Farai Dziva|Pressure groups are pushing for the immediate intervention of the AU in the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean Citizens Coalition in South Africa has urged both President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government and the African Union to condemn the abduction, torture and imprisonment of activists, journalists and government critics in Zimbabwe.

“As the chair of the African Union, South Africa must take a firm stance and condemn what is happening in Zimbabwe.

The AU represents the continent, and we need continental support,” said Tafirenyika Muzarugwi of Zimbabwean Citizens Coalition.

The Durban-based Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement’s Tsungai Jani has also bemoaned the widening crackdown on dissenting voices by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

He said Zimbabweans were foolish to celebrate the ouster of the late Robert Mugabe, then President in 2017 because the repressive State apparatus is still in place.

Said Jani:
“You never expect this to happen in a so-called democratic country. When Robert Mugabe was ousted out of office, we foolishly rejoiced only to realise that he was never the only bad guy, but it was a systemic issue. At the end of the day, Zanu-PF is still the ruling party.”