CBTU President Statement on the Situation in Zimbabwe
Statement by Rev. Terry Melvin
President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
When Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was ousted in 2017, there was a question that was broadly asked: was there now to be a return to democracy? Also, will the goals of the original Zimbabwean Revolution be finally realized? As such, and despite evidence of hostility to dissent, the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa, was given the benefit of the doubt by many both in Zimbabwe and in other countries. It is now apparent that rather than creating a wider space for democratic debate and dissent, and rather than returning to the road of the Zimbabwean Revolution, Mnangagwa has chosen the route of the police state.
In response to a protest called by trade union leaders regarding the increase in fuel prices, the Mnangagwa government began open repression, including beatings and imprisonment of protesters and opposition figures. This has included the jailing of members and leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), the largest of the Zimbabwean labor federations and one with which CBTU has had a relationship for years.
The repression of the ZCTU is not new. Under former President Mugabe, leaders and activists were routinely jailed and, in some cases, tortured for opposing various policies of the government. ZCTU, like many other organizations in Zimbabwe, expected some relief from repression. Instead they have received repression once again.
One conclusion that we can draw from what is underway in Zimbabwe is that while former President Mugabe had a strong persona, the challenges facing Zimbabwe go way beyond that of an individual. There is a regime in place that seeks to enrich itself and smash any and all opposition, always holding up the Zimbabwean flag when they do so. The time has certainly arrived where it needs to be made clear that such repression will not be excused away or ignored by anyone, including and especially those of us—organizations and individuals—who for so long supported the Zimbabwean Revolution.
Pressure external to Zimbabwe is very important but that pressure must come from African nations and progressive social movements rather than from rogue forces such as the Trump administration. CBTU, therefore, adds its voice to others that insist that the African Union take an active role in bringing about a peaceful and just resolution of Zimbabwe’s conflict. We can no longer afford to allow charlatans to fly the flag of progressive nationalism and sovereignty while they are doing all that they can to support and reinforce the privileges of a small elite.
We support the Zimbabwean Revolution but we oppose the authoritarianism of the Mnangagwa regime. The people must come to power!