Resolutions of the 16th CiZC Annual General Meeting

This AGM was held at an exceptionally critical moment for Zimbabwe, farmers, workers, women, youth, business, the pro-democracy movement, and the nation as a whole. The meeting acknowledged, with candour, that the gains of 18 April 1980- freedom, democracy and prosperity- are under attack. Zimbabwe remains mired in deepening socio-economic decline, democratic regression, and political repression.

The enactment and enforcement of various pieces of legislation, including the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, have significantly curtailed civic space, criminalised legitimate civil society work, and undermined constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of association, expression, and participation. Statutory Instrument 156 of 2023 unconstitutionally removed Parliamentary oversight on the Mutapa Investment Fund, the people’s $16 billion conglomerate. This is the greatest state robbery since independence. Citizens are the greatest losers, as defined by the state of public transportation, education, health and the welfare sectors.

Despite these escalating challenges, the Coalition has remained steadfast in its mission to promote inclusive national development, uphold human rights, and defend the Constitution—now under direct and sustained attack as the ruling elite aggressively pursues a 2030 agenda aimed at entrenching life presidency and permanent authoritarian rule.

Historical Role and Democratic Legacy

The AGM reflected on the Coalition’s journey since its formation in 2001, recognising its pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s democratic struggles. The Coalition was instrumental in major civic interventions, including the Save Zimbabwe Campaign, which contributed significantly to the political pressure that led to the Government of National Unity (GNU).

CiZC has consistently championed constitutional reform, actively mobilised citizens, and engaged regional bodies—including SADC platforms—to internationalise Zimbabwe’s democratic crisis.

However, members also acknowledged the systematic repression, intimidation, and obstruction that has defined the Coalition’s operating environment over the years.

Political and Economic Repression

Since 2001, the Coalition—alongside other democracy and governance-focused civil society organisations—has operated under shrinking democratic space, the weaponisation of repressive laws, and the consolidation of authoritarian rule.

These conditions, exacerbated by severe funding constraints, have had a chilling effect on civil society operations.

Members have endured state surveillance, arbitrary arrests, meeting bans, disruptions, and harassment, all designed to silence dissent and prevent accountability.

This repression has gravely undermined advocacy for transparency, accountability, constitutionalism, and the protection of fundamental rights. The AGM unequivocally noted that this trajectory represents a direct assault on the gains of 18 April 1980. Zimbabwe’s liberation promise is under threat, and the defence of the Constitution has become an urgent national duty.

Socio-Economic Crisis and State Capture

The AGM expressed deep concern over the collapse of living standards, with the majority of citizens sinking further into poverty amid declining incomes and rising costs of living.

While official narratives boast of 6% GDP growth, this growth is illusory and exclusionary, benefiting less than 10% of the population. Ordinary workers earning as little as US$100 per month are heavily taxed, while vast, unexplained cash movements and elite wealth transfers remain untouched.

The Constitution has been systematically shredded as a ruling cartel loots public resources through fraudulent tenders—including election, water, construction, and infrastructure contracts. An estimated 25,000 children remain out of school, while nearly half of those enrolled miss classes due to unaffordable fees. Zimbabwe’s public health system has deteriorated to the point where admission into a public hospital has become a life-threatening gamble.

Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and orphans bear the heaviest burden of this crisis. Faced with poverty and hopelessness, many Zimbabweans are “voting with their feet”, joining a growing exodus to Botswana, South Africa, and Europe. The AGM stated unequivocally: these crises are man-made. While citizens suffer, the political elite squander public funds on luxury vehicles and patronage.

Unresolved Historical Injustices

The AGM further noted that longstanding national wounds—including Gukurahundi and other post-1980 political injustices—remain unresolved.

While attempts have been made to address these issues, they have been tokenistic, unconsultative, and devoid of genuine political will, deepening national trauma rather than promoting healing and justice.

Way Forward

In light of the intensifying repression, shrinking civic space, and the systematic use of the law to crush pro-democracy forces, the membership unanimously resolved that it is in the best strategic interest of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition to dissolve its current organisational structure with immediate effect and deliberate on a renewed strategic direction.

This decision does not represent defeat. Rather, it is a deliberate, strategic repositioning aimed at safeguarding the continuity, relevance, and effectiveness of the people’s aspirations in line with the Preamble of the Constitution of Zimbabwe: “ We the people of Zimbabwe….commit ourselves to fight for, and guard the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, and principles of good governance”.

The struggle for democracy, justice, and prosperity in Zimbabwe continues.