Ibbo Mandaza
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2017 Coup, the Commonwealth and sanctions
The withdrawal followed the turbulent years of the early 2000s: saw land invasions, disputed (and unresolved and violent) elections in 2000 and 2002
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Nov. 27, 2022
Zim: Still expecting the impossible?
Without repeating the basis for this argument, it is evident that things have worsened considerably over the (nearly) next two years.
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Jan. 28, 2023
Zim: A new political settlement, not elections, can fix the desperate crises
The Zanu PF government’s explanation for the parlous state of the nation has been to blame sanctions and to claim that there are sufficient reforms to warrant the Commonwealth re-admitting Zimbabwe.
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Feb. 17, 2023
A new political settlement can fix Zimbabwean crises
At Sapes Trust, we have held 35 policy dialogues since March 2021 covering the political economy, human rights, elections, and corruption.
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Feb. 17, 2023
No confidence in polls if quality is compromised
In each of those elections the pre-election periods were very different, as were the polls. And apart from 2008, every election saw Zanu PF elected into government.
By Tony Reeler and Ibbo Mandaza
May. 19, 2023
There cannot be any confidence in Zimbabwe’s upcoming polls ‒ and their quality matters enormously
Second, all the political forces in the country are in disarray.
By Tony Reeler and Ibbo Mandaza
May. 22, 2023
The post-election crisis in Zimbabwe – what’s to be done now?
As with all elections since 2000, the 2023 Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections have ended in dispute.
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Sep. 19, 2023
Happyton Bonyongwe autobiography: A welcome addition to narratives on history of Zimbabwe’s struggle
The book’s blurb seeks to extol the publication in the mould of such earlier renditions as that of former spy chief Ken Flower’s Serving Secretly (1987).
By Ibbo Mandaza
Oct. 13, 2024
Mozambique: Sadc can still play a positive role
Legal actions are ongoing, potentially altering the composition of parliament in favour of the opposition.
By Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler
Nov. 24, 2024
We must find each other and put Zimbabwe first
Central to this proposal is the establishment of a National Transitional Authority (NTA) to prepare the ground for a durable peace and national prosperity.
By Ibbo Mandaza
Apr. 13, 2025
Zim’s crisis will not be solved by another election
Political discourse has devolved into toxic polarisation, with each election deepening rather than healing national wounds.
By Ibbo Mandaza
Apr. 17, 2025
Footprints in the chains: The life story of Job Sikhala
No doubt, Job’s imprisonment remains a rallying point for the opposition movement in Zimbabwe, “a symbol of the State’s brutality and blatant disregard for human rights”.
By Ibbo Mandaza
Jun. 29, 2025
Rhetoric or reality in Zimbabwe: The failure of the state and the need for a national transitional authority
The failure of Zec in 2023 was laid bare even the SEOM, but “cured” by the Sadc summit’s congratulations for Zimbabwe holding a "peaceful” election.
By Ibbo Mandaza
Sep. 28, 2025
Premium
Temba Mliswa: Zimbabwe’s most accomplished political opportunist or man of principle?
News
Nov. 2, 2025
