A funeral for a prominent Zimbabwean activist turned violent on Saturday, as supporters of rival factions of the opposition party clashed in Harare. Moreblessing Ali, a human rights lawyer and member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), died in a car accident last week. He was known for his outspoken criticism of the ruling ZANU-PF party and its leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted when a group of MDC supporters loyal to Nelson Chamisa, the party’s leader, arrived at the funeral and tried to take over the proceedings. They were met with resistance by another group of MDC supporters aligned with Douglas Mwonzora, the party’s secretary-general, who claims to be the legitimate leader of the party. The two factions have been locked in a bitter power struggle since the death of the party’s founder, Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2018.
The clashes resulted In the stoning of a car belonging to Job Sikhala, a close ally of Chamisa and a vocal critic of Mnangagwa. Sikhala, who is facing treason charges for calling for the overthrow of the government, escaped unhurt. He accused Mwonzora’s supporters of being behind the attack and vowed to continue his fight for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe.
The MDC has been the main opposition party in Zimbabwe since its formation in 1999. It has challenged the ZANU-PF’s rule in several elections, but has faced allegations of vote-rigging, intimidation, and violence. The party has also suffered from internal divisions and defections, weakening its chances of unseating the ruling party.
The funeral of Ali was attended by hundreds of mourners, including civil society activists, lawyers, journalists, and diplomats. They paid tribute to his courage and dedication to the cause of justice and freedom in Zimbabwe. They also called for an end to the political violence and repression that has plagued the country for decades.
Ali’s death comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing a deepening economic and social crisis, exacerbated by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The country is grappling with high inflation, unemployment, poverty, and corruption. The government has also been accused of cracking down on dissent and violating human rights, especially during the lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
Many Zimbabweans have expressed their frustration and anger at the situation, and have called for reforms and dialogue to address the country’s challenges. Some have also expressed their hope for a peaceful and democratic transition of power, and a new era of prosperity and stability for Zimbabwe.
Source: New Zimbabwe
