The fight over who should lead the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) is heading back to court, with members in the Central Region backing a fresh legal push to settle the long-running dispute.
The members expressed their support during an engagement meeting on civic space and good governance held by the Ad Hoc Committee on Monday.
Speaking during the meeting, HRDC Central Region member Ivy Chiumia said the members had agreed with the concerns raised by the Ad Hoc Committee and supported its decision to proceed with the court case.
Sammy Aaron, leader of HRDC Eastern Region and also a leader of the HRDC Ad Hoc Committee, said the committee had returned to court for a full trial after failing to reach an agreement with the existing HRDC leadership on proposals to resolve the dispute.
Aaron said the committee was seeking three key interventions: the establishment of a joint task force comprising members of HRDC and the Ad Hoc Committee to review the coalition’s constitution, the holding of an Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the granting of clear mandates and powers to regional committees.
He also questioned the legitimacy of HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa, alleging that he was appointed by former chairperson Gift Trapense without following the proper procedure for electing a leader.
Aaron further criticized what he described as selective activism within HRDC, saying the coalition should not be vocal against one government and then become silent after a change of administration because of personal interests.
Meanwhile, Henderson Mhango, leader of HRDC Eastern Region and also a leader of the HRDC Ad Hoc Committee, questioned the relationship between activism and politics.
Mhango said individuals who had previously participated in political activities should face scrutiny before returning to leadership roles in the coalition, arguing that activism and partisan politics should not be mixed.
