What transitional justice in Zimbabwe? Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) prepares for popular participation

Zimbabwe has been a nation on the brink, but its current inclusive government provides a potential for the ‘situation’ to be resolved without open conflict. Whatever the future, there remain millions of Zimbabweans who are crying for justice, for the truth and for punishment of perpetrators of massive human rights violations. The causes of Zimbabwe’s current catastrophe are quite clear: the abuse of power and raw unadulterated greed, fuelled by the complete absence of accountability. Perhaps it would have been different if concepts of transitional justice had been more developed when Zimbabwe gained independence almost thirty years ago. If that is the case, then we must ensure that the inevitable next transition is accompanied by some form of justice. It is important that people affected by the violence in Zimbabwe become knowledgeable about the possibilities of transitional justice – its strengths and weaknesses – before they formulate their views. One group which is embarking on this process is the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).