In an analogy likening Zimbabweans’ relationship with their government to an abuse victim staying with their abuser, concerns are mounting as the country approaches the upcoming elections. Just as victims of intimate partner violence often cite an inability to leave or concerns for their children, Zimbabweans express similar reasons for their reluctance to remove the ruling Zanu-PF party from power. The fear of retribution and the history of violence associated with challenging the regime are driving factors behind this dynamic.
Post-election assessments in Zimbabwe consistently reveal widespread allegations of rigging, voter intimidation, and unfair practices, tainting the credibility of the electoral process. Since gaining independence in 1980, disputed outcomes have become the norm, leaving citizens disillusioned and questioning the validity of their votes. Curiously, despite the grievances, some victims of past government atrocities continue to vote for the very party responsible for their suffering.
Experts on violence caution against victim-blaming, stressing the importance of empowering victims to leave abusive situations rather than placing responsibility solely on their shoulders. Similarly, enabling victims of intimidation and coercion in Zimbabwe to freely express their will in elections is imperative. Recognizing that a significant portion of the population has experienced physical or structural violence by the state, it is crucial to approach the upcoming elections with a clear understanding of these dynamics.
Opposition parties have adopted a strategy to increase voter turnout, hoping that a larger margin will make it more difficult for Zanu-PF to manipulate the results. While this approach is valid, it is equally important to address the concerns and fears of victims of violence. Many individuals fear voting against Zanu-PF due to the severe consequences they have faced in the past. Promises of change alone are not enough; they seek assurance that casting their vote against the ruling party will not result in a resurgence of violence and repression.
Just as victims of intimate partner violence face heightened risk when attempting to leave their abusers, those who have actively opposed the government in Zimbabwe have often met dire consequences. Tragic examples include the Gukurahundi genocide, atrocities in 2008, and the August 1, 2018 shootings. In light of these realities, it is crucial for opposition parties, regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and SADC, and the United Nations to assure Zimbabweans that post-election violence will not be tolerated.
The principle of “responsibility to protect” adopted by the United Nations in 2005 states that the international community must use appropriate means to protect populations from crimes against humanity. However, the silence surrounding the conflict in Zimbabwe is disheartening. The AU, too, has a responsibility to investigate and address the situation, utilizing its Early Warning System to prevent violence ahead of the August 2023 elections.
The Zimbabwean government’s perpetration of violence against its own citizens since 1980 meets the criteria for crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the systematic and widespread abuses committed by the government. The responsibility to protect Zimbabwean civilians from atrocities lies with the United Nations and the AU, and they must take proactive measures to fulfill this duty.
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