CCC VICTORY IN BULAWAYO: A LOUD CRY FOR JUSTICE OVER GUKURAHUNDI MASSACRE

Bulawayo, the heart of Matabeleland, has spoken. The recent electoral triumph of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) in the 2023 elections is not just a political win; it is a clear testament to the cries and pain of a region that has been haunted by the scars of its past. The victory is a reminder, a plea, and a demand that the tragic events of Gukurahundi – where an estimated 20,000 innocent souls were mercilessly massacred – should never be forgotten or swept under the carpet.

It’s been decades since the Gukurahundi atrocities. Yet, the wounds are as fresh as they were then. It’s a history that’s both haunting and harrowing. A history where the armed forces, under the command of the current Zimbabwean President, were implicated in heinous acts against innocent civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.

For years, Bulawayo and the greater Matabeleland region have been demanding justice, closure, and answers. The victory of the CCC in Bulawayo, the province’s largest city, is a strikingly clear sign that the demands of the past are not only very much alive but growing louder with each passing year.

While the elections were about contemporary issues, policies, and promises, there was an undeniable underlying theme – the Gukurahundi genocide. It’s a painful chapter that the people of Matabeleland feel has not been adequately addressed by the national leadership. By casting their votes in favour of the CCC, the citizens have sent a powerful message: that they still need answers, justice, and acknowledgment.

But why now? Why is the Gukurahundi issue resurfacing so powerfully in 2023?

For one, while many have been trying to forget, the younger generation, equipped with digital tools and platforms, has been discovering, sharing, and discussing the painful history. The Internet, social media, and digital archives have made sure that the dark chapters of history are not buried, but instead shared, understood, and discussed.

Furthermore, the families and descendants of the victims are still living with the traumatic memories of the events. They have stories to tell – tales of lost family members, disrupted lives, and broken dreams. These are the tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. The plea for justice is not just for the past but also for a future where the mistakes of history are not repeated.

The victory of the CCC is a loud and clear cry that the people of Matabeleland want their grievances to be addressed. They demand justice, reconciliation, and reparations. They seek acknowledgment and understanding. They are telling the Zimbabwean leadership and the world at large that the Gukurahundi tragedy cannot just be a footnote in the pages of history.

The Zimbabwean leadership now faces a daunting challenge. While it is vital to look ahead and work towards the nation’s progress, it is equally crucial to address and heal the wounds of the past. This would not just be in the interest of Matabeleland but for the unity, progress, and harmony of the entire nation.

In conclusion, the 2023 elections and the triumph of the CCC in Bulawayo is a poignant reminder of the long shadows of history. While the win is a political one, it is, more importantly, a human one. It emphasises the need for justice, understanding, and reconciliation. It’s a call that cannot and should not be ignored any longer.