FOUR DECADES OF TERROR: ZIMBABWEANS MARK 41 YEARS UNDER THE SHADOW OF ZANU PF’S GUN

In a nation where hope should flourish, Zimbabwe finds itself caught in a relentless cycle of despair as it marks 41 years under the ominous shadow of ZANU PF’s rule. The citizens of Zimbabwe, who should be celebrating the strides of sovereignty and national security, are instead commemorating a legacy of terror, oppression, and absolute destitution orchestrated by the governing body masquerading as a protector of the people and their rights.

At the heart of this crisis lies the ZANU PF’s militarized arm, a partisan and impoverished militia posing as a national military with the supposed mandate of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. However, reality paints a grim picture of a force engaged in the brutal suppression of unarmed citizens, aiming to preserve the unsustainable and destructive status quo of its ruling party. These actions not only betray the foundational principles enshrined in the constitution but also endanger the very fabric of national security and sovereignty that they are sworn to protect.

For four decades, the motives of ZANU PF have been clear: the preservation of a prevailing, extractive status quo that benefits the few at the expense of the many. The party’s relentless pursuit of a one-party state, emboldened by a rigged parliamentary majority, reveals a desperate cling to power through any means necessary, including the violation of fundamental human rights and the suppression of any form of opposition.

The victims of this regime’s terror span across different epochs and social strata, from the Ndebele targeted in ethnic cleansing to the vibrant opposition and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire during sham elections. The common thread among these victims is their perceived threat to the unconstitutional status quo of ZANU PF, leading to their ruthless elimination or suppression through violence broadcasted for the world to see.

The intentions of ZANU PF, albeit cloaked in the guise of governance, are starkly evident in their actions and policies. The party’s obsession with maintaining its perverted status quo is akin to mosquitoes to puddles of water: without it, they would face existential threats. This desperation to cling to power results in the systemic violation of the inviolable rights outlined in the supreme law, leading to a nation plundered and looted under the guise of governance.

This kleptocratic regime not only plunders national resources but also exiles the principles of constitutionalism, such as the rule of law, transparency, and accountability. Such actions insulate the ruling elite from justice, perpetuating a cycle of looting and deprivation of essential services to the populace.

As Zimbabwe marks this somber anniversary, the call for an immediate and peaceful transition of power to a renewed, innovative, and vibrant opposition grows louder. Without this change, the specter of violence and oppression will continue to loom over the nation, making the prospect of genuine sovereignty and security an increasingly distant dream. The plight of Zimbabweans living under the tyranny of ZANU PF is a stark reminder of the urgent need for change and the restoration of dignity, rights, and freedom to a people long terrorized by a regime that has lost all semblance of legitimacy and compassion.