By Tracy Mafa
The recent SADC Summit in Zimbabwe was marred by a crackdown on civil society organizations and human rights defenders, who faced severe restrictions on their activities. In a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices, activists were subjected to arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, and intimidation by the police.
The authorities’ heavy-handed tactics were aimed at suppressing peaceful demonstrations and stifling the activists’ ability to express their opinions and hold leaders accountable. The arrests and detentions were carried out without due process, and the activists were denied their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association.
This blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law is a disturbing trend in Zimbabwe, where civil society organizations and human rights defenders are increasingly being targeted for their work. The SADC Summit, which was supposed to be a platform for regional leaders to discuss key issues and promote regional integration, was instead used as an opportunity to muzzle critical voices and undermine democratic principles.
These actions violate Zimbabwe’s commitments under regional and international human rights agreements, ensuring freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The crackdown during the SADC Summit has significantly limited the ability of community groups, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders to address crucial issues in the country effectively.
Since mid-June, more than 160 people, including elected officials, opposition members, union leaders, students, and journalists, have been arrested in a massive crackdown on dissent.
Article 4 of the SADC Treaty requires member states to act by the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Section 44 of the Zimbabwean Constitution also mandates the respect, protection, promotion, and fulfilment of the rights and freedoms delineated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to freedom of assembly and association as specified in Section 58.
These rights are further enshrined in international law and several binding regional instruments, such as Articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 8 of the African Charter, Articles 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These legal frameworks are central to Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy, providing a vital avenue for citizens to advance their objectives of promoting human rights and freedoms.[1]
Setting out on the Path of Repression
The journey began weeks before the summit, as Zimbabwean authorities set out on a path of repression to pre-emptively stifle anticipated protests and civic engagement around the event. [2]
The crackdown began on 16 June when the police raided the home of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party leader, Jameson Timba, during a private gathering and arrested 78 people. The authorities charged the group with “gathering with intent to promote public violence and disorderly conduct” and held them for more than two days without bringing them before a court, in violation of criminal proceedings.
On 24 June, police arrested 44 members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and forced them to pay fines for “disorderly conduct” before releasing them. President Mnangagwa warned against “opposition political parties bent on peddling falsehoods and instigating acts of civil disorder,” and shortly after, peaceful protesters outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court were beaten and arrested. The next day, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere threatened “elements within the opposition, certain politicians, and some civil society organizations,” saying that “their days are numbered.”
On 29 June, police arrested five members of the National Democratic Working Group social justice movement at a private home in Harare, and on 1 July, police disrupted a memorial service for a CCC member killed in 2022. On 31 July, state agents pulled four activists off a plane before takeoff at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport and forcibly disappeared them for nearly eight hours, later charging them with “disorderly conduct” for participating in the 27 June protest outside the Magistrate’s Court.
When dealing with a government crackdown on civil society, it is important to take a multifaceted and sustained approach. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should try to engage in direct dialogue with government officials and the relevant ministry or agency responsible for civil society affairs.
In addition, CSOs should document and publicize the violations, pursue legal challenges, build coalitions and solidarity, engage in nonviolent resistance, and seek international support and pressure.
Throughout this process, it’s essential for CSOs to engage constructively with the government, opening dialogues, advocating for change, and demonstrating the legitimacy and importance of civil society’s role. Despite the challenges ahead, a strategic and principled response can help protect fundamental rights and freedoms and create an environment where civil society can continue to play its vital part in shaping a just and democratic society.
[1]Alarming escalation of state repression in Zimbabwe ahead of 44th SADC Summit – #Asakhe – CITE
[2] Zimbabwe: Authorities must end massive crackdown on dissent before SADC summit – Amnesty International