Villagers continue to face threats, political discrimination by traditional leaders - report
The Zimbabwe Peace Project has reported that traditional leaders in rural Zimbabwe are increasingly engaging in political intimidation and land-related corruption. The report alleges that these leaders are violating constitutional obligations by discriminating against citizens based on political affiliation.
Why it matters
It underscores ongoing concerns regarding the erosion of democratic rights and the abuse of traditional authority in rural governance.
THE Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has raised concerns over alleged cases of traditional leaders intimidating villagers, demanding payments, interfering with access to government programmes, and engaging in partisan political mobilisation.
In its August monitoring report, the rights watchdog said some traditional leaders were departing from their constitutional obligations to protect the rights of communities under their jurisdiction.
Section 281 of the Constitution requires traditional leaders to act in accordance with the Constitution and laws and to treat people equally and fairly.
The section also prohibits traditional leaders from engaging in partisan political conduct and violating fundamental rights and freedoms.
The rights watchdog documented cases involving alleged threats, political discrimination, coercion, and disputes over communal land.
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