Diaspora group raises alarm over Zimbabwe crisis

Zimbabweans living abroad have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as worsening political, economic and human rights conditions in the country, warning that mounting pressures are increasingly driving citizens to seek opportunities and sanctuary outside Zimbabwe.

The civic movement Citizens Watch Zimbabwe, based in South Africa, called for urgent action on a range of issues, including constitutional changes, the rule of law, the cost of passports, governance and declining public services.

The movement held a media briefing in Johannesburg on Saturday, with human rights, governance, economic hardship, public service delivery and challenges facing Zimbabweans in the diaspora among the issues discussed.

Speaking on the sidelines of the delayed press conference, Citizens Watch Zimbabwe president Patience Chard said many Zimbabweans felt their rights were being eroded and called on the Government to listen to their concerns.

"The reason why we've gathered here is because the Zimbabweans are going through a lot of difficulties here and back home. So, we're here to speak about all these things. Maybe the government can hear us when we gather together in our numbers," Chard said.

She highlighted the high cost of obtaining passports as one of the major concerns facing Zimbabweans living abroad.

"Our passports, their prices are ridiculous," she said.

Chard also criticised recent constitutional changes, saying the movement had been formed largely in response to concerns over the constitutional amendments and their implications for citizens' rights.

"And we also got a challenge of our constitution that was recently amended. And that was the main reason why we formed our organisation because of the constitution," she said.

She accused the authorities of undermining citizens' rights, particularly in relation to political participation.

"So that means we no longer Zimbabweans. If we cannot vote, what is the reason for us being Zimbabweans if we can't vote," Chard said.

The movement also criticised the Government's 2030 Agenda, describing it as unconstitutional and arguing that it does not adequately reflect the views and concerns of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Citizens Watch Zimbabwe said the challenges facing Zimbabweans both at home and abroad required greater public engagement, accountability and respect for constitutional rights.

The organisation said it would continue raising concerns affecting the Zimbabwean diaspora and advocating for reforms it believes are necessary to improve governance, public services and the protection of citizens' rights.