Zimbabwe's journey towards peace, reconciliation and truth-telling has not been without challenges. Having endured colonial rule, a protracted liberation struggle and subsequent episodes of political violence, the pursuit of national healing and unity is crucial, but despite this, the country has struggled to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peace and reconciliation, as evidenced by numerous events and ongoing challenges.
The concept of peace in Zimbabwe cannot be separated from the need for genuine reconciliation. However, the path to reconciliation has been marred by a lack of political will and an unwillingness to confront past atrocities. The Gukurahundi massacres in Zimbabwe occurred between 1983 and 1987, primarily targeting the Ndebele population in the Matabeleland and Midlands regions. The campaign was carried out by the 5th Brigade, an elite unit of the Zimbabwe National Army, under the command of the late General Perrance Shiri, with orders from the ruling ZANU-PF government, led by then-Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. Official estimates suggest that approximately 20,000 civilians were killed during this brutal period, although some reports indicate that the true number could be higher.
The operation was ostensibly to suppress dissidents, but it has widely been recognised as a political tool used by ZANU-PF to eliminate opposition and consolidate power over the country, particularly targeting supporters of Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU party. To this day, there has been no formal accountability or justice for the victims. Perpetrators like Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was Zimbabwe's Minister of State Security at the time, now serve in high-ranking positions within the government, with Mnangagwa currently holding the office of President. The failure to address the atrocities of Gukurahundi continues to hinder peace and reconciliation efforts in Zimbabwe, creating unresolved trauma and distrust between the state and affected communities, particularly in Matabeleland.
In the aftermath of Zimbabwe's 2008 elections, the country witnessed a wave of political violence primarily orchestrated by state security forces and supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party. The first round of the presidential election saw opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) winning the majority, but not enough to avoid a run-off. In response, ZANU-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, launched a brutal campaign against MDC supporters to ensure Mugabe retained power in the second round. Human rights organisations reported that over 200 people were killed, thousands were tortured, and tens of thousands were displaced.
The Joint Operations Command (JOC), comprising military and security officials, played a pivotal role in coordinating the violence. Key figures, such as General Constantine Chiwenga, Emerson Mnangagwa and Perence Shiri, were deeply involved in this campaign of repression. Many of these individuals remain in power today. This history of violence has hindered Zimbabwe's path to peace and reconciliation, as those responsible for the atrocities continue to dominate the political landscape, preventing meaningful accountability or justice for the victims.
The land dispossession processes in Zimbabwe, particularly following the Fast Track Land Reform Program of 2000, significantly disrupted truth-telling and reconciliation efforts. The forced removal of white commercial farmers and the redistribution of land, often without due process or compensation, created deep divisions and mistrust among different groups in Zimbabwe. This program, though framed as correcting colonial injustices, resulted in widespread violence, human rights abuses and economic collapse. Many beneficiaries were politically connected elites, further exacerbating inequality and resentment. These events hindered any objective, transparent discussion of historical land grievances, creating a polarised environment where truth-telling is manipulated or silenced to fit political narratives. Instead of fostering reconciliation, the land reform process deepened the country's divisions, making it harder to address both past colonial wrongs and contemporary injustices.
In more recent times, the government's response to civic activism and dissent has highlighted the continued suppression of truth-telling. Activists, journalists and opposition members have been harassed, arrested and even tortured for speaking out against the state. The abduction and torture of prominent activist and MDC Alliance member, Tawanda Muchehiwa, in July 2020 is a clear example of the state's efforts to silence those who seek to expose the truth. Such actions not only violate human rights but also stifle the possibility of open dialogue and truth-telling, which are essential for genuine reconciliation.
As Zimbabwe continues to face economic hardships, political instability and social unrest, the need for peace, reconciliation and truth-telling is more urgent than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with the government's heavy-handed response to public dissent leading to increased tensions. The arrests of journalists Hopewell Chin'ono and Jacob Ngarivhume in 2020, for instance, underscore the shrinking space for freedom of expression and the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo.
Looking forward, Zimbabwe's path to reconciliation must be built on a foundation of truth and justice. This requires not only acknowledging past wrongs but also implementing systemic reforms to ensure accountability, transparency and inclusivity. The involvement of civil society, religious leaders and international partners is crucial in this process, as they can provide the necessary support and pressure to drive meaningful change. Ultimately, the future of Zimbabwe depends on its ability to confront its past, heal its divisions and build a society where peace and justice prevail.
Peace, reconciliation and truth-telling in Zimbabwe are not just abstract ideals but essential components of the nation's journey towards healing and progress. The challenges are immense, but the potential for positive change exists if there is a collective commitment to addressing past injustices, fostering dialogue and upholding human rights. The time for Zimbabwe to confront its past and build a future based on truth and reconciliation is now.
Let’s Unite! As We Build Zimbabwe.
