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 12^th 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 1^st 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 19^th 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)

 

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani on Zimbabwe (18.01.2019)

Reports suggest that protesters burned tyres, used rocks to barricade roads, and blocked buses from taking passengers to work.

GENEVA, Switzerland, January 18, 2019 – We are deeply troubled by the socio-economic crisis that is unfolding in Zimbabwe and the repression of large scale protests in the country, following the Government’s decision to increase fuel prices. We call on the Government to find ways of engaging with the population about their legitimate grievances and to stop the crackdown against protestors.

We are concerned about reports of the excessive use of force, including live ammunition, by Zimbabwean security forces during protests which started on Monday this week. People took to the streets to protest against economic austerity measures and the rise of fuel prices, which affect their already impoverished households and businesses, and limit access to basic goods and services.

Reports suggest that protesters burned tyres, used rocks to barricade roads, and blocked buses from taking passengers to work. A number of buildings were also set on fire and there were reports of looting. Police responded with force, apparently including the use of live ammunition.There are credible reports of a number of deaths – including of a police officer – and many more injured, as well as hundreds of arrests in relation to the protests.

There are also worrying allegations of generalised intimidation and harassment by security forces carrying out door-to-door searches. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has also received allegations of police beatings. According to official figures presented by the Minister of National Security, more than 600 people have been arrested countrywide. Among those detained are opposition leaders and prominent civil activists. We are also concerned that Internet services have been severely disrupted in the last few days.

We support the call of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for the Government to set up a national dialogue, with wide participation of all sectors, to find solutions to the economic challenges the country is facing. We urge the Government to work with the support of the international community to ease the current crisis.

We call on the Government ensure that security forces handle protests and exercise their power – especially the use of firearms and live ammunition – strictly in accordance with the country’s international human rights obligations and the relevant principles, including legality, necessity, proportionality, precaution and accountability.* State authorities have a duty to ensure people’s rights to freedom of expression, and to facilitate and protect the right to peaceful assembly. It is essential that all sides, including the protestors, refrain from the use of violence and seek to resolve the situation peacefully.

We call on the Government to carry out investigations into all reports of violence, including the alleged excessive use of force by security forces in a prompt, thorough and transparent manner, with a view to accountability.

All those detained for the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression should be promptly released.

Zimbabwe: The Republic is burning…

“We should certainly know by now that it is one thing to overthrow a dictator or repel an invader and quite another thing really to achieve a revolution. Time and time and time again, the people discover that they have merely betrayed themselves into the hands of yet another Pharaoh who, since he was necessary to put the broken country together, will not let them go.” – James Baldwin

Today, yet another where the Internet is blocked. Social Media is blocked. This is done after orders from above high. However, that isn’t the worse, that the state has put its tech savvy citizens on VPN. No, what is worse is the state of affairs in Zimbabwe.

The former Henchmen of Robert Mugabe is now acting all out. While President Emmerson Mnangagwa just opened the internet up for a few hours yesterday, because he couldn’t leave Russia without paying the company flying his luxury private yet. That is why the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was ordered to open the internet for that transaction alone. While, the same state, had no issues shutting it down again when the transaction was done.

This just show how sinister and without any concern they are. There are already reports of several hundred arrested up to 600. Many of the high ranking in Movement for Democratic Change – Alliance has been apprehended. Several activists have been put behind bars. The leaders of Unions has been taken and not been since in the last few days. After the announcement of the Shutdown. Like there is no sign of ZCTU President Peter Mutesa.

Today, it has further escalated, as the activist and This Flag Movement Head Pastor Evans Mawarire, was at Rotten Row in Harare charged with treason, as the state are looking into discovery to finalize the investigation into him. As they took him from his home yesterday without any warning, as they first charging him with inciting violence. However, he was just spreading messages of peaceful protest against unfair pricing of fuel and destruction of the livelihood of the people, because of it. By 16^th January, the ZADHR reported that there was 172 people in severe condition and 68 cases with gun-shot wounds.

Just to make the situation worse, Povo News reported: “police are raiding medical facilities looking for victms of their own brutality so that they can arrest them. Significant number of victims now fearing to get treatment for injuries because of possibility of being arrested” (Povo News, 17.01.2019).

This is the fourth day, there are some reports of soldiers going door to door in some townships and beating people up. Hard to verify, but wouldn’t be surprising, as the levels of people hurt and wounded. Also, the need for lawyers and medical personnel all over the country to the people in need. Therefore, the full picture of these few days atrocities will surface sooner or later. The sadness is for all the fallen, all the innocent people touched by the authorities that is supposed to guard them, not hurt them.

They have lost their sense of care and governance, as they have retaliated and attacked them. Instead of governing them, they are detaining them as prisoners to their rule. A fully transparent military dictatorship with no mercy for the civilians nor civic duties.

Operation Restore Legacy and the November Coup d’etat in 2017 didn’t bring any significant changes. As Mnangagwa and Gen. Constantino Chiwenga is doing the same thing as before. Even more brazen and more harsher. As they are enforcing no tolerance and no mercy on their citizens. As they are not accepting the Stay Away or Shutdown protests. They are going violent and assaulted for standing up for their rights and the new insane prices on fuel, which will destroy livelihood of the citizens and the businesses. However, the ZANU-PF promised to be Republic open for business, but this actions are showing there are closed. The ZANU-PF is showing that they are not keen on transparent or a just society for all people. They are willing to arrest, detain, hurt and kill the ones who are in their pathway. That is what has been reported, we just don’t know to what extent.

The Zimbabweans got rid of Mugabe, but they got a incarnated and younger version of him. Who has no care for them either. He will use the same methods and destruction,

The ones fighting to lift the sanctions against Zimbabwe before and during this is foolish. As long as the state is killing civilians, silencing protesters, arresting activists, union leaders and opposition leaders. The International Community will not be interesting to lift anything, as they see the same rouge state as before. Just with another head and PR Machine, but no intent of making changes. The Mnangagwa Presidency has been marred with economic difficulties and no utter atrocities, which is not sending signals of hope, but instead despair.

Mnangagwa was another Pharaoh, he wasn’t the great hope. Instead, more Mugabeisms. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Rebuild Hope, Trust, Confidence and Stability in Zimbabwe – Pastoral Letter of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference on current affairs in the country (17.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: MDC-Alliance Press Statement – Mnangagwa and Gen Chiwenga responsible for lootings, shootings and terrorism (16.01.2019)

ZADHR Press release: Hundreds shot, tens estimated dead in rampant rights violations across Zimbabwe (15.01.2019)

15 January 2019, 2300 Hrs

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) continues to receive disturbing reports of gross human rights violations across Zimbabwe.

ZADHR has attended to a total of one hundred and seven patients by 1600 hrs of the 15th of January 2019. The injuries ranged from extensive deglouving wounds secondary to gunshot wounds, gunshot wounds in the head, penetrating abdominal trauma and blunt trauma. The majority of the cases were concentrated in Bulawayo, Harare ( particularly Mabvuku and Chitungwiza), Karoi and Kadoma.

ZADHR has also received unconfirmed reports of several deaths across Zimbabwe. One person is alleged to have been run over by a security personnel truck in Harare, and one person who was declared dead on arrival at a medical facility in Kadoma. Reports of other deaths in Epworth and parts of Harare and Chitungwiza are also still being verified. ZADHR estimates the total number of deaths by end of yesterday to be in the region of five to ten casualties. It has been difficult to verify this information due to the internet blackout in Zimbabwe. (ZADHR will release another statement once all tallies from their members are authoritatively collated)

There has also been confirmed reports of retributive torture, beatings and displacements in Mabvuku, Chitungwiza and Kadoma throughout the night of fourteen January 2019. ZADHR is aware of four patients who were scheduled to undergo major surgery for limb saving procedures, penetrating abdominal trauma and neurosurgical procedures in Harare alone. Many patients also had sharpnel and foreign bodies from live ammunition.

ZADHR condemns these gross human rights violations, the use of live ammunition on protesters and any use of torture as a tool to punish protesters. ZADHR also calls upon the authorities to urgently allow those who have been arrested in multiple dragnets cast across the country to receive urgent medical care. Hundreds of injured people have not been attended to as they can’t travel to medical institutions or as they fear arrests or possible victimization.

ZADHR also calls upon all parties to excersice restraint and express their right to protest in non violent and peaceful ways. ZADHR calls for the international community (SADC, AU , UN) to swiftly intervene in the Zimbabwe crisis before the tense situation escalates into a humanitarian disaster.

ZADHR continues to provide urgent medical care to those in need as a result of these disturbances and is reachable via WhatsApp, calls, sms on its hotline 0777604610.

ZADHR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT