Zimbabwe currently undergoing serious socio-economic and political challenges

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has reported in its July -August report that Zimbabwe is currently undergoing serious socio-economic and political challenges which are likely to continue if their root causes are not addressed.

The trust said in the month of July and August 2016, several demonstrations were carried out in Harare, Beitbridge, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, Mutare and other smaller towns of Zimbabwe.

"Apart from political protests by opposition and the ruling party, the country has also experienced a new wave of nonviolence social movements namely #This Flag, #Tajamuka, #Tasvinura among others, which have been launching peaceful protests across the country. The declining economic situation and political malaise are principally the root cause of the tensions. War Veterans have also been coalescing against perpetual discrimination of their welfare," the trust said.

"Police brutality, unfair deprivation of freedom by incarceration and political persecution has also been on the rise, particularly within political parties. The MDC-T and ZANU-PF, major political parties in Zimbabwe are internally having conflicts mainly around succession issues. The ruling ZANU-PF is the most affected, the bickering and banter reached high stakes when Mandi Chimene openly alleged Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa of leading a parallel government right in front of the party President."

The trust said Many of its members feel insecure and vulnerable to political onslaught.

"Besides, there have also been reports of unfair food aid distribution perpetuated by partisan actions of local authorities responsible for food distribution within different communities," said the trust.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has 500 human rights monitors across the country who documents reports of violence and conflict issues. However, it said its reports are independently verified to establish facts before publication.