Switzerland’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Stephane Rey, has sparked controversy with his alleged interference in the Gukurahundi hearings. Critics accuse him of trying to manipulate the process and sow division among Zimbabweans.

Rey’s meetings with traditional leaders and government officials have raised eyebrows. Some see it as an attempt to dictate how Zimbabweans should heal and reconcile. Others question Switzerland’s sudden interest in Zimbabwe’s internal matters.

“An Assault on Zimbabwe’s Path Toward Reconciliation”
Abantwana BoMzabalazo, a group representing children of ZPRA veterans, has condemned Rey’s alleged interference. They see it as an unacceptable intrusion into Zimbabwe’s internal affairs and a direct attempt to sabotage the country’s development agenda.

The group insists that the hearings must remain a community-led, African-driven process, free from external influence. “These hearings are not tools for foreign experiments. They are sacred processes initiated by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, to confront painful truths, bring justice to victims, and lay the foundation for national unity.”

Can Foreigners Help Without Interfering? As Zimbabwe navigates its complex history, one question remains: can foreigners contribute to peacebuilding without imposing their own agendas? The answer might lie in finding a delicate balance between support and interference.