Resist, Reject and Report Violence, #RRRV2023
Freedom of Assembly and Association
ZPP recorded 3 cases which violated the right to freedom assemble and
association. Villagers in different communities, including Chegutu West,
Hurungwe East and Umguza, were coerced to join political party
meetings against their will. On 22 December at Heany Junction, Umguza
ward 2, the village head, Teresa Nyathi, went around forcing villagers to
attend a Zanu PF Christmas party at koMkhula area adjacent to Imbizo
Barracks warning them they would risk being beaten up by soldiers at
the nearby barrack if they did not attend. On 23 December, Magunje
Ward 10 Hurungwe East Zanu PF officials forced villagers to go and
register to vote during a village development meeting. The freedom of
association is guaranteed under Articles 12(3), 27(2) and 28 of the African
Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Every Zimbabwean
has the freedom to assemble and associate with others under Section 58
of the Constitution. Still, no Zimbabwean should be forced to assemble
and associate with others, to be a member of an association, or to attend
a meeting or gathering.
Political Rights
ZPP documented 12 cases which violated citizens' political rights. These
violations transpired in different areas, including Mutoko South,
Muzarabani North and Chegutu East. On 30 December, Chief Banabus
Ngezi at Peak-stone Farnham Clinic ward 13 in Chegutu East convened a
meeting and assigned village heads to stop CCC activities and meetings in
their areas. On 26 December in Bulilima West Constituency, Plumtree
town, Simiso Ndimande of Mthwakazi Republic Party went around town
in the company of six party members canvassing to be voted for in the
2023 elections. While campaigning, Ndimande made remarks that
citizens should not vote for candidates with non-Ndebele surnames.
Section 67 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states that every
Zimbabwean citizen has the right to form, join and participate in the
activities of a political party or organisation of their choice, to participate,
individually or collectively, in gatherings or groups or in any other
manner, in peaceful activities to influence, challenge or support the
policies of the Government or any political or whatever cause.
December 2022
The Zimbabwe Peace Project Monthly Monitoring Report
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