Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
CITIZENS Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) executive director and founder, Mr Martin Zharare, has rebuffed claims that he has been ousted from his position, alleging that he is facing internal victimisation from a faction within his organisation over his outspoken support for the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
Mr Zharare, who established CAES as a platform to advocate for the removal of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and to economically empower affected citizens, said attempts by a small group of members to remove him from his leadership position were unlawful and in violation of the organisation’s constitution.
In an interview on Tuesday, Mr Zharare said “There is no provision within our constitution that allows a handful of individuals to wake up and declare the removal of the founder and Executive Director without due process.
“What is happening is a deliberate attempt to undermine the organisation’s founding principles and silence a voice that has consistently championed economic empowerment and national development.”
Founded to amplify calls for the unconditional removal of sanctions, CAES has in recent years intensified programmes aimed at transitioning affected communities from vulnerability to sustainable economic participation through empowerment initiatives.
Mr Zharare said the current internal wrangle was rooted in ideological differences, particularly his firm backing of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which he described as a progressive legislative measure aligned with national aspirations.
“The differences we are witnessing are not administrative, but ideological,” he said. “I stand firmly in support of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 because it speaks to the broader vision of stability, continuity and economic progress.
“Those opposing it within the organisation are entitled to their views, but they cannot weaponise internal processes to effect an illegal takeover.”
He added that CAES would continue supporting national development policies, including advocacy aligned with Vision 2030.
“As an organisation, we remain committed to ensuring that sanctions-affected citizens are empowered economically,” said Mr Zharare.
“Our stance on national issues, including the Bill, is informed by that mission. No amount of internal intimidation will derail that focus.”
Sources within the organisation, however, indicated that tensions have been simmering for some time, with divisions emerging over governance issues and strategic direction.
Mr Zharare, however, maintained that due process must be respected and warned against what he termed “opportunistic manoeuvres” aimed at destabilising the organisation.
“You cannot build an institution on illegality. If there are grievances, there are constitutional channels to address them,” he said.
“What we are rejecting is a reckless attempt to hijack an organisation that has worked tirelessly to uplift communities affected by sanctions.”
He said he was engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter in line with the organisation’s constitution and the laws of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, CAES is expected to continue its nationwide programmes focused on economic empowerment and advocacy against sanctions, despite the ongoing internal dispute that is being addressed according to their constitution.
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