The Impact of the Resurgence (RENAMO): A Case Study of Chimanimani East, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The research was guided by the following central research question; Are people in Chimanimani East aware of the current activities of Renamo in Mozambique and the consequences on their livelihoods? What are the perceptions of the people in Chimanimani East over the activities in Mozambique?. How has the conflict in Mozambique impacted on Zimbabwe? and what are the ongoing multiple productive strategies of resolving the conflict? The study was informed by both the Theory of Violence by Johan Galtung and Trauma theory by Sigmund Freud. The study relied heavily on qualitative and a bit of quantitative research. The research tools applied were judgmental, snowballing and purposive sampling and direct observation. In-depth interviews, direct focus groups and questionnaires were carried out to gather the relevant information. The collected data was presented in an analytic narrative form and in basic statistical format. The findings revealed that the people in Chimanimani were aware of the current activities of Renamo, the current conflict’s impact psychologically as revealed by the general fear of Renamo by the respondents, the likely impact on their livelihoods and the what role SADC and African Union should take in the event of an all our civil war. The study also revealed that dialogue has been initiated between Renamo and the Mozambican government in trying to implement some of the Rome Peace Agreement. The study makes recommendations to the government of Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as the people in Chimanimani East.