Adaptation of local peace committees in Zimbabwe: Lessons from Chipinge- East constituency

Abstract

The article discusses a study conducted in the Chipinge-East District of  the Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. The possibilities of establishing local peace committees in a Zimbabwean context were analysed. The study was as a reaction to the recurring violence affecting Zimbabwean  communities along the border with Mozambique. In addition, the absence of comprehensive violence-reduction measures from the Zimbabwean  government and communities to address this violence was noted. An action research approach was used to conduct the study. The findings of the  study revealed that the Chipinge-East community had the capacity and interest to set up a Local Peace Committee (LPC). The LPC managed to set up  an early warning system to mitigate the violence which occurs in the community. The LPC members also managed to travel to other locations in  Chipinge District to inform the wider community about the early warning system. Despite its notable achievements, the LPC faced obstacles which  included a lack of financial resources, initial resistance, and suspicions from community members and state authorities. Despite the challenges, the  LPC continues to forge ahead and serves as a model for peacebuilding in Zimbabwe.