Seventeen years after a major regional court ruling, Zimbabwe continues to ignore the judgment, and the tribunal remains closed. The SADC Tribunal found Zimbabwe's land seizure program illegal and discriminatory in the Campbell case.
It ordered compensation for dispossessed farmers, which was never paid. The court was effectively shut down by Zimbabwe's former government. Ben Freeth, a spokesperson for a rights group, stated the judgment is legally binding.
He argues that the tribunal's ongoing dysfunction denies justice to millions across Southern Africa. There is little political will among member states to revive the court by appointing new judges. Advocates continue urging both Zimbabwe and the regional bloc to comply with the ruling and restore the judicial body.
It ordered compensation for dispossessed farmers, which was never paid. The court was effectively shut down by Zimbabwe's former government. Ben Freeth, a spokesperson for a rights group, stated the judgment is legally binding.
He argues that the tribunal's ongoing dysfunction denies justice to millions across Southern Africa. There is little political will among member states to revive the court by appointing new judges. Advocates continue urging both Zimbabwe and the regional bloc to comply with the ruling and restore the judicial body.
