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Updated 15th September 2023: Further Press Statements
The Sourthern African Youth Solidarity Network
access their PDF Statement made on the 13th September 2023 Here
OR Tambo School of Leadership
access their PDF invitation for a lecture on 28th September 2023 regarding the Zimbabwe Election view or download here
THe Citizen's Daily Bulletin 14th September 2023
Read the CCC's view for an Extraordinary meeting of SADC regarding the {Illegal/Fraudulent} Elections view or Download here
Twitter or X Space Discussion by the Southern African Youth Solidarity Network and Living Together Institute
Read their flyer regarding the inbvitation for an X-Space Meeting 19:00 CAT 15th September 2023. View their Flyer Here
Zimbabwe Police Arrest Warrant {fraudulent} for CCC Mp's
Read their fraudulent and fabricated nonsence here - to see how they are party to interfering with elected MP's for political ends
The Carter Centre
https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/zimbabwe-083123.html access their PDF here
"Overall, the Center concluded that the 2023 electoral process did not adequately respect Zimbabwe’s regional and international commitments for democratic and inclusive elections, which made it difficult for contestants to compete on an equal basis and prevented the genuine expression of the will of the Zimbabwean people."
"The Center also found that critical election information — including the final voter list and the list of polling stations — was not readily available to stakeholders."
"However, Zimbabwean authorities conducted a raid on election night and shut down the nonpartisan citizen observation efforts of two respected civil society groups, the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network and the Election Resource Center. The Center continues to urge the government of Zimbabwe to drop all charges against the civil society leaders and respect their rights of political participation."
UK Minister for Development and Africa
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-minister-for-africa-statement-on-the-zimbabwe-election
"We share the view of the Election Observation Missions’ preliminary statements that the pre-election environment and election day fell short of regional and international standards. Issues included limited transparency from the electoral commission, the lack of level playing field, the passing of repressive legislation, long delays in the opening of some polling stations, and reports of intimidation of voters. The UK takes note of the announcement by the Chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of results on 26 August. However, we are concerned by a lack of transparency in the tallying of results, as well as the arrests of domestic observers."
Anadolu Ajansı - Turkey
The actual voting on Aug. 23-24 saw long delays that triggered opposition accusations of rigging, voter intimidation and suppression. Regional and international observers also issued damning reports, including missions from the African Union and Southern African Development Community and the EU.
The EU mission said the elections “fell short of many regional and international standards, including key principles of equality, universality, transparency and accountability.” When Chamisa addressed reporters last Sunday, he declared the elections a complete sham. “We have won this election. We are the leaders,” he asserted.
Crisis 24 Garda Risk Alert
Protests likely across Zimbabwe through mid-September after opposition leaders reject election results. Possible violence.
Further opposition-led and election-related protests are likely nationwide, particularly in Harare, through at least mid-September. The main opposition party, the Citizen's Coalition for Change (CCC), has rejected the general election results. On Aug. 29, the CCC and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) called for a re-run of the election due to alleged fraud. International observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the US, and the EU have also claimed irregularities during the polling process.
Original Article Below:
The Election Observers and their Missions prior to the Elections
European Union
Following the EU election observation methodology, the mission will observe all aspects of the electoral process before, on and after the election day. The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Harare after the elections. The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
The mission is expected to comprise more than 150 observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. An 11-person core team arrived in Harare on 8 July. 46 long-term EU EOM observers arrive in Zimbabwe on 22 July and are deployed to all ten provinces. They observe the electoral process in their areas and report back to the core team in Harare where the observations are analysed.
44 short-term observers will join the mission shortly before the election day. They observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results. The mission will be also joined by a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, and diplomatic staff from embassies accredited in Harare. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.
SADC (Southern African Development Community)
I am pleased to inform you that the SADC Electoral Observation Mission to the 2023 Harmonised Elections in the Republic of Zimbabwe consists of 68 personnel. They are from 9 SADC Member States, namely, Republic of Angola, Republic of Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Namibia, Republic of South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, and Republic of Zambia. Our observers have been deployed to the 10 Provinces of Zimbabwe, namely, Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West. The SEOM observations will focus on the pre-election, election and post-election periods, which include political parties campaigns; the voting day and the process of the counting of the ballot papers.
To that end, the SEOM has two components, Short- 5 Term Observation (STO) covering the period 10th – 24th August 2023, and Long-Term Observation (LTO), covering the period 25th August – 1st September 2023. We started stakeholder engagements in earnest since our arrival in Harare to appreciate the political, legal and security situation in the context of the elections in order to better inform the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia
https://www.sadc.int/media-releases-and-statements
Your can read and download the SADC Reports on the election over 23-24th August 2023 Here for their intial findings, then here for their retort to the 'verbal attack' by Zanu PF actors.
The Observer Missions acknowledged the peaceful and calm nature of the pre-election and voting phases during the 23-24 August 2023 Harmonised Elections. However, they identified that certain aspects of the elections did not meet the requirements set by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
The Missions commended the people of Zimbabwe for maintaining a peaceful political environment throughout the pre-election period and on voting day. They will release a final report after the validation and proclamation of the final results, which will be shared with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and all stakeholders.
The long-term observers will continue post-election observation until 1st September 2023, and the SEAC will conduct a post-election review to assess the implementation of recommendations and provide necessary support. In case of electoral disputes, the Missions urged all contestants to follow established legal procedures. They also appealed to political parties, the people of Zimbabwe, and all stakeholders to allow the ZEC to announce the final results as mandated by law.
The African Union Mission
Read or download the African Union report Here
The Mission’s interactions with civic and political actors revealed that concerns persist regarding the process and outcome of the delimitation exercise. These included: allegations of i nadequate consultation with stakeholders despite assertion by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission that there were consultations at all levels; use of inaccurate population figures; gerrymandering in some areas to produce pre determined election results; and limited civic education on the delimitation.
The Mission takes note of the Commissio n’s efforts to reach out and register as many eligible voters as poss ible. This effort was appreciated by some stakeholders the Mission interacted with but also raised some issues of concern as follows:
- a. That many potential eligible voters were left out due to lack of National Registration Cards which is one of the requirements for registration as a voter. They claimed that the process of obtaining the National Identity cards was not transparent in some areas in the country.
- b. Failure to open the review of the voters roll to political parties as a confidence building measure
- c. The limited time of only five days allocated to voters to check their registration status.
- d. Late release of the voters roll to political parties, candidates and other interested stakeholders
- e. High fees required to be pai d for those wishing to obtain a copy of the voters roll
- f. Limited communication by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to its stakeholders regarding the process and state of the voters’ roll
The US Embassy in Zimbabwe
https://zw.usembassy.gov/election-results-in-zimbabwe/ their latest comments made on the 29th August 2023 make interesting reading (click here) with respect to Free and Fair elections, which we see did NOT occur in Zimbabwe.
"For example, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international electoral observation missions cited problems with transparency, independence, fairness, and credibility at all stages of the electoral process. The United States notes in particular the systemic bias against political opposition during the pre-election period and reports from respected civil society groups that ZEC officials pressured election observers to sign altered polling station result forms. We call on the ZEC to make the disaggregated polling station results publicly available to increase confidence in the result tabulation process."
"We also strongly condemn the intimidation and disruption of lawful election observers throughout the electoral period."
"These actions belie President Mnangagwa’s repeated pledges to respect rule of law, transparency, and accountability. The United States is engaging regional leaders to share our concerns, including what this means for the international community’s nascent efforts to reengage the Zimbabwean government."
The Commonwealth Commission
Read or download the Commonwealth Statement Here
Thank you for coming to this Commonwealth Observer Group Press Conference. I will present the interim observations of the Commonwealth Observer Group on the electoral process thus far, noting that the tallying process is still ongoing. The final report, setting out our full findings on the entire process and our recommendations, will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General in due course.
Prior to election day, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had provided various assurances of its preparedness and readiness to conduct the elections as scheduled. However, on election day the late opening of polls due to the late arrival of ballot papers in the major urban areas of Harare and Bulawayo, raised concerns and heightened tensions, noting that these areas represent a significant proportion of the overall population. While we note ZEC’s explanation regarding challenges with logistics and the impact of late court cases, we would welcome a more detailed explanation from ZEC in the coming days, and we will reflect further on this matter in our final report.
We observed, and received various reports, that an NGO called Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ), had set up ‘exit poll survey’ tables in close proximity to polling stations, with governing party regalia. From our briefings with other civil society organisations and stakeholders, it was made clear that exit polling is currently not permitted within the legal framework of Zimbabwe.
International Press Coverage
- The SADC observers said although the electoral environment was largely peaceful, the polls failed a credibility test. The EU observer mission said the election took place in a climate of “fear”.
- Thousands of Zimbabweans waited on voting day for more than 12 hours in queues as the electoral commission failed to deliver ballot papers on time. Mnangagwa was forced to extend voting by another day.
- Without disclosing his next course of action, Chamisa said his party had evidence that it won the presidential vote.
- He accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of failing to run the polls and announcing the wrong result.
On Friday, Alexander Rusero, a politics professor at Africa University in Zimbabwe, welcomed the SADC report on the elections.
- “Unfortunately, I do not think ZANU-PF is being advised appropriately,” Rusero said.
- “There was no way this election was going to be 100% perfect given the irregularities,” he said. “What is important is to celebrate, to say, in spite of all those irregularities, there are still certain positives. … Unfortunately, government strategic department is doing a disservice to the republic of Zimbabwe.”
- In the election, President Mnangagwa is seeking a second term, running against 10 candidates, including the main contender, Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change.
- Voting was extended to a second day Thursday after election day was marred by polling station delays and shortages of ballots in opposition strongholds Bulawayo and Harare.
- There has been a heavy police presence in Harare since Friday night, ahead of the release of official presidential election results, expected by Monday.
Many Knew the Elections we not going to be free or Fair
https://www.state.gov/presidential-elections-in-zimbabwe/
22nd August 2023: As Zimbabweans prepare to head to the polls on August 23, the United States calls on all actors to commit to free, fair, and peaceful elections. The Zimbabwean people deserve the chance to choose their future without fear of repression or intimidation, in line with Zimbabwe’s constitution. We believe the best route to peace and prosperity is for governments to respect the right of their citizens to vote and allow for peaceful and democratic political processes.
"We are concerned by recent actions leading up to the elections, including political violence and legislation that curtails human rights and freedoms enshrined in Zimbabwe’s constitution. The United States condemns the denial of credentials for multiple international journalists and domestic civil society members to cover the elections in-country, and delays in election observation accreditation. We call on the government of Zimbabwe and all political leaders to ensure the elections are free of violence and coercion. While the United States does not support any party or candidate, we are committed to supporting the democratic process and backing Zimbabwean aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law."
The Carter Center said, “With the tabulation of results still underway at some tally centres, it is critical for Zimbabweans to wait for the announcement of the ZEC’s final results in the coming days, and for key political leaders to abide by the provisions of the Peace Pledge.”
It added, “Given the highly polarized environment and lack of trust among political stakeholders, it is now especially critical for the ZEC to publish detailed results at the polling station level, allowing political parties and observers to cross-verify the results, in accordance with international best practice, to help ensure the transparency and credibility of the election process.”
The United Nations Also Expresses Doubts
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/08/1140117
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2023-08-27/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-elections-zimbabwe%C2%A0
27 August 2023
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on elections in Zimbabwe
Florencia Soto Niño-Martínez, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
- The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Zimbabwe's elections. He is concerned about the arrest of observers, reports of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion.
- The Secretary-General calls on political leaders and their supporters to reject any and all forms of violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence, and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected.
- The Secretary-General calls on political actors to peacefully settle any disputes through established legal and institutional channels, and urges the competent authorities to resolve any disputes in a fair, expeditious, and transparent manner to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the will of the people.
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And now Zimbabwe: Another rigged election!
Mission Failure: ZEC Stated "Mission" is to: "To Conduct CREDIBLE Elections ...In Zimbabwe"
ZEC and Zanu PF are currently "hunting-down" the Election Officers to get them to sign new V11's returns
This action is illegal as the V11's were a record of the votes on 23-24th August 2023!
Official Lies as published in last night's (26th August 2023) statement from Pricilla
Emmerson Mnangagwa – 2,350,711 Which is 52.6%
Nelson Chamisa – 1,967,343 which is 44% At one point Mnangagwa was thinking of fleeing to Mozambique! What has Changed???
Also disclosed by ZEC and again the outcome of months and months of rigging, gerrymandering and intimidation (FAZ)
Zanu PF 136 seats
CCC 73 seats
CCC Presidential Adviser Advocate Thabani MPOFU:
“Be calm Zim (Zimbabwe) & maintain peace. As I said, this is the beginning of many beautiful things.”
“ED loses against his own people & against his opponents. So how is he declared a winner? You can’t call this election a dog’s breakfast without insulting dogs. This shall be corrected.”
#TakaNoVoter #ZimbabweForEveryone
IT IS TIME FOR MNANGAGWA TO GO?
This is the perfect time for ED Mnangagwa to go. Leadership is not his forte. He does not have the dexterity needed to govern a country. The past five years testify of his failure which resulted in a dysfunctional country. Zimbabwe needs a new President.
I perceive time and chance happens to every country just like it is thought to happen to every person. In 1980, Zimbabwe seized the chance to be a sovereign country. But there were many missed chances after that, which could have transformed the country into greatness. It was essentially leaders not doing the right thing for some inexcusable reason. Often greed, selfishness or corruption.
In 2017, Zimbabwe opened a can of worms when it allowed Mnangagwa's government to get into power through a coup. Although people were fed up and happy to see Robert Mugabe go, they acknowledge with hindsight that it was a mistake. No one expected to say Mugabe was better than Mnangagwa.
Fortunately, another opportunity has presented itself to Zimbabwe to correct the mistakes of the past and start a new chapter with a new President. There is excitement in the air.
People think Mnangwagwa is going but how, is the conundrum. They think the electoral commission will announce that Mnangangwa lost the election. Some think Mnangagwa will resign on his own. This is unlikely to happen because one has to think on the premise that the electoral commission is fair and Mnangagwa is reasonable. None of which are true.
It is wise to observe how functional democracies conduct themselves when faced with a leader who is not fit to lead. How do they go about it?
When Boris Johnson would not resign, all his ministers resigned and it made it impossible for him to carry on as Prime Minister. As much as he wanted to carry on, he looked ridiculous in the process and ended up resigning.
When Liz Truss replaced him, she made some questionable decisions especially on the budget. People lost money and the Bank of England had to step in. She resigned after 45 days when her people told her to go.
• For Mnangagwa to go, everyone who considers him/herself to be a leader must declare publicly why Mnangagwa should go. It should normally start with MPs and leaders in Zanu PF to say Mnangagwa is not only fit to lead the country but their party as well.
• They got rid of Mugabe through a coup, they can use internal structures to do that. They can impeach him or find some mechanism to make him go. There must be some leaders in Zanu, who do not agree with how he governed over the last 5 years.
• The MPs in the opposition should be making more noise than everyone. They should be on the news channels, social media and telling anyone who can listen why Mnangwagwa should go. The opposition should feel aggrieved by the continuation of Zanu and Mnangagwa in power.
• They should be preparing for government. As such, they should be encouraging the country to get on their side and say Mnangagwa should go. People want him to go anyway.
• Captains of industries should be contributing to this by declaring publicly why Mnangagwa is not good for business. The people whose businesses have suffered under Mnangagwa should also be involved. Anyone who 
considers himself to be a leader should have the courage to speak truth to power over this matter.
If this opportunity is missed, it will be absolutely suicidal for the country. Already, not many people do business with Zimbabwe. The region is fed up and the international community does not care.
No one is coming to help Zimbabwe if Zimbabwe cannot be bothered to put its house in order. Who is going to take Zimbabwe seriously with Mnangagwa in power for the next 5 years?
If leaders want change then they have to stand up and be counted. Leaders from every sphere of life have to leverage the unprecedented numbers of people who turned up to vote.
Chamisa has to know that power won’t come on the silver platter. He has to demand what belongs to him. He has to be at the front pushing back against Mnangagwa’s tricks to hold on to power.
At the moment, leaders are not telling him to go. He does not seem to be under any pressure. He is instructing his people to give pointless press conferences. Some of his people are trying to recount the votes that have already been sealed and signed for.
He is on the offensive instead of being on the back foot. No one seems to be putting pressure on him to go.
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Introduction: Politics of Inward Investment
When you have a budget this big {in a small Country like Zimbabwe}, you can get what you want. In the UK at the London Stock Exchange Zanu PF {still masquerading as a government – after 43 years} set about with a slick and professional ‘Indaba’. It was impressive, all singing, all dancing performance.
They had enlisted Tom Attenborough, Head of International Business Development – Primary Markets, London Stock Exchange – to, in effect green-light their Victoria Falls Exchange {VFX} and listen to a lot of talk about changing the regulatory framework etc etc.
The Finance Minister {Mthuli Ncube} was supposed to give the “Keynote Speech” but we suspect he was arrested at Heathrow – something to do with money laundering and gold smuggling {possibly} as #GoldMafia would indicate. Maybe he had too much Gold Bullion in his luggage, thinking he could get that back to Switzerland where he lives!
Indaba Critical Review
Having said all that, the event was well scripted, well-rehearsed, with a carefully vetted audience with plenty of MBA style word-speak. {some might say “waffle”}.
Both Ambassador Colonel K Katsande {ex Military!}, and Mthuli’s “stand-in” both ironically used the word “TRANSPARENCY” in their talks – with a record of 43 years in power, and done so, with a fist of iron {in an iron glove!} aided by staggering resources built around the propaganda to 'hide' their crimes – transparency {even in terms of Investor Risk} is completely misleading!
Still with $240m to burn on the 2023 election anything is possible. Studies, data to reinforce your claims and your agenda {easily bought these days}.
Marketed under the banner of “”Financial Markets Indaba {their words} has the aim of mobilising investment through convening diaspora, leading global institutional investors, corporate leaders, industry experts and our team of analysts to explore sector and market trends and identify significant investment opportunities. Through thought leadership, productive exchange of ideas and sharing practices, the conference delegates and participants discuss how to integrate and align regulatory framework with new strategies, business models, financial measures, and investment decisions. FMI is a unit of Emergent Capital Management (ECM) www.ecminvest.com which is licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe.””
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6:30am London; Several hardy and brave Zimbabweans from Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle arrive at Victoria Bus Station - most getting onboard at 23:50 on the 17th April - traveling overnight! 6-7 hours travel.
10:30am A good number of Zimbabweans, including some of the early birds above, congregate outside the UAE Embassy located in the prestigious address in 1-2 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EE - very plush, close to Harrods and Belgrave Square. This reflects the prestige of the UAE {Dubai} and its wealth - let's not forget that Dubai's success is recent in historical terms. The Persian Gulf War of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy; however, in the mid-1990s this stabilised and many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. Now Dubai is synonymous with wealth now. But has no more resouces than Zimbabwe.
Their approach to wealth and luxury has been ruthlessly exploited by the regime, the #GoldMafia has been drawn like moths to a flame, to Dubai.
By 12:00 noon the masses of Zimbabweans were camped out at the Zimbabwe Embassy at 429 The Strand, London. We passed around a register of those present, 66 people completed their details. but I know personally of 5-6 who did not get round to adding their names. Others, too have mentioned various missing personalities. Only time will tell.
13:30: As a group a procession formed and we perambulated the short distace to the South African High Commission on Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP. Our group sang and chanted on the street outside. Chief Ndiweni and a few others ventured inside. They were met with a sympathetic ear - as the Petition was e-mailed to the SA Hign Commission in the morning of the 18th. One of the Counsellor's at the High Commission had received the petition with thatnks and the message, and circulated to His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane MamaboloHigh Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and other key staff.
Dear Chief Ndiweni
This serves to inform that the South African High Commission acknowledges receipt of the documentation handed over on 18 April 2023.
Your kind understanding is appreciated.
Our appreciation and the sympathetic responce at the High Commission was well recieved by all who had met there. We then continued along the edge of Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall towards the entrance to Downing Street itself.
14:00: Much discussions and conversations centred upon the 43rd anniversary of the {not} Independence Day, and the task ahead to gain International recognition and condemnations as to the #GoldMafia exposition. This view was ably argued within 9 pages of the Petition itself. {Click Here to View or Download} The main body of the demonstrators now established an 'encampment' next to the statue of Lord Montgomery and proceeded with song, music and speeches.
At the same time the group of 6 petitioners were ID checked into the Downing Street security perimeter by the Metropolitain Diplomatic Unit - in their normal and friendly manner! This in itself is in stark contrast to the lowly and politically motivated 'police' in Zimbabwe. Inside the security net the 6 petitioner were entertained with a history lesson regarding the 800 year old architiectural heritage within the sight of 10 Downing Street itself.
The Petitioners then had time on their own to take photos and discuss their objectives. At the same time no overt police 'supervision' was percieved by those present. After a while the group knocked on that door - 10 Downing Street and handed over the petion to the staff member inside - indeed he was happy to be photographed with the petitioners as can be seen in the Flickr Album of the 18th April 2023 {Click Here} - Of note, and as at 6:30 am on today {19th April 2023} the Twitter Post of this handover has been viewed 20,900 times and still climbing. {see Tweet here}. As 16:00 on 21st April 2023 now 79,000 Views!
During the coming days we will upload personal accounts, opinions, thought and reactions from both those present and those affected by the lack of Independenc ein Zimbabwe.
Other external Views regarding the 43rd Anniversary.
Amnesty International Contrasts this 43rd Anniversary with the propaganda as spouted by the regime, under the international spotlight, of their "own-goal" of #GoldMafia
“Forty-three years after independence, authorities are yet to guarantee in practice the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly which are increasingly being threatened despite being guaranteed under the constitution and international law,” said Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa.
“The right to freedom of peaceful assembly has continuously been violated and undermined with the authorities refusing to give clearance for some of the main opposition party’s rallies, arresting and convicting peaceful protesters and using unnecessary and excessive force to stop protests.
“As Zimbabwe approaches elections later this year, freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly have come under increasing attack. Dissenting voices are being criminalised, with some opposition activists put in lengthy pre-trial detentions.” said Flavia Mwangovya.
Zimbabwe Economic Movement commentator Divine Mafa opines:
Another factor that contributes to support for dictators in Africa is the lack of strong democratic institutions. In many African countries, there are weak or non-existent institutions that are meant to provide a check on the power of the government. This includes a free press, independent judiciary, and effective opposition parties.
Without these institutions, there is little to prevent a dictator from consolidating power and suppressing dissent. Furthermore, some dictators have been able to use ethnic or tribal divisions to their advantage. By playing one group against another, they can weaken any opposition and maintain their hold on power. In some cases, dictators have even used violence against specific ethnic groups to intimidate others and consolidate their power.
One example of a dictator who used ethnic divisions to maintain power is Zimbabwe's former president, Robert Mugabe. Mugabe came to power in 1980 after leading the country to independence from British colonial rule. He was initially seen as a hero, but over time his regime became increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. One of Mugabe's key tactics was to play the Shona, his own ethnic group, against the Ndebele, a minority group in the country. In 1983, he launched a brutal campaign against the Ndebele that came to be known as the Gukurahundi.
Thousands of Ndebele were killed, and the campaign was used to intimidate and silence opposition groups. The legacy of the Gukurahundi still looms large in Zimbabwean politics, and many Zimbabweans continue to be divided along ethnic lines. Mugabe also used violence and intimidation to suppress opposition to his rule. He used state security forces to harass, arrest, and torture opposition leaders and activists. He also cracked down on the press, closing independent newspapers and harassing journalists who criticized his regime.
Despite these abuses, Mugabe continued to enjoy support from many Zimbabweans, particularly in rural areas where his policies had delivered some benefits, such as land reform. Many Zimbabweans saw Mugabe as a hero of the liberation struggle, and were willing to overlook his flaws in the belief that he was working to improve their lives. However, by the time Mugabe was forced to resign in 2017, Zimbabwe was in a dire state. The economy was in shambles, with hyperinflation and a shortage of basic goods.
Corruption was rampant, and the country had become an international pariah. Mugabe's legacy was one of repression, economic mismanagement, and political corruption. Since Mugabe's resignation, Zimbabwe has seen some political reforms, including the election of a new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in 2018. Mnangagwa has promised to bring about an era of political and economic reform, but progress has been slow. Zimbabwe still faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, corruption, and political violence.
In conclusion, the support for dictators in Africa is a complex issue that is rooted in a variety of factors, including fear, poverty, lack of education, cultural factors, history, and the lack of strong democratic institutions. To build more democratic societies, African countries need to invest in education and civic engagement, build strong institutions that can provide a check on the power of the government, and work to heal ethnic and tribal divisions. Only through these efforts can Africa move beyond the legacy of dictatorship and build more prosperous and just societies for all its citizens. Divine Mafa:
Is ED A DICTATOR? The question of whether Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dictator or not is a subject of debate. Mnangagwa rose to power in Zimbabwe in 2017 after the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. Since then, his government has been accused of human rights abuses, including crackdowns on opposition parties and civil society groups, as well as media censorship.
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Contents
- Clean Gold? There’s no such thing.
- The Currency of Money Launderers.
- ‘Gold Mafia is Bigger than the government’ {of Zimbabwe}.
- ‘Always have the King with You’
- Dubai, the El Dorado for Gold Smugglers.
- Banks and Bribes.
- USA and Anti-Money Laundering {AML} Consequences.
- Conclusions.
- Citizens Reactions and Comments.
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The 6 key takeaways from the Al Jazeera Investigations, the USA imposition of KYC {Know Your Customer} for their AML {Anti-Money Laundering} Legislation regarding the ‘sanctity’ of the US Dollar and its usage overseas. |
14th April 2023
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Here are six key takeaways from #GoldMafia
Clean Gold? There’s no such thing
No matter where you buy your gold and regardless of the country’s stamp on it, the very nature of the gold trade makes it extremely difficult to guarantee where it originated from.
The investigation showed how gold smuggled from Zimbabwe makes its way to Dubai and, according to experts in money laundering and illicit trade, is then exported to other major gold hubs like Switzerland and London.
These transfers are possible because gold is melted and refined repeatedly, a process that obfuscates all traces of its origin, making it particularly difficult for law enforcement agencies to build evidence against suspected smugglers.
This also means it is hard to be certain if gold purchased on the open market is ethically and legally clean or whether it is free of laundering and crime. A watch might have been made with gold from a conflict region, or a bar of gold may have been mixed with smuggled gold.
Amjad Rihan, a former partner at the consulting firm Ernst & Young, was responsible for auditing Dubai-based Kaloti a decade ago when it was one of the largest gold refineries in the world. He was blunt in his assessment. “Gold that comes to refiners, once it’s refined, it’s practically brand new gold,” he told Al Jazeera.