Ibbo Mandaza speaks out after bomb attack

Prominent Zimbabwean academic and publisher Professor Ibbo Mandaza has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he received following the recent bombing of his Sapes Trust offices in Belgravia, Harare - an attack widely believed to have been carried out by suspected state agents seeking to disrupt a public discussion on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's alleged bid to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

In a statement to friends and supporters, Mandaza described the incident as a "dastardly bomb attack" and said the response from citizens, colleagues, and well-wishers had provided both comfort and strength amid growing political repression.

"Here is to thank each of you for your prompt response and warm wishes of support a fortnight ago, after that dastardly bomb attack on our SAPES Trust premises," Mandaza said.

"It made me realize more immediately the seriousness of the incident and indeed the import of it all in the current situation in Zimbabwe. Indications are that things will get worse in the days, weeks and months ahead: witness the deafening silence from the state authorities a fortnight after the incident, no arrests nor statement on the matter; and the spate of abductions continue as evidenced in the fate of those unfortunate students in Chinhoyi."

The Sapes Trust, founded by Mandaza, has long served as a platform for independent policy dialogue, hosting discussions on governance, democracy, and constitutionalism. The attack occurred shortly before a scheduled public discussion on Mnangagwa's alleged unconstitutional term-extension manoeuvres, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in recent months.

Mandaza noted that the solidarity shown after the attack has drawn international attention to Zimbabwe's deteriorating human rights and security situation, marked by enforced disappearances, intimidation of activists, and violent suppression of dissent.

"Your response has not only comforted me, family and friends, but also helped to highlight the current human rights situation in Zimbabwe," he added. "The hope is that the exposure on social media and elsewhere will also serve as a deterrent and save the many citizens who are much more vulnerable than I am."

No arrests or official statements have been issued by authorities two weeks after the bombing, further fuelling concerns over state complicity and impunity in politically motivated attacks.

Mandaza, a respected political scientist and editor of the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES), has been a consistent critic of authoritarian rule and corruption in Zimbabwe, often calling for democratic reforms and respect for the Constitution.