Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi (born 9 January 1988[1]) is a Zimbabwean politician and the incumbent opposition president and commander-in-chief of People's Patriotic Party.[2] Previously held leadership roles under the Zanu Pf National Commissariat Dept.[3] Previous notable service is with the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe.
Human rights activism
editIn September 2022 Chasi wrote an open letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) asking the Hague-based court to arrest President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa over allegations of a litany of human rights abuses, including rape, torture, and abductions.[4][5]
Chasi wrote the letter ahead of Mnangagwa's visit to New York City, United States of America, to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 13 September 2022.[citation needed]
The letter, which was addressed to Mnangagwa, was copied to the UN, African Union, SADC, Diplomatic Missions, ICC, Parliament of Zimbabwe, and Political Parties. Part of the letter read:[2][6]
In the letter he told of the International Criminal Court and the torture, abduction and rape in 1983.[7][8][5][9]
Chasi was invited by SABC News for an interview concerning issues in Zimbabwe Opposition calls for Mnangagwa's arrest over the coup.[10] He had an interview with the Zimbabwe radio.[11][12]
Political career
editChasi in his political career was able to back Nelson Chamisa in a statement he said The People's Patriotic Party (PPP) has declared that it is rallying behind Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa's bid to be Zimbabwe's next president.[13] Chasi told NewZimbabwe.com that Mnangagwa had a human shield of an estimated 225 aides to stave off the protectors.[14][15][13]
On August 23, 2023 Chasi submitted a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations, outlining his concerns of the lack of free and fair conditions. Chasi emphasized the decision to boycott the elections, and in a statement he said that it was not driven by cowardice but rather a refusal to be what he called complicity in a sham electoral process.[2]
Petition
editIn a State of the Nation address on 12 February 2024,[16] Chasi made a demand for fresh elections by June 2024 to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, with copies sent to the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Chasi' expressed concerns regarding the conduct of the 23 August 2023 harmonized elections which he argued did not adhere to the Electoral Act or the Constitution of Zimbabwe.[16]
References
edit- ^ "A Journey of Service, Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Philanthropy: The Life of Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi". zvaringenisamuelchasi.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ a b c "Zimbabwe Opposition Writes To UN Explaining Decision To Boycott August 2023 Elections". Pindula. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Radio, Nehanda (2018-04-05). "Cabinet minister's hubby in limbo". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "Mnangagwa Faces Arrest For Rape, Torture – ZimEye". Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ a b cfeditoren (2022-09-11). "Opposition Party Calls For National Shutdown On 13 Sept, Mnangagwa's Impeachment". zimbabwe. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "Open letter to President Mnangagwa". NewsDay (Zimbabwe). Retrieved 2024-01-25 – via PressReader.
- ^ "Bulawayo24 News – Skyes! \". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- ^ "Mnangagwa Faces Arrest For Rape, Torture – ZimEye". Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission: Successes & Failures. by @CCCDiaspora - SpacesDashboard.com". SpacesDashboard. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "Zimbabwe's Opposition calls for Mnangagwa's arrest over coup". SABC News. Retrieved 2024-01-18 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Umongameli Emmerson Mnangagwa Ukhangelelwe Ukuhlangabezwa Ngababhikitshayo Abebandla le People's Patriotic Front eJFK Airport Namuhla". www.voandebele.com. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "RBZ Gold-backed Digital Currency A Scam – Opposition Leader". Pindula. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ a b Mpofu, Emmanuel. "PPP backs Chamisa". Southern Eye. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ cfeditoren (2022-09-22). "Mnangagwa Evades Protesting Zimbabweans In New York | Report". zimbabwe. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "News Briefs 23 September 2022 | The Southern African Liaison Office". www.salo.org.za. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ a b "Opposition Party Writes To SADC Demanding Fresh Polls". ZimEye. Retrieved 2024-03-08.