Civil society in Zambia remains deeply concerned with the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe and the reported human rights violations against citizens by the state. As civil rights, we are particularly concerned with the reported beatings, arrest and killing of unarmed citizen who were peacefully demonstrating against dire economic situation in Zimbabwe. In an effort to silence the masses, state authorities had also ordered a shutdown of the interest and social media platforms in Zimbabwe.

The economic situation in Zimbabwe remains a huge challenge for the majority of the people in the country. The situation has been compounded with the recent hike in fuel prices. We urge the leadership in Zimbabwe to be magnanimous and begin to address the suffering of the people. The onus lies on President Mnangagwa to be all inclusive in finding a lasting solution to the many challenges the country faces. In 2018, Zimbabwe signed the African charter on democracy Elections and Governanve (ACDEG) committing to adhere to good governance principles as outlined in the ACDEG. However, it is unfortunate that the happenings in Zimbabwe are a contradiction of the provisions of the ACDEG and a violation of the fundamental human rights.

It is disheartening to note that the terrible situation in Zimbabwe has not garnered the desired response both regionally and internationally. As civil society activists, we cannot sit while our neighbours are being beaten, arrested, detained and killed. We therefore urge the Zimbabwean government through President Emmerson Mnangagwa to immediately halt human rights violations against citizens and to respect the rule of law. We also call upon President Edgar Lungu, as Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics Defence and Security and any influential members of the international community including the African Union, to take keen interest in the happenings in Zimbabwe before more innocent lives are lost. Zimbabwe deserves better from its leaders and international community