The United States has leveled accusations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, claiming a lack of political will to address human rights abuses, as stated in the Zimbabwe 2023 Human Rights Report
Significant examples of human rights breaches, including as extrajudicial executions, arbitrary or illegal deaths, and harsh jail conditions, have reportedly gone unpunished. Concerns about the government’s failure to look into or bring charges against officials involved in such abuses were brought up by the US administration.
According to reports, there have been cases of criminal organisations in the artisanal mining industry violating human rights, and the authorities have not systematically addressed these problems.
ALSO READ: Cop in court for stabbing fellow police officer
The study included specifics regarding claims that security personnel, such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), used excessive force when apprehending, detaining, and questioning suspects. Events like the attack on Kudzai Kadzere and the murder of Persuade Mandara were cited as instances of the use of excessive force.
According to the report, there are a number of reasons that contribute to the severe and potentially fatal conditions in prisons, including overcrowding, food shortages, and limited access to medical care and sanitary supplies.
Furthermore, citing an incident in which supporters from the ruling party allegedly took control of a sugar plantation owned by a white commercial farmer, the United States accused the Zimbabwean government of breaching property rights.
Farai Marapira, the director of ZANU PF’s information department, responded to the accusations by criticising the US for what he called baseless accusations and demanding proof to support the assertions.
The article also said that earlier in the year, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 11 Zimbabweans, including President Mnangagwa, under the Global Magnitsky Programme on the grounds of their suspected involvement in human rights violations and corruption.