By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has exposed how political bias in the distribution of government food aid and agricultural inputs is being used to exploit vulnerable communities, reinforcing systemic human rights abuses.
ZPP’s October 2024 monthly monitoring report revealed the ruling party’s control over food distribution systems.
“In October, political discrimination in government-sponsored food aid distribution emerged as a pernicious tactic to manipulate vulnerable populations, perpetuating dynamic human rights violations.
“The Zimbabwe Peace Project documented 13 violations of such cases across the country. While the documented incidents are not exhaustive of the situation on the ground, the ruling party’s control over food aid has continuously allowed it to weaponize hunger, denying assistance to opposition supporters and targeting perceived dissenters.
“This politicization of food aid contravenes international human rights law, specifically the right to food, life, and freedom from discrimination,” the report reads.
Rural communities, already grappling with poverty and drought caused by El Niño, are pressured into backing the ruling party or risk being denied vital aid.
In numerous cases, locals are compelled to chant party slogans and praise political leaders in exchange for receiving their designated food rations.
Opposition supporters are often forced to publicly “repent” by renouncing their political allegiance and pledging support to ZANU PF before they can access food assistance.
ZPP also reported incidents in Manicaland where local politicians and traditional leaders worked together to withhold food aid, depriving those in need.
In Buhera South’s Ward 24, a councillor is accused of redirecting 40 bags of maize intended for the elderly, selling some secretly and giving the rest to unqualified relatives.
According to ZPP, the politicization of food aid worsens existing inequalities, erodes trust, and places vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and people with disabilities, at greater risk.
ZPP also called on government authorities to take immediate action to address these abuses and ensure that aid is distributed to those who truly need it.
“This insidious manipulation of food aid perpetuates a culture of fear, repression, and impunity. It undermines Zimbabwe’s democratic foundations and the fundamental human rights of its citizens, perpetuating poverty and deepening inequality.”
