Broad-based coalition; panacea to Zimbabwe’s convoluted political crises

By Pride Mkono

PIC: The National Peoples' Convention was the last visible attempt by CSOs to create a strong social movement to advance democracy

Introduction

Since 2000, Zimbabwe has been gridlocked in complex political crises which have resulted in socio-economic collapse leaving millions impoverished and more emigrating all over the world. The country’s collective hope for political change has been placed on the opposition, first the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and since 2022 the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The opposition has failed to meet its supply side of the matrix because of endogenous and exogenous factors. However, I will not belabour on these as most have been exhaustively discussed elsewhere neither will I give a critique of the opposition strategy, infighting, and weaknesses as they have also been covered by others. My focus is to contribute to debate for a solution to the multiple and complex political problems we are faced with. The views I share here are not prescriptive but rather an invitation to engage on the ‘what is to be done question?’

I posit that civil society organisations (CSOs), labour, students, and organised democratic opposition play a pivotal role in the struggle against authoritarianism and the promotion of democracy. In many cases, the journey toward democratic change begins at the community level. I further argue that CSOs occupy a strategic position to build and sustain robust social movements that effectively challenge authoritarianism and work to advance democratic principles within their communities. However, first things first, let us understand how authoritarianism work.

Understanding authoritarianism

Before delving into building social movements, it is crucial to understand authoritarianism. Authoritarian regimes often restrict freedoms, suppress opposition, and maintain a strong grip on power. This is exactly how Zimbabwe has been governed for most of the decades after independence. Communities have experience limited civil liberties, censorship, restricted political participation, repression, and violence from the State. Mass propaganda has been deployed to misinform citizens, shape false national narratives, and maintain a siege on ability of citizens to unite for democracy and prosperity. I have written extensively on Mnangagwa's personalistic regime here.

The role of CSOs

Throughout the decades of political crises, Zimbabwe’s civil society has served as a counterbalance to authoritarianism, coordinating citizens to engage in peaceful protests and civil disobedience. Empirical evidence and evidence from practice show that CSOs are well-positioned to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and advocate for democratic change. They bridge the gap between the mainstream opposition political elites and act as watchdogs and facilitators of dialogue between the people and government. The primary work of civil society in democracy and governance has been to mobilise citizens to participate in electoral process but this has proved to be inadequate in an authoritarian context. Elections are manipulated so much that they can never be an expression of the peoples’ will. I have written extensively on this here. It is important for civil society to Transend beyond capacitating the voter and strengthen civic action on the part of citizens and this can be achieved through creating strong social movements. Political actors are never the best placed to create and lead credible social movements that can advance democracy and result in political change because they are compromised. CSOs do not seek state power and therefore have the legitimacy to lead the masses to achieved shared objectives. I will now look at some of the elements CSOs in Zimbabwe need to create a vibrant, inclusive, and strong social movement.

Shared vision and objectives

A strong social movement must have a clear and shared vision. This vision should encompass democratic values, such as inclusivity, accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. Historically, CSOs coordinated and participated in several collective visioning processes such as the Working Peoples’ Convention (1999), Zimbabwe Peoples’ Charter (2008), and the National Peoples' Convention (2017). These platforms have almost all resulted in some form of shared vision and objectives, but they have been limited because of weak coordinating pivot to pursue the objective and popularise the vision.

Grassroots mobilization

Effective social movements are rooted in local communities and must reflect the diversity and vibrancy of these local groups. CSOs should mobilize community members and engage them in decision-making processes. Grassroots involvement creates a sense of ownership and commitment to the cause. This has been a big weakness for Zimbabwe’s CSOs as they have limited grassroots structures and coordinating platforms. It therefore imperative that CSOs need to urgently strengthen grassroots presence and community structures.

Building alliances

Pushing back against authoritarianism is no easy task, collaboration is essential. CSOs should form alliances with like-minded organizations, political actors, and regional and international partners. These alliances are important in providing support, resources, and expertise. A major challenge in Zimbabwe’s CSO sector has been bickering and lack of unity, it is therefore important to build alliances based on mutual values and make it a coalition of the willing. Alliances partners need not be homogenous in world view and approach but must be guided by shared vision and strategy. This will ensure that they can ‘march separately’ and strike together. Importantly, there is no

Advocacy and civic/political education

Advocacy and civic education are an important component of strong social movements and should form a core component of the strategy. CSOs can organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to inform community members about their rights, the importance of democracy, and the negative impacts of authoritarianism. More importantly, CSOs must devolved planning of this education so that communities prioritise aspects of civic education and advocacy important in their contexts but contributing to the bigger picture.

Nonviolent resistance

Nonviolent methods, such as peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and grassroots organizing, are effective tools for challenging authoritarianism. CSOs should promote nonviolent resistance to maintain moral high ground and garner broader support to national, regional, and international actors.

Inclusivity

Authoritarian regimes are highly centralised and in the case of Zimbabwe very personalised. A robust social must be inclusive so that diverse voices are heard. Movements should be open to individuals from various backgrounds, including marginalized communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and minorities. Internal democracy must be exercised, and all members should enjoy equal rights and clear duties. This will ensure that the movement practices the democracy which is preaches and demonstrates how democratic values are enjoyed in practice.

Case Studies

Democratic revolutions can never be imported, and each context is different but to demonstrate that they work, a few examples are necessary. The important take away from the examples below is the power of unity, strong community organising and nonviolent action.

A. The Velvet Revolution (Czechoslovakia, 1989)

The Velvet Revolution demonstrated the power of a nonviolent, community-led movement. Civic Forum, a coalition of CSOs, united citizens to peacefully protest the authoritarian government. Their efforts led to democratic transition and regime change.

B. The Arab Spring (2010-2012)

The Arab Spring is an example of how social media and technology can empower civil society and social movements. Protests in Tunisia and Egypt, driven by a mix of CSOs and grassroots mobilization, challenged authoritarian regimes. Although outcomes varied across countries, the movement showcased the potential for change.

Challenges and considerations

Challenging authoritarian regimes is not an easy feat, they are vicious and well resourced. It is therefore important to be always aware of the challenges and put in place mitigation mechanisms.

i. Repression and co-optation

Authoritarian regimes may respond with repression or co-optation. In other words, they use coercion and resources to divide social movements. CSOs must be prepared for these challenges and develop strategies to counteract them.

ii. Sustaining momentum

Maintaining momentum in social movements can be challenging as there can be burn out in the long struggle against authoritarianism. CSOs should have long-term strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and continuously engage and motivate supporters. Importantly, they must put in place mechanisms to deal with mental health concerns and keep the core activists motivated.

iii. International support

International support can be both a boon and a challenge, so far Zimbabwean CSOs have carried the fake tag of being foreign agents. Thus, while international support can provide resources and visibility, it may also raise suspicions of foreign interference. CSOs should navigate this aspect carefully and do so through shared values and principles.

iv. Diversity and inclusion

Ensuring that diverse voices are heard within social movements requires ongoing and deliberate effort. CSOs must actively promote inclusivity and address any internal biases throughout the campaign for democracy.

Conclusion

Building strong social movements at the community level is a formidable and vital endeavor for challenging authoritarianism and promoting democracy in Zimbabwe. Civil society, through its grassroots engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, can lead the way. As history has shown, social movements have the potential to bring about profound democratic change. With shared vision, grassroots mobilization, strategic alliances, and a commitment to nonviolent resistance, social movements can empower communities to challenge authoritarianism and champion democracy, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society. It is our collective responsibility as a people to liberate ourselves through people power!!

Pride Mkono is a political analyst and social justice activist. He writes here in his personal capacity and can be contacted at pridemkono@gmail.com or X @MkonoPride