Marange community members have called upon the government to demilitarise the 66 000-hectare diamond-rich area and ensure locals fully enjoy all their freedoms under other measures to maintain law and order in a way which is respectful of their rights.
The government declared Chiadzwa diamond fields in Marange a protected area under the Protected Places and Areas Act (PPAA) (Chapter 11.12) to pave the way for extensive diamond mining in 2008. The act empowers the government to control the movement and conduct of people in protected areas.
Accordingly, the government deployed troops to seal off the Marange diamond fields in to clamp down on illegal mining and smuggling after some 30,000 panners descended on the area.
However, local villagers say the militarisation of the area is no longer bearable as it is increasingly violating their rights.
“Marange’s militarization has seriously violated our rights. Because of the presence of soldiers and protected areas, we are no longer secure and safe to engage as a community in Marange. As we observe the Marange Commemoration, we call for the demilitarization of Marange,” said Lovemore Mukwada speaking during the Marange Commemorations held on 30 November.
Malvin Mudiwa called for more sustainable mining practices in the area that respect the rights of locals.
“Mining has literally closed certain communities’ livelihood doors in Marange since income-generating activities are no longer viable because mining has taken the land. As if that wasn’t enough, mining has left behind massive trenches that we’re afraid could be breeding grounds for Malaria and death traps for children and livestock. Worryingly, with all of these consequences, mining is not benefiting communities at all. We demand that mining companies and the government fix all of these issues so that the host community benefits.,” said Mudiwa.
She spoke at length about the need to protect the environment while at the same time benefiting the communities.
This year’s commemorations were aimed at promoting sustainable mining practices, responsible sourcing initiatives, traceability mechanisms, and strategies to prevent conflicts and human rights violations related to diamond mining.
Another Marange community member, Violet Mabonga, said militarisation of the area had seen the rights to assemble of the locals, greatly hindered.
“We have the freedom to assemble but with the presence of heavily armed soldiers in Marange this has been very difficult. We call upon the government to demilitarise Marange,” she said.
In June 2009, the then Deputy Mines Minister Murisi Zwizwai promised that the army would be gradually pulled out of the diamond fields, which cover 66,000 hectares.
During that time, In its report, the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) delegation accused security forces of assaulting villagers in Marange and forcing them to mine diamonds for sale on the black market.
However, the pledge to demilitarise Marange is yet to be fulfilled, 14 years later.