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The nation’s peace continues to be unstable due to increasing political division, financial challenges, and a lack of confidence in government bodies, as indicated by a recent nationwide study conducted by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights).

The September 2024-2025 Report on Peace highlights a concerning situation where communities are facing challenges related to instability, dishonesty, and the decline of public liberties.

Just 44% of Zimbabweans stated they felt secure in their neighborhoods, whereas over 70% indicated they had seen or been a part of violence within the last year.

The National Director of ZimRights, Dzikamai Bere, characterized the results as a reflection of a country where peace is more of a promise than a reality, encouraging the government to allow citizens to take the lead in creating lasting peace.

The study—derived from a nationwide survey of 221 participants from every province—highlights extensive disappointment toward police forces.

Police trust is only 17.9%, with numerous participants mentioning corruption, political influence, and fear tactics.

Political and social violence shape the environment, causing people to feel afraid of sharing their views or joining nonviolent demonstrations.

Almost 60% mentioned they did not feel secure joining protests, while 47% stated they felt intimidated when asserting their fundamental rights.

ZimRights connects economic hardship and high unemployment, reported to affect 68% of participants, with increasing social unrest and aggression.

The report highlights that businesses are “seldom engaged in peacebuilding” because of politically biased markets and survival-focused objectives.

Zimbabwe is positioned 141st among 163 nations in the Global Peace Index and continues to be labeled “Not Free” by Freedom House, indicating the report’s assessment of deep-rooted authoritarian practices and widespread human rights abuses.

Although there are troubling numbers, the report points out impressive local strength, acknowledging community peace committees and local activists for promoting conversation and settling regional disputes.

From Masvingo to Matabeleland, communities have established “Peace Gardens” and mediation initiatives tackling early marriages, land conflicts, and hunger.

The document calls on the government to develop a National Policy focused on Peace, Recovery, and Reconciliation, and to set up a lasting, autonomous peace commission equipped to examine and resolve conflicts.

It also advocates for changes to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring organizations like the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC).

Experts from a national meeting cautioned that the nation faces the danger of establishing an authoritarian peace, characterized by order enforced through fear, instead of “positive peace,” which is based on justice, trust, and participation.

Although the government has introduced programs like the Chiefs’ Gukurahundi Outreach Programme, ZimRights claims they do not meet global transitional justice benchmarks.

The group states that genuine recovery demands political commitment, organizational honesty, and a readiness to address the nation’s history of violence.

“The basis for peace is already in place. What is left is the bravery and dedication to make it a reality,” the report stated.

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Tagged: Zimbabwe, Southern Africa

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