to confirm the regime’s bad human rights record and further alienate the country from the league of nations. We implore the ruling party to desist from authoritarian tendencies and embrace political tolerance and calls for a genuine and an all-inclusive dialogue. ENDS//

Marvellous Kumalo Spokesperson kumalomarvellous@gmail.com/+263776379966/+263776191402 Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition 51 Longden Avenue, Belvedere, Harare Tel: (263)864 411 9477 Twitter: @crisiscoalition Facebook: Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Youtube: CrisisCoalitionZim