Citizens under siege from authoritarian govts
This
year starts on a bedrock of a myriad of challenges in Southern Africa, which include the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen hundreds of thousands losing their lives through uncomprehensive medical response and lack of epidemiological research for many Sadc countries with the exception of South Africa and Botswana, the loss of livelihoods for millions whose jobs and enterprises were affected by the hard hitting effects lockdown measures in the absence of emergency relief funds and the wanton human rights violations of citizens and vulnerable groups under the guise of lockdown enforcement across the region. The violent and brutal clampdown of human rights defenders and citizens through arrests, killings and the inception of prohibitive legislations on the operation of CSOs such as the PVO Amendment Bill in Zimbabwe has been a signal on the increase on authoritarianism in eSwatini and Zimbabwe in the year 2021. The scourge of GBV and femicide in South Africa has been on a consistent rise and forms part of the major crises the region is facing and this reverses gains made on women empowerment and the realisation of women’s rights.
Corruption engineered by cartels and government functionaries, diminished regulatory oversight on state-owned enterprises across the region has also seen countries losing billions of dollars that could have supported the provision of basic service delivery in the wake of devastating impacts of the Covid-19, reference can be made to the revelations that have been made on the commission of inquiry into state capture in South Africa which revealed the massive grand looting that happens on state resources. We hope that institutions that fight corruption are empowered and that whistle-blowers on any acts of corruption are protected. Legislations that prohibits illicit financial flows and interstate cooperation on fighting against illicit financial flows must be effected in 2022.
Climate change also remains one of the biggest threats to the region, the region has not managed to effectively deal with the causes such as the continued reliability of energy on fossil fuels ahead of green energy and attendant effects of the same such as power outages with countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa going through massive power reduction programs which gravely impacted on the provision of service delivery for citizens.
CIASA, however, notes the positives that emanated from the year 2021 across the region and commends the Republic of Zambia for holding a relatively peaceful election and seamless transition and South Africa for holding credible local government elections. These two electoral processes are a positive reference for other countries in the region on how to engage in electoral processes that pass the integrity test and also transfer of power that does not lead to unnecessary conflicts and loss of lives. Further CIASA applauds Tanzania on having its first female leader, this shows the improvement in women participation in politics and decision-making within the region and we hope that she leads with the highest form of integrity with respect to the country’s constitution and spearheading developmental initiatives that are inclusive of everyone.
As we get into 2022, CIASA reaffirms its commitment to defend, protect and empower various communities across the region, especially those from marginalised, hard to reach, minority and indigenous groups. Further we strongly urge governments to respect human rights and advance developmental initiatives that are not exclusionary, and strengthen institutions that advance good governance and accountability. Lastly, we urge the regional body Sadc to provide guidance on all matters affecting the region with impartiality and holding the interests of all citizens in the region at the centre.
May 2022 be a year of inclusive growth, and enjoyment of rights for all in Southern Africa.