The Quest for Transitional Justice in the Post-Mugabe Era

The 15th of November 2017 was a watershed moment in Zimbabwean history, marking a new era in Zimbabwean politics, as the military executed a coup deposing long-ruling Robert Mugabe, ultimately replacing him with his recently fired deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa. His fall ushered in great hope as incoming President Mnangagwa articulated a policy of openness that many Zimbabweans believed would lay a foundation for pursuing transitional justice. Mnangagwa vowed a break from Mugabe’s authoritarian rule and economic mismanagement, declaring a “new Zimbabwe” that is “open for business”. In his inaugural speech, Mnangagwa provided pointers to his stance on reconciliation and transitional justice when he said that “I thus humbly appeal to all of us that we let bygones be bygones, readily embracing each other in defining a new destiny”. To the discerning, this clearly showed his unwillingness to accept culpability for past injustices. Against this background, this chapter provides a critique regarding the prospects of attaining transitional justice under Mnangagwa’s watch. The chapter posits that the lack of a genuine transition post-Mugabe has dented the prospects of transitional justice and the agency entrusted with this task, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, lacks the necessary teeth and autonomy to execute its mandate.