Ethnic minority in southeastern Zimbabwe, are being forcefully evicted from their homelands.

The Shangani people, an ethnic minority and residents of the Chilonga area in southeastern Zimbabwe, are being forcefully evicted from their homelands. The Statuary Instrument, that came into effect two weeks ago on Feb 26, demanded more than 13,000 to leave their homes immediately and relocate permanently. The authorities state that the Chilonga land will be used for farming purposes, specifically for growing lucerne. This violates both the Zimbabwean law, under which a prior notice and a court order are needed to administer the eviction, and the African Union Convention, that prohibits forced arbitrary displacement, as well as absence of compensation in case the displacement takes place. Moreover, this decision goes against the Vice-President’s pledge that took place back in October 2020, when he reassured Chilonga villagers that they will not be forced to move, as Zimbabwe has plenty of land resources.

The Chilonga community is determined to repel this act and has already filed two applications to the Masvingo High Court. On March 6th the court ordered to impede the eviction, however this has not stopped the authorities.

On March 13 an exclusive report by the NewsHawks (a digital investigative platform) disclosed that the real reason behind the evictions lies in the large deposits of gold and diamonds in the above-mentioned area. The agency claims that lucerne production is merely a cover-up for mining activities.