United States-based Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist Freeman Chari has warned that the country is at a critical moment, as ZANU-PF pushes for a Constitutional Amendment that could strengthen its hold on power and make it even harder for the opposition to win an election.
Posting on X on Thursday, Chari said that Zimbabweans are now largely on their own, as those who have traditionally led the fight against authoritarianism have either been sidelined or co-opted. Said Chari:
“We are at a watershed moment. Mnangagwa and his cabal are determined to ramrod the amendments to the constitution illegally.
“The people who are supposed to lead the resistance from parliament to the senate have long abdicated that responsibility.
“Civic society is decimated, and traditional pro-democracy partners hijacked. We are on our own!
“In the past few months, we have been pondering the way forward. Do we just fold our hands? Do we wait for a messiah? What do we do?
“In these questions, we also asked ourselves, are our differences bigger than the country?
“Are our egos more important than our constitution? Both times, the answer was an emphatic NO!
“So, we resolved to start laying the foundation for a resistance movement solely focused on the protection and defence of the constitution of Zimbabwe – hence, CONSTITUTION DEFENDERS’ FORUM.”
Using the allegory of a tree, Chari urged everyone opposed to the constitutional amendments to come together, regardless of their background. He said:
“We are growing a FIG TREE. Those who want SHADE will find it. Those who want ROOTS will find them. Those looking for BARKS will find them. Those looking for FRUITS will harvest them.
“But, it is also a tree that is growing in a desert. The terrain is harsh. We are going to need some watering, some manure, some fences and tending.
“This is where every one of us has to play a part. You may think you are too small to make an impact, but your presence and input increase the resonance.
“The more we push together, the more our amplitude rises, and at some point the force becomes unbearable.”
Several activists opposing the constitutional amendments, including leading law professor Lovemore Madhuku, have reportedly been beaten and threatened with death by suspected state agents. Said Chari:
“The people on the ground in Zimbabwe will be embarking on different forays to organise and galvanise the people. This comes at great risk to them, but they are determined.
“Our responsibility, especially in the Diaspora, is to make sure that we provide solidarity, reclaim the narrative and provide a voice that is bigger than that of the system.
“We will be opening channels of engagement, feedback and participation for all as we go forward.
“If there is something you feel you are good at, just say the word, and we will plug you. We need to move forward together.
“If what we are building is not a good fit for you but you still feel this Constitution needs to be defended, we urge you not to waste time and effort in disappointment; instead, ORGANIZE and push from your end.”
Related:
No related.