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Young people continue to be used for political disturbances
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD)
July 31, 2012

In recent weeks COTRAD has recorded new waves of young people engaging themselves in groups to intimidate, harass and threaten villagers ahead of the expected constitutional referendum pencilled for this year.

The completion of the draft constitution has resulted in sporadic emergence of youth militia bases and torture camps in Chiredzi and Zaka districts of Masvingo Province. Popular with the youth groups is a NO vote that is being stimulated by a section of politicians who are in a dire need to block a smooth transition that can guarantee a free and democratic Zimbabwe where young people can also contribute immensely to the national discourse.

COTRAD strongly condemns the manipulation of young people to orchestrate political violence and intimidation. It is also the reason why young people continue to be disenfranchised by the politicians when they are the most demographic unit that can make a difference to our communities.

Land and gay issues are being used as scapegoats for the villagers to pass a NO vote to the draft constitution. The new bases have been established in Zaka district in Chief Benzi`s area of jurisdiction and in Chiredzi district at Chambuta Training Centre.

The involvement of young people in the establishment of the bases is a bad precedence and a wrong tone at a time when the country is facing a referendum and possible general elections.

COTRAD will strongly redress the societal misnomer and accord young people a chance to look at the draft constitution and where amends are necessary such provisions will have to take a procedural role through the second all stakeholders' conference.

Visit the COTRAD fact sheet

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