The
Coalition
recognizes
and
appreciates
the
solidarity
shown
by
other
nations,
particularly
Mozambique,
Zambia,
Tanzania,
and
many
others
during
Zimbabwe’s
struggle
for
independence.
This
important
national
day
should
serve
as
a
moment
to
reflect
on
our
progress
regarding
the
implementation
of
the
values
that
underpinned
Zimbabwe’s
liberation
struggle.
The
Coalition
emphasizes
that
the
continued
shrinking
of
democratic
space
and
the
consolidation
of
authoritarian
rule
in
Zimbabwe,
coupled
with
corruption
and
the
looting
of
national
resources
by
political
elites,
is
a
complete
betrayal
of
the
values
of
the
liberation
struggle.
It
is
disheartening
that
the
current
government
has
perfected
the
authoritarian
tactics
reminiscent
of
the
colonial
regime,
characterized
by
a
disregard
for
fundamental
rights,
the
weaponization
of
the
law,
the
capture
of
the
judiciary
and
independent
institutions,
and
the
militarization
of
key
state
institutions.
These
despotic
practices
undermine
the
principles
of
democracy.
Zimbabwe
continues
to
suffer
from
a
legitimacy
crisis
as
the
country’s
elections
fail
to
meet
democratic
standards,
and
the
ruling
party,
ZANU
PF,
responds
to
dissenting
voices
with
brute
force.
The
month
of
August
brings
back
painful
memories
of
the
brutal
murder
of
six
unarmed
civilians
by
the
military
during
protests
opposing
electoral
fraud
on
August
1,
2018.
What
is
even
more
disheartening
is
that
President
Emmerson
Mnangagwa
established
a
Commission
of
Inquiry
to
investigate
the
circumstances
surrounding
the
military
shootings,
yet
he
has
shown
a
lack
of
political
will
to
implement
the
recommendations
of
the
Motlanthe
Commission.
Electoral
reforms,
as
recommended
by
SADC,
remain
a
distant
dream
as
the
ruling
party
seeks
to
steer
the
country
toward
a
one-party
state.
Furthermore,
the
state
continues
to
criminalize
the
work
of
civil
society
organizations
through
draconian
legislation
such
as
the
Patriotic
Act
and
the
Private
Voluntary
Organisations
Act.
The
plundering
of
national
resources
by
political
elites—contrary
to
the
values
of
the
liberation
struggle—worsens
the
inequality
gap
in
Zimbabwe,
leaving
the
majority
of
Zimbabweans
economically
marginalized
and
with
little
to
celebrate
from
the
attainment
of
independence.
It
is
the
collective
duty
of
progressive
Zimbabweans
to
reclaim
the
narrative
of
the
liberation
war
and
advocate
for
democracy
and
inclusive
national
development.
Progressive
Zimbabweans
must
prioritize
collective
dialogue
to
address
the
fundamental
challenges
facing
the
country,
working
to
move
beyond
the
twin
crises
of
poor
governance
and
illegitimacy.
The
Coalition
implores
the
state
to
uphold
the
values
of
the
liberation
struggle,
which
include
constitutional
democracy,
transparency,
accountability,
and
respect
for
citizens’
fundamental
rights.
The
state
must
pave
the
way
for
nation-building,
anchored
in
respect
for
the
constitution
and
genuine
reconciliation
processes
to
heal
the
wounds
inflicted
by
atrocities
such
as
Gukurahundi
and
the
violent
2008
elections,
among
other
acts
of
state-sponsored
terror
that
undermined
the
concept
of
nation-building.
Through
its
constitutional
hubs
established
across
the
country,
the
Coalition
will
intensify
efforts
to
mobilize
Zimbabweans
to
defend
the
constitution
and
democratic
space.
Community
mobilization
and
regional
solidarity
are
crucial
in
this
regard.
The
Coalition
reiterates
that
current
events
in
the
country
signal
a
complete
departure
from
the
ethos
of
the
liberation
struggle,
clearly
revealing
that
Zimbabwe
is
independent
but
NOT
FREE.
Mobilizing
grassroots
communities
to
defend
democratic
space
is
essential
for
ensuring
that
Zimbabweans
can
enjoy
the
fruits
of
their
independence.
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