Mwonzora demands investigation into politicization food aid distribution

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Douglas Mwonzora, has called for a government investigation into allegations that ZANU-PF officials are politicizing food aid distribution in rural areas, deliberately excluding opposition supporters from receiving drought relief.

Mwonzora made the comments in response to widespread reports that ruling party members are removing families aligned with opposition parties from lists of beneficiaries for food aid, particularly in rural and remote regions. According to Mwonzora, this practice is not only unethical but also a violation of the rights of Zimbabweans affected by the ongoing drought.

"Almost every family in the rural areas has indicated that they require drought relief aid. Indeed, they require food aid. Most of this drought relief is coming from international donor organizations, and it is meant to benefit all Zimbabweans," Mwonzora said.

He went on to accuse ZANU-PF officials of using food aid as a tool for political manipulation, saying, "ZANU-PF, through its officials, has been systematically removing families of the members of the opposition from the list of beneficiaries of food aid. This can only be described as evil."

Zimbabwe is currently facing a severe drought exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, which has caused widespread crop failure, leading to food shortages across the country. In April, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for food assistance. The government has since received donations from several countries and organizations to address the crisis.

Despite this, concerns persist regarding the transparency and fairness of the aid distribution process, with opposition parties claiming that food relief is being politicized. Mwonzora emphasized that the drought has impacted Zimbabweans across all political affiliations and that food aid should be distributed equitably.

"This drought has affected all people regardless of their political affiliation. Our constitution guarantees that Zimbabweans must have food security. By denying the opposition food aid, ZANU-PF is abrogating the fundamental rights of our people," he stated.

Mwonzora has called on the government to step in and ensure that food aid reaches those in need, regardless of their political affiliation. He urged the police to take action against those who interfere with the distribution of relief aid and appealed to donor agencies to monitor the process to ensure that aid is distributed fairly and reaches all intended beneficiaries.

"Therefore, the government, through the police, must step in and arrest all people who are interfering with the food aid program. The donor agencies must step in and independently ensure that the food aid reaches all intended beneficiaries," Mwonzora added.

As Zimbabwe grapples with a growing humanitarian crisis, the issue of food aid distribution has become a focal point for political debate, with accusations of corruption and political interference intensifying.