The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), a human rights watchdog, has warned that Zimbabwe is headed for conflict due to the deteriorating economic situation.
In its latest report for July released on Tuesday, ZPP said:
The month of July had sadly not brought much to celebrate for Zimbabweans as the country is cascading into the precipice of conflict amid a continued deterioration in living conditions.
The economy is officially experiencing hyperinflation as the Zimbabwean dollar has shed 41,57% during this month (July) alone…
The organisation bemoaned the alleged harassment of members of the public by ruling party activists when they complain about the worsening economic situation. The report further said:
The situation obtaining in the country shows deteriorating living conditions. Most concerning is the harassment and intimidation by mainly ruling party representatives of the public when they express their frustrations about poor living conditions.
One such incident happened in Beitbridge, Dulibadzimu township when Finot Ndou threatened to kill Marshall Mbedzi for criticising President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
The war veterans have also been accused of sowing fear and despondency among the citizenry through intimidation. The report added:
Sentiments expressed by Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Victor Matemadanda at a meeting in Gweru on July 27 that government will unleash the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to crush any ‘violent’ protest have further highlighted the increasingly prominent role that war veterans are playing in sowing fear and despondency.