Zimbabwe will start hearings about deadly attacks from the 1980s next Thursday. President Emmerson Mnangagwa created a group of traditional leaders to listen to victims. The government wants to solve old problems that still cause anger among people. Chiefs will meet with survivors away from reporters because the stories remain painful. The hearings will happen where soldiers killed thousands of citizens years ago.
Robert Mugabe sent North Korean-trained troops to western regions during 1983. The soldiers killed about 20,000 people over several years according to church groups. Most victims belonged to the Ndebele tribe who lived around Bulawayo city. Mugabe called the operation Gukurahundi which means early rain that cleans away waste. The former president never admitted his soldiers committed these crimes.
Activists think the process helps those who ordered the killings rather than families who lost relatives. They want government officials to say sorry before any hearings begin. Mnangagwa served as security minister when the attacks happened but denies responsibility. The president promised money for victims but cannot say how much families will receive. Community members will help chiefs decide what happened during those violent times.
Robert Mugabe sent North Korean-trained troops to western regions during 1983. The soldiers killed about 20,000 people over several years according to church groups. Most victims belonged to the Ndebele tribe who lived around Bulawayo city. Mugabe called the operation Gukurahundi which means early rain that cleans away waste. The former president never admitted his soldiers committed these crimes.
Activists think the process helps those who ordered the killings rather than families who lost relatives. They want government officials to say sorry before any hearings begin. Mnangagwa served as security minister when the attacks happened but denies responsibility. The president promised money for victims but cannot say how much families will receive. Community members will help chiefs decide what happened during those violent times.
