News / National
ED2030: UK says watching Zimbabwe chaos
2 hrs ago |
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The Parliament of the United Kingdom has raised concern over reports of harassment, torture and arbitrary arrests targeting individuals opposed to Zimbabwe's proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
The amendment seeks, among other provisions, to extend the term of office for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament by two years without holding a referendum.
The concerns were outlined by Jenny Chapman in response to questions posed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by David Alton regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe.
Alton had asked what representations the UK had made following reports that individuals opposing the proposed extension of presidential terms to 2030 were being targeted with violence and intimidation.
Chapman said the UK embassy in Harare was closely monitoring developments.
"Our embassy in Harare continues to closely monitor reports of harassment of individuals and groups expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Constitution," she said.
"Officials remain in contact with the government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing engagement on these matters."
While emphasising that constitutional amendments are a sovereign matter for Zimbabwe, Chapman stressed the importance of democratic freedoms.
"Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy," she said, adding that political parties, civil society organisations and journalists should be able to operate without intimidation.
She also underscored the need for transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process, warning against the erosion of political space.
Zimbabwe has in recent weeks witnessed increased tension around the proposed amendments, with several opposition figures and civic groups reportedly facing crackdowns.
Lovemore Madhuku and members of his organisation were allegedly subjected to torture during a private meeting discussing the amendments. Meanwhile, Tendai Biti, a senior opposition figure and convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum, was recently arrested alongside other members of the group.
Several meetings organised by civic organisations, including the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe and the National Democratic Working Group, were reportedly blocked or disrupted by security agents in Bulawayo.
In contrast, members of the ruling ZANU PF have continued to hold awareness campaigns in support of the amendments without interference, raising concerns among observers about an uneven political playing field.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Zimbabwe's political environment, with international stakeholders calling for the protection of civil liberties as the country debates changes to its Constitution.
The amendment seeks, among other provisions, to extend the term of office for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament by two years without holding a referendum.
The concerns were outlined by Jenny Chapman in response to questions posed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by David Alton regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe.
Alton had asked what representations the UK had made following reports that individuals opposing the proposed extension of presidential terms to 2030 were being targeted with violence and intimidation.
Chapman said the UK embassy in Harare was closely monitoring developments.
"Our embassy in Harare continues to closely monitor reports of harassment of individuals and groups expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Constitution," she said.
"Officials remain in contact with the government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing engagement on these matters."
While emphasising that constitutional amendments are a sovereign matter for Zimbabwe, Chapman stressed the importance of democratic freedoms.
"Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy," she said, adding that political parties, civil society organisations and journalists should be able to operate without intimidation.
She also underscored the need for transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process, warning against the erosion of political space.
Zimbabwe has in recent weeks witnessed increased tension around the proposed amendments, with several opposition figures and civic groups reportedly facing crackdowns.
Lovemore Madhuku and members of his organisation were allegedly subjected to torture during a private meeting discussing the amendments. Meanwhile, Tendai Biti, a senior opposition figure and convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum, was recently arrested alongside other members of the group.
Several meetings organised by civic organisations, including the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe and the National Democratic Working Group, were reportedly blocked or disrupted by security agents in Bulawayo.
In contrast, members of the ruling ZANU PF have continued to hold awareness campaigns in support of the amendments without interference, raising concerns among observers about an uneven political playing field.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Zimbabwe's political environment, with international stakeholders calling for the protection of civil liberties as the country debates changes to its Constitution.
Source - newsday
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