Zimbabwean authorities have been urged to end the culture of impunity that has taken root among perpetrators of abductions, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and torture of innocent civilians.
In a statement to mark the International Day of Peace, themed ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’ commemorated on September 21, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) said there were both gains and militating factors towards the advent of a peaceful society.
“This year’s theme reminds us to promote a culture of dialogue, peace and conflict resolution through non-violent means. As we reflect on the state of peace in our beloved Zimbabwe, the ZPP acknowledges both the progress made and the challenges that continue to hamper the achievement of lasting peace in our country.
“Some of the greatest obstacles to achieving peace include deepening polarization, disregard for human rights and lack of accountability for human rights perpetuated by impunity.
“We therefore call for an end to impunity! A culture of impunity as evident in Zimbabwe interferes with efforts to
“Cultivating a culture of peace,” the ZPP noted.
The human rights watchdog said it observed that the perpetrators of gross human rights violations, such as kidnappings, enforced disappearances, torture and inhumane treatment of citizens, remain hidden and unpunished while victims and their families endure prolonged suffering caused by these heinous crimes.
In 2024 alone, the ZPP recorded 54 cases of gross human rights violations, affecting 840 victims. These include kidnappings, killings, wrongful arrests, torture and displacement.
“However, none of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been arrested or punished. On 31 July 2024, Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza and Samuel Gwenzi, courageous human rights activists, were snatched from a plane, held incommunicado for eight (8) agonising hours, and Robson was clearly brutally tortured, but the perpetrators are still roaming free.
“High-profile cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Countless others suffer in silence, their ordeals shrouded in darkness. The government and all stakeholders must break the cycle of impunity and ensure justice for all,” the organization added.
As Zimbabwe grapples with a devastating food insecurity crisis, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon
Following the drought, the ZPP said it recognised the government’s efforts to support vulnerable households, but noted an abuse of food rations for political purposes.
“…a disturbing reality cannot be ignored: the exploitation of power by political actors, traditional leaders and community members to discriminate against individuals based on their
political affiliation.
“In 2024 alone, the ZPP recorded 115 cases of violations related to the partisan distribution of food aid, affecting 1,700 victims. This is not only a betrayal of trust, but also a violation of human rights, denying people access to food and basic necessities. No one should go hungry because of their political beliefs.
“It is time for Zimbabwe to stand up for the right to food, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of their political affiliation… The hunger, poverty and despair that afflict many of our communities are not natural phenomena, but symptoms of a systemic failure to prioritise human dignity and well-being.”
The lobby group also acknowledged the efforts of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government to heal the nation from past atrocities such as the Gukurahundi massacre in the 1980s, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 20,000 people in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
However, the ZPP believes that it is necessary to rethink strategies in order to make this process a genuine process of seeking peace and reconciliation, characterised by truth-telling and reparation.
“It is important that this process
The aim is to hold the perpetrators of these crimes to account in order to bring justice to the victims and their families.
“To truly achieve healing and reconciliation, it is essential that government and stakeholders prioritize
the needs of victims and accelerate these initiatives.
“The disparities in our economic systems, the inequalities in access to health care, education and justice, the marginalization of vulnerable groups – all of these perpetuate a silent but destructive form of violence.
“To build lasting peace, the ZPP urges all well-meaning citizens to address the root causes of conflict and inequality, foster inclusive economic growth that benefits all Zimbabweans, strengthen institutions that protect human rights and promote social justice, and invest in education.
“Health care and social services that help vulnerable populations.”
The government was called upon to uphold its obligations to end impunity, protect human rights and promote lasting peace.
“This includes investigating and prosecuting those responsible for human rights violations such as torture, harassment and intimidation, as well as crimes against humanity.
“The ZPP calls on the state to respect the fundamental rights of citizens, such as freedom of assembly and association, the right not to be subjected to torture and the right to petition and demonstrate, in order to foster a culture of peace and national unity.
“We call on the country’s leaders to prioritize the well-being of all citizens, not just a privileged few, and to promote tolerance, understanding and solidarity. Let us cultivate a culture of peace and let it prevail,” the ZPP said. NewZimbabwe
