My Letter to President Mnangagwa: Make it Stop!

Dear Sir, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa!

I am writing you today because of everything that has happen since the 12th January 2019. This has now been in t0 days of violence, killings and detaining the opposition, activists and also intimidate innocent civilians. Because of your state own actions and internet blockade, but also the Social Media Blockade, which has ensured the lack of verified accounts on all the state sponsored activity done with your blessing.

Mr. President, the tale of what is happening is well-known for you. You know what the soldiers are doing. You know what the Police Officers are doing and what the Judges are charging several of activists, union-leaders and opposition leaders too. Therefore, you know what is happening and the actions done by your authorities towards the citizens.

That is why its insulting reading your statement. Like your trying to look like a reformer and someone who is changing society. When your really using the fuel crisis and Shutdown to silence the ones who has a voice against you.

So when you wrote this today, were you in a serious state:

Likewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll. I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together. What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first. Likewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll. I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together” (Emmerson Mnangagwa, 22.01.2019).

Why I don’t trust your words? Because, we all saw how you acted when it came to the 1st August 2018 Post-Election Violence and Inquiry, which was a salute to blame the opposition, but not take anyone who ordered the guns on the protesters in the streets of Harare. That wasn’t important than, and isn’t important now. We know that by your previous actions. Only your image and the possibilities it is supposed to bring.

However, Mr. President, your not acting like a man who cares about the toil, the tears and the grieve. You act like a President who has no issues using the force of the army and authorities to silence them. You have no trouble putting treason charges on anyone who stand-up to the ZANU-PF rule.

Mr. President, you have not created a NEW ZIMBABWE. This is the same old Zimbabwe. Your actions and words doesn’t fit to the reports. As the intimidations continues, the sorrows are still trickling out. While hard to verify, still their voices are vital to get a feedback on the state of the Republic.

Mr. President if you really did care, you wouldn’t talk like this and act like this. Travel away for so, as the fire are getting worse. No one really planning to put it out and find way to rebuild. Instead you stayed away, until rumours of your demise happen. Then you couldn’t hang out with the wealthy at Davos. Therefore, Mr. President you are far from creating a New Zimbabwe.

You are delivering a sinister, evil resemblance of the one of the past. Mr. President, you are not changing the Republic. You are not showing the world a New Zimbabwe. You are not opening up Zimbabwe for business, but your actions are closing it. There is no transparency, there is no proof something sustainable and trustworthy. The only thing you trust is using the army and using force, not building things and talking about the issues. You are just using the AK’s and hoping they will settle the score.

They might make one more person stop, but the idea is still lingering on. The idea of freedom, liberty and principals of rule of law, which is all equal to all.

Mr. President, if you believe in any of the words your are writing. As long as the weapons are pointing at innocent civilians, who just happens to be near the soldiers. You are in the wrong side of history, you are at the wrong side of barrel; Mr. President you are the one that is in-charge and should make it stop. Not make the voices showing discomfort and discontent against you and your party, STOP.

With sincerely sad disbelief that you though a PR Stunt would change the narrative

Writer of MinBane

Zimbabwe: ZELA Press Statement – ARDA TRANSAU Leader Intimidated over a Pending Relocation Court Case (22.01.2019)

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is saddened by the reports of events that occurred at around 22:00hrs on the 21st January in ARDA Transau. ZELA received disturbing reports that on the said night, a group of men who identified themselves as members of the security forces intimidated and threatened the Chairperson of the ARDA Transau Relocation Development Trust, Mr. Donald Masvaure, at his place of residence with unspecified action should he continue to mobilize the community to seek legal redress in a pending court case.

The threats and intimidation came at a time when the Trustees of the ARDA Transau Relocation Development Trust, led by Mr. Masvaure were planning on convening a meeting to update the community on the progress of their case set down for hearing at the Mutare High Court on the 24th January 2019 before Justice Mwayera. The residents are being represented by lawyers who have been instructed by ZELA. In the said case, the Trust is seeking an order compelling the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to furnish it with the records and all documents pertaining to the relocation of the residents of ARDA Transau from Chiadzwa. It also seeks an order compelling the same Minister to furnish information relating to the tenure system to be given to the relocated residents.

The Trust and the residents as a whole have a constitutional right to access the requested information guaranteed by the section 62 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Accordingly, the court will be persuaded on the 24th of January to make a finding that the Attorney General neglected his duties and obligation to promote, protect and uphold the Constitution and defend the public as provided for in section 114(4) of the Constitution by failing to advise the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and National Housing.

ZELA categorically condemns these unlawfully actions aimed at stopping or discouraging communities to assert their rights through the courts. It is worth noting that the residents as represented by the Trust have the right to access the courts in Zimbabwe as enshrined in section 69(3) of the Constitution. The realisation of this right should not be discouraged through unlawful and forceful means. The threats and intimidation have no place in a constitutional democracy like Zimbabwe. ZELA calls upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police to investigate the incident, identify the culprits and bring them to book in line with their constitutional mandate as provided for in section 219 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, ZELA is concerned about the security and safety of the residents of ARDA Transau and is appealing to all the relevant authorities to give all the necessary support and protection in order to ensure that justice prevails.

“Environmental justice through sustainable and equitable utilization of natural resources and environmental protection”

Zimbabwe: Public Statement by President Chamisa – The Way Ahead – The Correct Path (22.01.2019)

ACTSA Statement on Zimbabwe (21.01.2019)

ACTSA condemns the brutal repression of protesters by security forces in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, we are appalled by President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, saying that the actions of the security forces are “just a foretaste of things to come.”

On 12 January, Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) suddenly announced that the price of fuel would be more than doubled. In response, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions called for a three-day strike.

Despite government attempts to shut down the internet, news has emerged of the vicious nature of the response by the security forces. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum says it recorded at least 844 human rights violations during the shutdown, with at least 12 killings and 78 gunshot wounds. In addition, it is reported that there have been several hundred arrests, including of leading civil society activists and some opposition MPs.

The international community must call for:

  • An end to the deployment of the military.
  • Any police response to respect the law; civil society activists and opposition politicians have to be allowed to operate freely.
  • An end to government interference with citizens’ internet access, including social media and messaging services.
  • An independent investigation of human rights violations led by the African Union or the United Nations; such an investigation must shed light on who gave the orders for the security forces to commit the violations noted above (something that the Commission of Inquiry on the August 1 2018 Post Election Violence failed to do).

Furthermore, the international community should completely suspend any initiatives relating to re-engaging with the GoZ. It is impossible to discuss issues such as debt restructuring and private sector investment while Zimbabwean civilians are being assaulted and even killed. If the violations continue, the European Union and the UK (if it is no longer a member state of the EU) should re-consider if the current EU sanctions regime is still appropriate.

Misa Zimbabwe: High Court sets aside internet shut down directives (21.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: IndustriALL Global Union calls for an end to persecution of union leaders and to engage in social dialogue (21.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: Speculations of a showdown between Mnangagwa & Chiwenga(!)

As the uncertainty is spiralling out of proportions, there are new rumours, which is not yet verified. But they might unravel the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) as the relations between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Who are both from two different fractions of the ruling regime, the Lacoste and Cosleg. They are maybe fighting for supremacy.

This would be a repeat of the November 2017 coup d’etat, though it is more bloody this time. As the latest few days has taken dozens of lives and the soldiers has been violating peoples rights on the regular. Therefore, since the fuel prices skyrocketed on the 12th January 2019, the Shutdown has really hit the Republic hard.

Suddenly, as the President was supposed to be attending the Davos Summit of 2019, but has instead planned to return. While that is happening. There are speculation and reports. That is worrying even more. They are amplifying as well. Because, it has been mere words. However, now they are getting more vocal.

Tony Karombo reported today: “At least 35 Zanu PF MPs met at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday night, where war veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa laid out the plan, sources have said. The rebels are said to be considering a wildcard candidate to take over. Legally, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi, the other Vice President, would assume the presidency on an acting basis until Zanu PF nominates a replacement, who could be a new name” (…) “The plotters, sources said, were fanning out this weekend to the provinces to mobilise parliamentary and party support for Mnangagwa’s ouster. The panic in Zanu PF has been occasioned by a fear that the party could be “run out of town” by a popular uprising. This follows Monday’s widespread protests over a 150 percent increase in the price of fuel decreed by Mnangagwa. The protesters exhibited a militancy never before seen” (Zim Live – ‘War veterans leader Mutsvangwa leads dramatic plot to oust Mnangagwa’ 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if this is true. However, that is not the only words spoken about that. That is the worrying part. Even as the Social Media Black-Out and Internet Blockade. Still, these sort of speculations comes out. That shows that something is going-on and reasons behind the sudden back-flip of Mnangagwa. As he wouldn’t change his plans that swiftly, if he wasn’t fearing for something going on behind his back or had to take control of the situation. He knows how easily things can get out of hand. As he saw how quickly he went from being banished and in exile. To come back because of the Lacoste beating the G-40 part of Zanu-PF. He knows this perfectly well.

The Second source says this: “We have a potential crisis on our hands. The gloves are off between ED Mnangagwa and General Chiwenga. Sources have revealed that the major bone of contention is that Chiwenga wants Chamisa to be respected and given a Prime Ministerial post to restore confidence and fix the economy. As we speak ZANU PF provinces have started passing resolutions against Chiwenga seeking his expulsion from party and government. As we enter into the 2nd leg of the shutdown please stay indoors, lock your gate, lock your doors and preserve your life” (Unverified report, 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if either is true or what is going on. There is one more report from the diaspora, as the speculation continues to ravish: “Plans are to nominate General Chiwenga to the office of the President in few weeks to come as an incumbent since hes Deputising ED also to bring back the key young man Chamisa as the Prime Minister once the operation goes successful against the ED led Russian regime, then after 3 months fresh elections are to take place were it is believed General Chiwenga wants to give in Power to the young Chamisa this time, Chigumba will play a fair role this time as the Generals all they want to see is a true wish of the people & a Democratic process being followed, Chiwenga & all other post era Generals are set to retire after this final process they called Dupped Zimbabwe Restoration (DZR). General Chiwenga was quoted last week saying “if we did it before, we will do it again, this time in respect to the people of Zimbabwe not us as the Generals”” (Junta.Repo.G, 19.01.2019).

However, these cannot be verified. Whatever that is worrying is the signals it is all sending and the uncertainty, as the ZANU-PF isn’t the sort of Party where transparency or the truthful manner is ordinary behaviour. Rather the opposite and they can act like Game of Thrones to get into power. Usually, the king has lasted for decades, but now things are happening quickly. Because, the ones close to power has seen it is actually possible to topple the King.

These reports are not from viable sources. Therefore, I am not taking it as good things. But still showing it, because, this shows the talk of the town. This shows what is viable and what people thinks is happening. As the killings, torture, arrests and persistence of violence is happening. Therefore, there have to be apparent reason for everything. Since the soldiers are in the streets and they are acting like it is Martial Law.

ZANU-PF might be infighting, but they are might using t this speculation as a cover-up for their intention. Who know, because it is not like they are open and transparent … We all know that.

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga might be fighting, the War Vets and the Zanu PF might have some plans. The Cosleg and Lacoste are maybe doing something, but we cannot know right now. What we do know is that the soldiers are hurting, killing and arresting people. They are violent against the public, as they are struggling because of the fuel prices and that tearing up the Republic.

Who knows, if the Zimlive reports are true and we will know within 72 hours. However, right now, we don’t know. Peace.

Opinion: The ZDF and ZRP’s disgraceful spin!

Today, there was a Joint Press Conference from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on the Shutdown that has persisted since the 12th January 2019. As the days has gone by, the violence, bullet-wounds, road-blocks, arrests, abductions, torture and killings have appeared. The state has finally come out with their truth.

Not that it is really truth, we all know by now. That the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) have orders from above and the soldiers are following them to the T or to the letter, as it was intended. As the public are living in fear, are struggling to get by and is worried. Because the soldiers can harm people, the activists who is not in hiding. Can be taken away or charged on knock-up charges and son on.

That why today’s Press Conference, shows the ills of society, as they are blaming a bunch of thieves for stealing or deserters, the ones putting forward this display must think the world is running mad. Or in-particularly stupid, because there cannot be that many of them. The targeted victims, the arrests and the steady stories of harm coming the populations way. This cannot be anything else, than staged military intervention with a purpose. As they are using the demonstrations as a reason to blatantly take away any rights of the civilians. Something, that has been done during the last few day with deliberate actions.

Just read the nonsense:

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have noted with grave concern an increase in cases of people committing crime particularly robberies whilst clad in military/police regalia” (…) “Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth; Harare on 14 .January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services. We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police” (ZimEye – ‘FULL TEXT: Military And Police Press Statement’ 19.01.2019).

They are maybe able to get the hard-liners within the ZANU-PF, then ZANU-PF Youth League for that matter or the ZANU-PF Woman’s League to buy into this stick and get a fancy editorial in the Herald, but the world knows that this a farce. This the ZDF and ZRP playing ball and not very good at it. They are trying to forge the play, to say there are some unknown Villains coming to the townships, the cities and in the neighbourhoods. They are coming like the Wolf was taking Little Red Riding Hood.

The authorities can lie to the people. That is expected of government that they do now and then, but doing it like this. At this stage and with whatever reasons they have. They are trying to cover-up their acts and make them look into minor imperfections. When in reality, they seem so deliberate.

The ZANU-PF might be able to fool the ignorant, the ones who are looking to the other side. However, they cannot fool me. It is not believable. Even as the information is hard to verify, the ones that is. Is striking and the information that does come out. Is utter sinister, sadness the state of affairs. That is just saddening to even read about. The scope of hurt, the wounds and the killings, done on orders from above high.

This Joint Press Conference didn’t do any good. Only show how they play. Just like they did with the 1st August 2018 Post-Election Violence Inquiry and Report. Where they made the opposition the problem and cleaned the hands of the authorities. Therefore, this state is trying to do it again. As there violence and harmful activity continues.

The ones doing the hurt. Is doing it on behalf of the state, they are not random Bond Villains picked from a John Grisham novel. They are the real and the weapons are too. Peace.

Zimbabwe: The Republic is burning… Part II

Bulawayo Jan 2019

It is bad  that the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) since the Stay Away or Shutdown demonstrations has started using methods known by former President Robert Mugabe. All these methods have been seen before, the ZANU-PF has been known for it, but the supposed reforms of the President Mnangagwa is not appearing. Instead, the violence is persisting and the authorities are trying to keep it under-wraps with having a internet blockade and block Social Media. However, some information are coming through and the sinister acts are exposed. 

Today on the 19th January 2018, it has been utter chaos, anarchy and military in the streets. As the civilians have ceased their rights, as the soldiers have put up road-blocks, dispensations of barracks in the metropolitan areas and activists has been arrested. If they been successful in hiding, the authorities has in some respects even taken parents and loved ones of the high ranking activists. This has been reported. As well as rising numbers of people who are being shot, wounded and killed by the authorities. The numbers are rising and hard to verify. However, it is happening and shouldn’t be forgotten in it all.

Some people are claiming the Closeg Fraction, the one run by Gen. Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice-President and former Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) before the November 2017 coup d’etat. Now, today, there are speculation that Chiwenga is using the last few days to take more control under the pretext, that the President is away on Foreign Trips. So, that he can posses more power, as the Lacoste and President is away in Eastern Europe and smiling in Davos, Switzerland.

However, that are darkness on the horizon, as people are tortured, arrested and even killed. There are several high ranking leaders arrested within the last 2 days. Like Doug Mahiya (brother of Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe), Pastor Evan Mawarire (This Flag Movement) and Obert Masaraure the President of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), also unknown whereabouts of President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Peter Mutasa.

If, President Emmerson Mnangagwa thinks these moves are smart. As the people are suffering, not only the effects of the fuel prices, hyper-inflation and other measures. The rising prices of commodities, the state is clearly in pro-military dictatorship. Where the military has all say, there the civil liberties are taken away and the voices against it is detained. That seems evident by the last few days. That is why the road-blocks, soldiers in the streets and other measures showing that they mean business of it.

This could be a plan from Cosleg. The group of Chiwenga, who wants to prove a point because they know how successful the November 2017 coup d’Etat was. Now they want to overturn and control it even further, even as the state are acting with direct violence and killing civilians. Going house to house, beating people and showing all disregard for their duty to secure the peace, not create the peace for the territory. That is evident of the days after new fuel prices was put forward.

If the ZANU-PF, the President and VP, thinks this is the way to settle the score and make the International Community in lifting sanctions or even trying to get closer in general. As opening the Republic up for business or trust.

This is closing this and ensuring people to not trust the regime nor how they keep within the bounds of the rights for the citizens. That is the evidence, as the innocent citizens are suffering. Also, the public are taken hostage by a military dictatorship, who uses all force against them. Peace.

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum: Press Statement – On the Days of Darkness in Zimbabwe (18.01.2019)