#Jacob Mudenda

[isbellavidanewsnation]

Zimbabwe: The men of god surrounding President Mnangagwa

Some of the most prominent clergymen in Zimbabwe continue to embrace President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his policies. Who are these men of god?

With economic depression and political repression in Zimbabwe, analysts say one would have expected all the clergymen in the country to emulate South Africa’s fearless cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu – who used the pulpit to fight apartheid – to speak truth to power. Instead, some of the most prominent ones have embraced President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his policies since he came to power.

“Such a rare breed of ecclesiastics with enough moral stamina to warn President Mnangagwa against looting national coffers and brutalising citizens are still to emerge in Zimbabwe,” says a political analyst who prefers to stay anonymous.

Three weeks before the citizen-backed military coup that dethroned the late president Robert Mugabe in 2017, Mnangagwa had been fired for “traits of disloyalty”.

When Mnangagwa took over the presidency in November 2017, he told his supporters that “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.

Many church leaders quickly embraced him even though his ascension to power was through a coup. Four months later, a local newspaper, The Herald, published an article saying churches had endorsed the “new dispensation” led by Mnangagwa.

 In the run up to the 2023 elections, the churches rallied behind Mnangagwa under #pastors4ED campaign on social media.

Here are five clergymen who have built close ties with the president:

Angel (born Uebert Madzanire) is a Zimbabwean-British evangelical preacher and the founder of Pentecostal ministry Spirit Embassy, which has a following in dozens of countries across four continents. He presents himself as ‘man of God’ and his followers refer to him by this title.

Mnangagwa appointed him as Zimbabwe’s ambassador at large and presidential envoy, following two weeks of induction and a training programme for diplomats in Harare.

A March 2023 Al Jazeera investigation linked Angel to a global money laundering operation. It showed how funds were illegally channelled to Zimbabwe and traded for gold from local mines. The gold would then be sold again for ‘clean’ money.

The government froze his financial assets and bank accounts, as well as those of others implicated in the documentary, for investigation. But a month later, the authorities reversed the decision saying investigations had stopped as there was no wrongdoing.

Angel resumed his ambassadorial role, representing Zimbabwe in Europe and the Americas, while Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda blocked legislators from conducting their own independent investigations into money laundering allegations against him.

Angel’s international company, the Billion Group, has interests in several businesses, including a bank, Sam Barkeley Construction, Atom Mobile and Picasso Hotels. Angel is the author of several books on how to make money.

Mutendi, referred to as ‘His Grace’ by his followers, is the leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of the largest churches in Zimbabwe. His support for Mnangagwa and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party is no secret.

At a public event in May 2018, Mnangagwa said Mutendi’s late father, Bishop Samuel Mutendi – who founded ZCC — foretold his “rise to power” as far back as 1964. The president and younger Mutendi enjoy cordial relationships.

In September 2020, Mnangagwa toured Mutendi’s wheat farm in Nyika, within Zimbabwe’s Masvingo Province, a manifestation of their deepening ties.

With a large following in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique, and other denominations of the church in Europe, Mutendi has used church gatherings as campaign grounds for ZANU-PF since 2017. The church headquarters in Masvingo can accommodate up to 40,000 people.

Mutendi has been making headlines for delaying payment for the company that designed the building. The firm, Empire Designs, is also yet to receive payment of around $800,000 for the design of Mutendi’s schools and wellness centres across Zimbabwe.

Mutendi is not new to controversy. In 2014, he displaced more than 1,000 farmers from their land to construct church properties. The farmers, who had settled there following Zimbabwe’s land redistribution programme, alleged that Mutendi was fraudulently given an offer letter yet the cabinet had been dissolved five days before the 2013 elections.

“His offer letter is dated 26 July 2013. Most of us here got [our] offer letters way back [in] 2009. Now Mutendi wants to take over 500 hectares of Central Estates Farm, particularly the headquarters area,” said a farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Central Estates Farm used to belong to mining and properties magnate Nicholas van Hoogstraten before the government took over the land. At its peak, Van Hoogstraten’s farm used to keep over 60,000 cattle for beef.

Makandiwa (whose real name is Shingirai Chirume) is a controversial pastor in the capital Harare and one of the richest clergymen in the country. His establishment, the United Family International Church (UFIC), has a large footprint in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, with an online presence through his DSTV channel Emmanuel TV.

In 2015, agents from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority visited the UFIC offices in Harare, demanding books of accounts, following accusations that the church was accumulating millions of dollars but not paying tax. Makandiwa’s spokesperson Prime Kufa said his church had no issues with the taxman, claiming that he was a victim of conspiracy theories.

In the run up to the 2023 election, Makandiwa invited Mnangagwa to his church in Chitungwiza Dormitory town. With an audience of approximately 60,000 people, he gave the president and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, an opportunity to campaign during the services.

UFIC sits on a wetland, which according to the by-laws is a no-construction zone. But Makandiwa’s proximity with the first family has deterred the authorities from pursuing the matter.

Last year, Makandiwa’s flamboyant multi-million-dollar mansion sparked heated conversations on social media. The mansion revived the issues of lifestyle audits, which influential clergymen evade while the taxman focuses on smaller churches.

Passion Java (whose real name is Panganai Java) is a famous pastor and leader of Passion Ministries. He is a mentee of Uebert Angel – who he named his son after — and a friend of Mnangagwa, as well as a staunch supporter of the ZANU–PF.

The preacher never shies away from flaunting his wealthy lifestyle online. He does this on a daily basis, praising Mnangagwa while chiding opponents of the ruling party. His late mother was a senator in parliament under the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance.

Java and his church have a larger following in the United States, where spends most of his time overseeing properties that he owns.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, Java hosted Congolese musician Koffi Olomide in Zimbabwe where he produced a song under the pastor’s record label. The song, which praised Mnangagwa, drew criticism from Zimbabweans online as well as members of the opposition.

Java also made headlines in South Africa after he reportedly spent R1.3m ($68,506) at a club in Pretoria to celebrate the birthday of Boss Lashaan, the manager of Passion Java Label.

In March 2022, over 9,000 people signed an online petition calling on the American authorities to deport Java over his alleged role in violation of human rights in Zimbabwe. He is yet to be deported.

Wutawunashe, the founder of the Family of God Church (FOG), is popular for leading national prayer days. His church has a steady following in Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries.

Wutawunashe, who has been allied to the ruling party for decades, endorsed Mnangagwa soon after the disputed 2023 elections, telling the opposition’s Nelson Chamisa to “swallow his pride”.

“As you can see, President Mnangagwa is genuinely popular,” Wutawunashe told the press in an interview during the inauguration.

[pressgazettenews]

Zimbabwe: The men of god surrounding President Mnangagwa

Some of the most prominent clergymen in Zimbabwe continue to embrace President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his policies. Who are these men of god?

With economic depression and political repression in Zimbabwe, analysts say one would have expected all the clergymen in the country to emulate South Africa’s fearless cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu – who used the pulpit to fight apartheid – to speak truth to power. Instead, some of the most prominent ones have embraced President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his policies since he came to power.

“Such a rare breed of ecclesiastics with enough moral stamina to warn President Mnangagwa against looting national coffers and brutalising citizens are still to emerge in Zimbabwe,” says a political analyst who prefers to stay anonymous.

Three weeks before the citizen-backed military coup that dethroned the late president Robert Mugabe in 2017, Mnangagwa had been fired for “traits of disloyalty”.

When Mnangagwa took over the presidency in November 2017, he told his supporters that “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.

Many church leaders quickly embraced him even though his ascension to power was through a coup. Four months later, a local newspaper, The Herald, published an article saying churches had endorsed the “new dispensation” led by Mnangagwa.

 In the run up to the 2023 elections, the churches rallied behind Mnangagwa under #pastors4ED campaign on social media.

Here are five clergymen who have built close ties with the president:

Angel (born Uebert Madzanire) is a Zimbabwean-British evangelical preacher and the founder of Pentecostal ministry Spirit Embassy, which has a following in dozens of countries across four continents. He presents himself as ‘man of God’ and his followers refer to him by this title.

Mnangagwa appointed him as Zimbabwe’s ambassador at large and presidential envoy, following two weeks of induction and a training programme for diplomats in Harare.

A March 2023 Al Jazeera investigation linked Angel to a global money laundering operation. It showed how funds were illegally channelled to Zimbabwe and traded for gold from local mines. The gold would then be sold again for ‘clean’ money.

The government froze his financial assets and bank accounts, as well as those of others implicated in the documentary, for investigation. But a month later, the authorities reversed the decision saying investigations had stopped as there was no wrongdoing.

Angel resumed his ambassadorial role, representing Zimbabwe in Europe and the Americas, while Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda blocked legislators from conducting their own independent investigations into money laundering allegations against him.

Angel’s international company, the Billion Group, has interests in several businesses, including a bank, Sam Barkeley Construction, Atom Mobile and Picasso Hotels. Angel is the author of several books on how to make money.

Mutendi, referred to as ‘His Grace’ by his followers, is the leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of the largest churches in Zimbabwe. His support for Mnangagwa and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party is no secret.

At a public event in May 2018, Mnangagwa said Mutendi’s late father, Bishop Samuel Mutendi – who founded ZCC — foretold his “rise to power” as far back as 1964. The president and younger Mutendi enjoy cordial relationships.

In September 2020, Mnangagwa toured Mutendi’s wheat farm in Nyika, within Zimbabwe’s Masvingo Province, a manifestation of their deepening ties.

His offer letter is dated 26 July 2013. Most of us here got [our] offer letters way back [in] 2009

With a large following in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique, and other denominations of the church in Europe, Mutendi has used church gatherings as campaign grounds for ZANU-PF since 2017. The church headquarters in Masvingo can accommodate up to 40,000 people.

Mutendi has been making headlines for delaying payment for the company that designed the building. The firm, Empire Designs, is also yet to receive payment of around $800,000 for the design of Mutendi’s schools and wellness centres across Zimbabwe.

Mutendi is not new to controversy. In 2014, he displaced more than 1,000 farmers from their land to construct church properties. The farmers, who had settled there following Zimbabwe’s land redistribution programme, alleged that Mutendi was fraudulently given an offer letter yet the cabinet had been dissolved five days before the 2013 elections.

“His offer letter is dated 26 July 2013. Most of us here got [our] offer letters way back [in] 2009. Now Mutendi wants to take over 500 hectares of Central Estates Farm, particularly the headquarters area,” said a farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Central Estates Farm used to belong to mining and properties magnate Nicholas van Hoogstraten before the government took over the land. At its peak, Van Hoogstraten’s farm used to keep over 60,000 cattle for beef.

Makandiwa (whose real name is Shingirai Chirume) is a controversial pastor in the capital Harare and one of the richest clergymen in the country. His establishment, the United Family International Church (UFIC), has a large footprint in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, with an online presence through his DSTV channel Emmanuel TV.

In 2015, agents from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority visited the UFIC offices in Harare, demanding books of accounts, following accusations that the church was accumulating millions of dollars but not paying tax. Makandiwa’s spokesperson Prime Kufa said his church had no issues with the taxman, claiming that he was a victim of conspiracy theories.

In the run up to the 2023 election, Makandiwa invited Mnangagwa to his church in Chitungwiza Dormitory town. With an audience of approximately 60,000 people, he gave the president and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, an opportunity to campaign during the services.

UFIC sits on a wetland, which according to the by-laws is a no-construction zone. But Makandiwa’s proximity with the first family has deterred the authorities from pursuing the matter.

Last year, Makandiwa’s flamboyant multi-million-dollar mansion sparked heated conversations on social media. The mansion revived the issues of lifestyle audits, which influential clergymen evade while the taxman focuses on smaller churches.

Passion Java (whose real name is Panganai Java) is a famous pastor and leader of Passion Ministries. He is a mentee of Uebert Angel – who he named his son after — and a friend of Mnangagwa, as well as a staunch supporter of the ZANU–PF.

The preacher never shies away from flaunting his wealthy lifestyle online. He does this on a daily basis, praising Mnangagwa while chiding opponents of the ruling party. His late mother was a senator in parliament under the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance.

Java and his church have a larger following in the United States, where spends most of his time overseeing properties that he owns.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, Java hosted Congolese musician Koffi Olomide in Zimbabwe where he produced a song under the pastor’s record label. The song, which praised Mnangagwa, drew criticism from Zimbabweans online as well as members of the opposition.

Java also made headlines in South Africa after he reportedly spent R1.3m ($68,506) at a club in Pretoria to celebrate the birthday of Boss Lashaan, the manager of Passion Java Label.

In March 2022, over 9,000 people signed an online petition calling on the American authorities to deport Java over his alleged role in violation of human rights in Zimbabwe. He is yet to be deported.

Wutawunashe, the founder of the Family of God Church (FOG), is popular for leading national prayer days. His church has a steady following in Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries.

Wutawunashe, who has been allied to the ruling party for decades, endorsed Mnangagwa soon after the disputed 2023 elections, telling the opposition’s Nelson Chamisa to “swallow his pride”.

[chrischarambadiaries]

Zanu PF Youth League Invokes 1 Peter 3:14 In A “Name & Shame” Of Corrupt Kingpins Crusade

Zanu PF Youth League Invokes 1 Peter 3:14 In A “Name & Shame” Of Corrupt Kingpins Crusade

On Monday, the Zanu-PF Youth League cited 1 Peter 3:14 at a press conference where they audaciously named individuals, private sector executives and party members it claimed are involved in corrupt activities which are maiming President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s efforts at rebuilding the nation’s economy which is in the doldrums.

Addressing the press at Zanu-PF Headquarters in Harare, the Youth…

[yourizim]

Jobless Ex-ministers stressed up says Mudenda

Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda revealed that a relative of his is struggling to adjust to life outside the luxurious style that goes with being a minister after he lost his job. He said this while supporting Musikavanhu MP Mr Prosper Mutseyami (MDC-T) who had suggested there was need to capacitate Parliament’s clinic to offer counselling services, particularly to former…

[premimtimes]

Zimbabwe: China, EU speak on Robert Mugabe's exit

Zimbabwe: China, EU speak on Robert Mugabe’s exit

China said on Wednesday that it respects Robert Mugabe’s decision to resign as Zimbabwe’s president, a week after the African country’s army and Mugabe’s former political allies moved to end his four decades of rule.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, made the remark during a news conference, adding that China’s policy toward Zimbabwe would not change.

The 93-year-old Mr. Mugabe finally…

[news-tey]

President keen to ratify Malabo Protocol

President keen to ratify Malabo Protocol

The Herald Zvamaida Murwira in Midrand, South Africa  PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is keen to ratify the Malabo Protocol which seeks to convert the Pan African Parliament into a fully-fledged legislative organ, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda said yesterday. In an interview on the sidelines of the 11th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments and regional Parliaments hosted by PAP in…

[news-folds]

President keen to ratify Malabo Protocol

President keen to ratify Malabo Protocol

The Herald Zvamaida Murwira in Midrand, South Africa  PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is keen to ratify the Malabo Protocol which seeks to convert the Pan African Parliament into a fully-fledged legislative organ, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda said yesterday. In an interview on the sidelines of the 11th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments and regional Parliaments hosted by PAP in…

[tkmedia]

“Recall Non Performing MPs”

Featured National “Recall Non Performing MPs” 21 June 2021 By A Correspondent- Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda last Thursday said citizens were failing to hold Parliament and the Executive accountable by questioning the actions of their MPs when executing their oversight role. Mudenda made the remarks in Bulawayo during a public lecture on Parliament’s role on public finance management, which was organised by the Lupane State University (LSU). He said citizens should petition Parliament and demand accountability as it was their constitutional right to do so. “I am happy that you are saying Parliament has not exercised its oversight role well. I agree, but at the same time, the problem comes back to you as citizens because you have been failing to engage Parliament,” Mudenda said. “You should call your MPs and inquire on your Constituency Development Funds. Crying does not help, you should not only talk, but you must take action. The civic society organisations (CSOs) are good at criticising, but they do not offer solutions, they only talk from a distance. “You should call the MPs and councillors to account. There were complaints earlier about the roads in Bulawayo, go and call your councillors. You are the ones that elected the councillors and the MPs. It is you citizens that pass the budget. If you come today and say we no longer want our MP, you use section 129 of the Constitution to recall MPs.” Mudenda said CSOs should influence citizens to recall non-performing MPs and councillors. “Your MPs and councillors have let you down, why have you not petitioned Parliament in terms of section 149 of the Constitution (on the right to petition Parliament)?” The Speaker also challenged scholars to critique and analyse Bills before they are passed in Parliament. “I exhort you, Master Degree scholars in the academia, to commit yourself in playing a pivotal role in enhancing public finance management. Visit our websites and download the gazetted Bills before Parliament and critique them,” Mudenda said. “Intellectually offer your critical analysis of them in order to qualitatively improve the architecture of the laws. Attend parliamentary public hearings and make your inputs in the law-making processes.” He said scholars should not blame the poor quality of laws on MPs, adding that they should take a leaf from Rwanda where all MPs hold a minimum of a first degree. -newsday Related Read the full article

[yahoonewsphotos]

A look back at Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe: 37 years in power

Thirty-seven years ago, Robert Mugabe was feted as a titan who had won Africa’s last great war against colonialism.

On Tuesday, in the twilight of his life, Mugabe resigned, loathed by millions of his citizens for a rule tarnished by despotism, cronyism, corruption and economic ruin.

Deserted by the forces that propped up his power for decades, Mugabe had faced the humiliation of impeachment proceedings launched by the ZANU-PF — the party he had forged into a tool of unquestioning loyalty.

In a bombshell letter read to parliament by the speaker Jacob Mudenda, the 93-year-old said: “I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation… with immediate effect.” (AFP)

Here’s a look back at 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe, the only ruler the country has known in its 37 years of independence.

Photos from top: Louise Gubb/AP, AP, Howard Burditt/Reuters, Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP, Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters

See more photos of Robert Mugabe and our other slideshows on Yahoo News.

[newstfionline]

Mugabe resigns under military pressure after 37 years as Zimbabwe’s leader

By Kevin Sieff, Washington Post, November 21, 2017

HARARE, Zimbabwe--Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s leader for nearly four decades, resigned Tuesday after being sidelined by the military and cast out by his own political party, marking the end of a tumultuous reign that lasted from the country’s independence through its economic collapse.

The capital erupted in celebration, with crowds pouring into the streets, dancing atop military vehicles and singing late into the night. Many people cried tears of joy as news of Mugabe’s resignation spread.

This nation of 16 million people now faces a deeply uncertain period, with a fragmented opposition, no clear path to elections and a controversial heir to power, but the nation was at least momentarily united by the removal of its despotic leader.

Mugabe’s exit marks a historic moment that will echo across Africa, where he was among the last surviving heroes of the anti-colonial struggle to remain in power, a man who was initially lionized as a liberator but was increasingly seen as autocratic and brutal. He presided over the stunning collapse of a nation that was known as the breadbasket of the region at its 1980 independence.

His resignation could send a message to other strongmen on the continent who have clung to power for years, defying or manipulating their constitutions. Still, Mugabe’s likely successor, former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired by the president this month, worked closely with him for years and is not viewed as a reformer.

“The dictator is gone!” Takudzwa Jonasi, 32, a chemical engineer, shouted as he celebrated with a jubilant crowd outside parliament.

“For our generation, we have never seen any change. We were not allowed to exercise our rights,” he added. Like many young Zimbabweans, Jonasi has known no other leader.

“I have no words. We are finally free!” exclaimed Shoes Tazviwan, 36, a chef who had also joined the demonstrations.

In the end, the world’s oldest head of state was a victim of his own allies. After years of purging members of his inner circle, Mugabe had alienated the leaders of Zimbabwe’s military, who detained him and seized control of the country’s government Nov. 14.

After days of negotiations--and the largest anti-government demonstration in the country’s history--the 93-year-old leader went quietly, sending his resignation letter to parliament, where it was read by the speaker, Jacob Mudenda.

The surprise announcement came as parliament was debating Mugabe’s impeachment. Shortly before 5 p.m. local time, the speaker halted the discussion and announced the president’s departure. The body burst into cheers. Mudenda announced that a new president would be named Wednesday.

According to the speaker, Mugabe’s letter said he was resigning for “the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and the need for a peaceful transfer of power.”

Mugabe’s resignation leaves Zimbabwe at a crossroads--with the military technically in charge of the country and a wide array of political groups now angling for power.

Mnangagwa, the president’s likely successor, is a longtime Mugabe ally, nicknamed “the Crocodile” for his reputation for shrewd but often brutal tactics. The State Department said in 2000 that he was “widely feared and despised throughout the country” and “could be an even more repressive leader” than Mugabe.

For the past week, Zimbabweans have been united by their opposition to their long-ruling, autocratic leader, and many here expressed hope that the rare period of unity would lead to the formation of a broad coalition.

“Let’s agree for this moment that the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” said Fadzayi Mahere, a lawyer and politician.

As soon as Mugabe’s resignation was announced on the radio, car horns started blaring and drivers pumped their fists in the air. In front of the parliament, people danced on car roofs and blasted music, waving Zimbabwean flags as the sun set over Harare.

One man in a park fell to his knees in celebration with his arms outstretched. Another kissed the ground.

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” said Precious Mazayi, the owner of a security company. “I don’t even know who the president is right now. But for now, let us just celebrate. We have waited so long for this.”

The celebrations only grew as the night went on. But for some older Zimbabweans who remembered the euphoria in 1980, when Mugabe ascended to power after independence from Britain and the end of white-minority rule, the excitement was tempered with fear of what might follow.

“Right now, to be honest, I’m apprehensive. We were happy in 1980, and we saw what happened next,” said Vincent Tanyanyiwa, 45, a professor of environmental policy at a Harare university.

“We need to be careful. We have a new chance here. Let’s not spoil it.”

[abetheone]

Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe: Five things to know

Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe: Five things to know

[ad_1]

Robert Mugabe, the former leader of Zimbabwe, has died. He was 95. His successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, confirmed Mugabe’s death in a tweet Friday.

Mugabe resigned in 2017 after a 37-rule via a letter, halting the impeachment debate over the embattled leader, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda said at the time.

Here are five things to know about Mugabe.

Dedicated student

Robert…

[newsrustcom]

Mugabe Resigns: The resignation letter - BBC News

Mugabe Resigns: The resignation letter – BBC News

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has resigned, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda has said. A letter from Mr Mugabe said that the decision was voluntary and that he had made it to allow a smooth transition of power. The surprise announcement halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him. Lawmakers roared in jubilation and people have begun celebrating in the streets.

Please subscribe…

[khalilhumam]

Zimbabwe: Two MPs Test Positive to Covid-19

New Post has been published on http://khalilhumam.com/zimbabwe-two-mps-test-positive-to-covid-19/

Zimbabwe: Two MPs Test Positive to Covid-19

[263Chat] Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda Monday announced that two Members of Parliament tested positive to Covid-19 and all parliamentary activities have been stopped.

[areion24-blog]

Zimbabwe : les espoirs déçus de l’après-Mugabe

Deux ans après son arrivée au pouvoir, qui mettait fin au long règne de Robert Mugabe, le rapide retour d’une approche répressive a profondément terni l’image de réformateur qu’Emmerson Mnangagwa entendait se construire et compromis son ambition d’attirer les investisseurs étrangers pour favoriser le redressement économique d’un Zimbabwe exsangue. Le mardi 21 novembre 2017, des milliers de Zimbabwéens se ruaient dans les principales artères de Harare pour exprimer leur joie à la suite de l’officialisation du départ de Robert Mugabe, au pouvoir depuis 1980. Quelques heures plus tôt, le président de l’Assemblée nationale zimbabwéenne, Jacob Mudenda, lisait la lettre de démission de Robert Mugabe sous les applaudissements des députés de son parti, la ZANU-PF, et de l’opposition, qui s’apprêtaient à voter conjointement la destitution du chef de l’État. Après 37 années à la tête du Zimbabwe comme Premier ministre puis comme président, Robert Mugabe renonçait au pouvoir et concluait ainsi une séquence de forte incertitude depuis le déploiement de militaires dans les rues de la capitale la semaine précédente (1). Cette décision suscita l’enthousiasme de la population zimbabwéenne, nourri par l’espoir d’une amélioration de la situation économique comme des libertés politiques. Le nouveau président, Emmerson Mnangagwa, malgré son rôle prééminent dans les gouvernements successifs de Robert Mugabe, déclarait incarner le changement et multipliait les discours favorables à l’ordre constitutionnel, à la démocratie ainsi qu’à l’économie de marché. Les organisations régionales (l’Union africaine ) ainsi que la Communauté de développement d’Afrique australe ) et les chancelleries occidentales accordèrent le bénéfice du doute au nouveau président. La satisfaction de voir partir Robert Mugabe, dénoncé comme étant le responsable d’exactions contre son peuple, de fraudes électorales et de choix ayant conduit à la déroute de l’économie zimbabwéenne, l’emporta sur l’embarras de cautionner un coup de force militaire. Emmerson Mnangagwa avait l’occasion de démontrer sa bonne foi en engageant des réformes d’envergure. Un peu moins de deux ans après son arrivée au pouvoir, beaucoup d’espoirs sont déçus. Le discours volontariste d’Emmerson Mnangagwa lors de son arrivée au pouvoir En quête de légitimité, car son arrivée au pouvoir était la conséquence d’une opération militaire anticonstitutionnelle (2), et confronté à une économie exsangue, Emmerson Mnangagwa eut comme priorité de rassurer la population zimbabwéenne et la communauté internationale sur ses intentions. Toutes les précautions langagières furent déployées pour que l’opération militaire ne soit pas qualifiée de coup d’État, ce qui aurait entraîné un isolement international. Il s’engageait à maintenir l’organisation des élections générales en juillet 2018 et, fait d’importance, à autoriser le déploiement de missions internationales d’observation électorale pour garantir la sincérité du scrutin. Sa volonté d’incarner le changement et de rompre avec la politique conduite par Robert Mugabe fut notamment détaillée dans un article publié dans le New York Times (3) en mars 2018. Il y déclarait : « Je m’engage à ce que, dans le nouveau Zimbabwe, tous les citoyens aient le droit à la liberté d’expression et d’association. Des élections libres et équitables, qui se tiendront comme prévu en 2018, seront au cœur de ce processus, et tous les observateurs impartiaux qui souhaitent voir la nouvelle démocratie zimbabwéenne à l’œuvre seront les bienvenus. » Sur le plan des libertés politiques, en amont de l’organisation du scrutin électoral, les améliorations par rapport à l’époque de Robert Mugabe furent indéniables : le Zimbabwe a notamment signé la charte de l’Union africaine sur la Démocratie, les Élections et la Gouvernance ; de nombreux Zimbabwéens ont pu s’exprimer librement sans craindre d’afficher publiquement leurs opinions politiques ; l’opposition a pu faire campagne sur l’ensemble du territoire, y compris dans les bastions de la ZANU-PF. Le scrutin en lui-même a également été salué par les missions d’observation électorale qui n’ont pas manqué de souligner de nets progrès par rapport aux précédents (4). Sur le plan économique, la priorité du nouveau gouvernement fut de rassurer les investisseurs, étrangers en particulier, afin d’attirer des capitaux et des devises, dont le pays manquait cruellement. Lors de visites dans des capitales étrangères ou lors du forum de Davos en 2018, Emmerson Mnangagwa fit la promotion d’un slogan qu’il répète à l’envi : « Zimbabwe is open for business. » L’anti-occidentalisme du régime Mugabe laissait place à une opération de séduction vis-à-vis des pays occidentaux. Le nouveau président s’engagea alors sur des réformes économiques importantes, en particulier des secteurs bancaire et administratif, pour capter des investissements étrangers avec la garantie de mieux les protéger. Il promit d’éradiquer la corruption et modifia la loi d’indigénisation qui limitait à 51 % les actifs étrangers dans toute entreprise disposant d’un capital supérieur à 500 000 dollars. Les premiers mois du président Emmerson Mnangagwa ont indéniablement donné corps à sa prétention de tourner la page de l’ère Robert Mugabe. Toutefois, dès le lendemain de l’élection, l’utilisation disproportionnée de moyens répressifs contre des opposants politiques a douché certains espoirs. Cette tendance s’est confirmée au cours des mois suivants, durant lesquels la situation économique ne s’est par ailleurs guère améliorée. La perpétuation du réflexe sécuritaire La période postélectorale a connu des dérives qui ont compromis des mois d’efforts entrepris par le président pour construire sa respectabilité. Tout d’abord, la commission électorale a tardé à annoncer les résultats des élections, ce qui a engendré des suspicions de manipulations électorales. Les responsables de l’opposition ont dénoncé ces retards et annoncé leur victoire. Cela a conduit des sympathisants du principal parti d’opposition, le MDC Alliance, à célébrer leur victoire dans les rues de Harare et à manifester devant les locaux de la commission électorale pour que les résultats soient officiellement annoncés. Face à cette situation, les forces de sécurité, et en particulier l’armée, décidèrent d’intervenir de manière brutale – malgré la présence d’observateurs et de journalistes étrangers – en ouvrant le feu à balles réelles sur la foule, provoquant la mort de six personnes. Les images de cette répression furent massivement diffusées et témoignaient de la profonde contradiction entre le discours d’ouverture affiché par Emmerson Mnangagwa et la gestion sécuritaire du régime. Le lendemain, le centre-ville de Harare fut bouclé par les forces de police et le siège du parti d’opposition fut perquisitionné et fermé. Des militants accusés d’avoir organisé les mobilisations furent arrêtés. Les jours suivants, les forces de sécurité se sont déployées pour intimider les habitants des quartiers connus pour être des bastions de l’opposition. Read the full article

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Robert Mugabe, Penguasa Zimbabwe 3 Dekade yang Wafat Usia 95 Tahun

Robert Mugabe, Penguasa Zimbabwe 3 Dekade yang Wafat Usia 95 Tahun

Dailymail.co.id, Singapura – Robert Mugabe meninggal dunia di usia 95 tahun. Ia dikenal sebagai presiden Zimbabwe selama tiga dekade.

Pria kelahiran 21 Februari 1924 itu mengundurkan diri atau resign dari jabatannya sebagai Presiden Zimbabwe pada 21 November 2017. Keputusan tersebut mengakhiri 37 tahun kekuasaannya.

Pengunduran diri Robert Mugabedisampaikan Ketua Parlemen Zimbabwe, Jacob Mudenda.

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Mnangagwa and Chiwenga's fight gets deeper, Obert Mpofu & Mudenda who removed Mugabe now in trouble

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s fight gets deeper, Obert Mpofu & Mudenda who removed Mugabe now in trouble

AFTER weeding out his new rivals — who brought him to power — in the security sector, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has now shifted the purges to Zanu PF, targeting the ruling party’s heavyweights seen as a threat to his shaky grip on power, insiders said this week.

Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda — who both played decisive roles…