YOUTH UNDER SIEGE: ZANU PF’S SELECTIVE JUSTICE IN ZIMBABWE

In Zimbabwe, a distressing narrative unfolds as the youth, burdened by frustration, alienation, and marginalization, find themselves increasingly targeted by the allegedly long arm of the law. This phenomenon, seemingly orchestrated by ZANU PF, highlights a grim reality where tranquil protests against economic mismanagement and violations of constitutional liberties are met with swift and intolerant crackdowns. The selective and politically motivated deployment of partisan police serves as a mechanism for ZANU PF’s unconstitutional power retention, preserving the status quo while impeding democratic change.

The right to freedom of assembly, a fundamental constitutional liberty, has been severely infringed upon. Opposition youths attempting to exercise this right peacefully find themselves thwarted, denied the space to realize their right to assembly. This has led to instances of lawfare, where the judiciary, compromised and dependent, is used as a tool against figures like Mamombe, Chirova, and Chidziva, who have faced repeated legal challenges.

Contrastingly, certain elements within the largely dysfunctional Zimbabwean society, particularly those involved in the chaos of gold-rich provinces, appear to operate with impunity under ZANU PF’s protection. These rogue and criminal youth elements, affiliated with various ZANU PF factions, have evolved into mild terrorists, safeguarding the interests of ZANU PF and its proxies involved in gold smuggling. Interestingly, ZANU PF has also used these elements to discredit the opposition, going as far as to orchestrate defections to paint a bleak picture of opposition parties.

The narrative takes a more sinister turn with ZANU PF’s manipulation of the artisanal mining sector. By granting gold claims to the progeny of war veterans, ZANU PF has enlisted these youths in its service, ensuring they protect the party’s interests. This move, however, highlights a deeper issue of entitlement and privilege, as these youths and their parents, the war veterans, have already benefited disproportionately from land allocations and financial compensations, exacerbating the inequality in a country plagued by unemployment and economic decline.

ZANU PF’s disconnect from the pressing need for political reform is evident in its strategy of power retention. By privileging the children of war veterans with gold claims, the party has alienated the military, another crucial pillar of its support base, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest within its ranks. This miscalculation reveals ZANU PF’s failure to understand the changing dynamics within Zimbabwean society and the broader implications for its future.

As Zimbabwe edges closer to a potential crisis, the call for genuine political reformation grows louder. The youth, unfairly targeted and deprived of their rights, symbolize the broader struggle against a regime that appears increasingly out of touch with the realities of its citizens. The unfolding situation suggests that ZANU PF, in its current form, may be incapable of navigating the country through its myriad challenges, necessitating a reevaluation of its strategies and policies.

In conclusion, the youth of Zimbabwe stand at the forefront of a battle for their future, a future that remains uncertain under the shadow of ZANU PF’s selective justice and misgovernance. As the country moves towards another election, the hope for a democratic transition looms on the horizon, potentially heralded by the deteriorating economy and the dissatisfaction of key state apparatus. Only time will tell whether ZANU PF will heed the call for change or continue down its current path, further alienating the very people it claims to represent.