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1 results

  • 7 - History, Consciousness and Citizenship in Matabeleland

  • Susanne Verheul, University of Oxford
  • Book:
    Performing Power in Zimbabwe
    Published online:
    31 August 2021
    Print publication:
    09 September 2021, pp 181-205

  • Summary

    Chapter 7 situates the founding of the Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) within regional and ethnic politics to examine the formation of a local human rights network, Abammeli. When the MLF leaders were charged with treason, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) lawyers based in Harare rejected the MLF case, despite the fact that it was working as the leading defence council in the Gwisai treason trial at that time. Formed as a response to ZLHR’s refusal to defend the MLF leaders, Abammeli’s formation highlights how the historical place of law shaped legal and state consciousness in Matabeleland. Abammeli’s lawyers positioned themselves first and foremost as residents in, and citizens of, Matabeleland, and they articulated an understanding of citizenship that granted legitimacy to law if it protected a shared humanity, rather than a specific political agenda.