CIO Deputy Director Allegedly Establishes Trust to Fund Zanu-PF's 2023 Election Campaign

Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, the Deputy Director-General of Zimbabwe's Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), and his family members are accused of creating the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) trust to support the ruling Zanu-PF party's 2023 election campaign.

Why this matters: The allegations of the CIO deputy director-general's involvement in funding the ruling party's election campaign raise concerns about the fairness and transparency of Zimbabwe's electoral process. If true, this could have significant implications for the country's democracy and the legitimacy of its government.

The Sentry, an investigative organization, reports that FAZ spent US$23 million on the campaign, including US$4 million on importing over 160 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks for Zanu-PF candidates. This substantial expenditure highlights the significant financial resources mobilized to support the ruling party.

FAZ's trustees and founders reportedly include Tapfumaneyi's family and close associates, such as Tangisai Tapera, his key ally and former business partner. The main phone number for FAZ had previously been used by a CIO officer, suggesting a direct connection between the trust and the intelligence agency.

Despite denials from Tapfumaneyi and FAZ regarding any control by the CIO over the trust, The Sentry's investigation points to several links. Tapfumaneyi's son and wife are listed as FAZ founders and heads of local branches, respectively, further indicating a potential connection.

The CIO had significantly increased its spending before the elections, purchasing 780 vehicles worth US$23 million since January 2022. This increase in expenditure raises questions about the use of state resources to benefit the ruling party.

FAZ chairperson Kudakwashe Munsaka explained that the entity was a revival of a trust first established in 2010 with the support of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs (MSPA). The MSPA was disbanded in 2014, leading to the temporary abandonment of the project, which was revived in 2022.

The Sentry recommended that the government stop using state resources to benefit Zanu-PF and called for updates to electoral laws to limit campaign expenditures. The report also urged banks and businesses working with FAZ to conduct enhanced due diligence in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Tapfumaneyi has denied any personal or official involvement with FAZ, stating, *"The allegations have no legal foundation."* However, the evidence presented by The Sentry suggests otherwise, with multiple connections between the CIO and FAZ.

The ongoing investigation's findings could have significant repercussions for the transparency and fairness of Zimbabwe's electoral process.

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe's CIO Deputy Director-General accused of funding Zanu-PF's 2023 election campaign.
• Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) trust allegedly spent $23 million on campaign, including $4 million on Toyota Hilux trucks.
• FAZ's trustees and founders include CIO Deputy Director-General's family and close associates.
• CIO increased spending before elections, purchasing 780 vehicles worth $23 million since January 2022.
• Investigation raises concerns about fairness and transparency of Zimbabwe's electoral process.