Own Correspondent

Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo has yet again dismissed claims that there is a serious human rights crisis in the country claiming that there is instead challenges mainly caused by the Covid-19 lockdown, sanctions and climate change which has brought drought.

Moyo was responding to questions by journalists during a Tuesday post-cabinet media briefing.

“Most activities that have happened are stage-managed to portray them as real,” said the minister.

“We have challenges that have slowed down the economy which include Covid-19 lockdown, sanctions and climate change that has resulted in drought and Cyclone Idai,” Moyo said.

He added, “Because of Covid-19, many people are in lockdown.

“If there are issues, the problems emanate within and these should be discussed.”

The minister said it was now a trend that if there is a bloc summit or programme, something happens to portray negativity around the Zimbabwean government.

There was a SADC summit on Monday.