The human rights organization ZimRights has called for an independent commission to address the Gukurahundi conflicts of the 1980s, describing the current process led by traditional chiefs as lacking credibility and legal foundation. In a recently published report, the group stated that the chief-led hearings operate without transparency or a proper policy framework, violating established transitional justice principles.
The process, initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been criticized for its secrecy and is reportedly overseen by the Ministry of Justice. ZimRights noted that the approach has been heavily securitized and has led to the displacement of several critical activists from the Matabeleland region. The organization and some researchers argue that the scale of the historical atrocities requires a legitimate and independent investigative body to achieve meaningful resolution and healing for the victims.
The process, initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been criticized for its secrecy and is reportedly overseen by the Ministry of Justice. ZimRights noted that the approach has been heavily securitized and has led to the displacement of several critical activists from the Matabeleland region. The organization and some researchers argue that the scale of the historical atrocities requires a legitimate and independent investigative body to achieve meaningful resolution and healing for the victims.
