Church and civil society leaders in Zimbabwe have urgently called on the state to return to the “rule of law and constitutionalism” after protests over the country’s economic situation led to a breakdown in law and order and a violent crackdown by security forces.
At least 12 people were reportedly killed and many more injured in the crackdown by police and the army in what was reported as the worst violence to hit the country in a decade. There were reports this week that the crackdown was ongoing despite a promise from President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop excesses committed by security forces.
In a 10 point statement issued early this week, church and civil society leaders said citizens’ dissatisfaction with the Zimbabwean Government’s economic direction had been highlighted by the “apparent inaction of the government to address allegations of rampant corruption regarding foreign currency allocation by the Reserve Bank, and the lack of transparency in the fuel and extractive industries”.
“This gives rise to the growing perception that public officials are the beneficiaries of this endemic corruption.”
The statement said reports indicated “violence, intimidation and arbitrary arrests targeting young men is rife especially in poor urban neighbourhoods and some rural areas” and that men, women and children had been among those killed. Reports also pointed to the rise of “criminal elements” taking advantage of the situation to loot and steal.
“There is growing fear, confusion and deep trauma amongst affected communities and individuals,” the statement said. “Some among the injured and arrested are in urgent need of medical, counselling or legal attention.”
The statement calls for soldiers to “return to barracks”, an “immediate return to constitutionalism and respect of citizens’ rights and freedoms”.
“Pressing challenges affecting the majority of Zimbabwe citizens can only be resolved through peaceful non-violent engagement,” the leaders said.
