Zimbabwe’s MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora has called for a government investigation into allegations that ZANU-PF officials are politicizing the distribution of food aid in rural areas, deliberately excluding opposition supporters from receiving drought relief.

Mwonzora’s comments come in response to widespread reports that ruling party members are removing families aligned with opposition parties from the lists of beneficiaries for food aid, particularly in remote regions.

“Almost every family in the rural areas has indicated that they require drought relief aid. Indeed, they require food aid. Most of this drought relief is coming from international donor organizations, and it is meant to benefit all Zimbabweans,” Mwonzora said.

He accused ZANU-PF officials of using food aid as a tool for political manipulation, saying, “ZANU-PF, through its officials, has been systematically removing families of the members of the opposition from the list of beneficiaries of food aid. This can only be described as evil.”

Zimbabwe is facing a severe drought exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, leading to widespread crop failure and food shortages across the country. In April, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for food assistance.

Despite the government’s efforts, concerns persist regarding the transparency and fairness of the aid distribution process, with opposition parties claiming that food relief is being politicized.

Mwonzora emphasized that the drought has affected Zimbabweans across all political affiliations and that food aid should be distributed equitably. He called on the government to step in and ensure that food aid reaches those in need, regardless of their political affiliation, and urged the police to take action against those who interfere with the distribution of relief aid.

The issue of food aid distribution has become a focal point for political debate in Zimbabwe, with accusations of corruption and political interference intensifying as the country grapples with a growing humanitarian crisis.