The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube, Senior Reporter
THE Government has dismissed as false social media reports that there is human rights abuse and crisis in Zimbabwe being spread by known political activists, misinformed individuals and global actors.
This comes on the backdrop of a #ZimbabweansLives Matter social media campaign led by the country’s detractors and opposition forces alleging human rights abuse in Zimbabwe.
However, in a statement, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting services, Mr Nick Mangwana said the recent social media campaign was a deliberate attempt to smear the country’s image through the use of doctored images, old videos and highly exaggerated claims.
“Zimbabwe today is peaceful and all citizens are free to go about their business as usual, within the boundaries set by the lockdown regulations. President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic believes in upholding the rule of law and freedom of speech.
“Indeed, it is this freedom of speech that is unfortunately being abused by those who seek to push a sinister political agenda. To set the record straight, there is no crisis or implosion in Zimbabwe, neither has there been any abductions or war on citizens,” said Mr Mangwana.
The permanent secretary called on Zimbabwe’s regional and international partners to bear in mind that the country has long suffered from its detractors who felt cheated by the Agrarian reform.
“Zimbabwe has for long suffered efforts to destabilise it by external forces that have a bone to chew with the country since the historic land reform programme. These efforts have in the past taken many forms, for attempted insurgency to the current organized smear campaign using blatantly false claims.
“Such smear campaigns are not unique to Zimbabwe and have been employed in other countries over the years. We urge those who wish us well to continue to partner us in developing our country. On our we will continue on the reform pathway that we are on, to ensure a prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe for all citizens,” said Mr Mangwana.
On Tuesday President Mnangagwa said the country will overcome renewed attacks on the country perpetrated by some rogue Zimbabweans working in league with foreign detractors to destabilise the nation.
