ZIMBABWE’S DESCENT INTO DARKNESS

In 2023, Zimbabwe found itself embroiled in a worsening human rights crisis, as documented by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The year unfolded with glaring setbacks in electoral integrity, civil liberties, gender equality, and land rights, painting a distressing picture of the nation’s governance and commitment to democratic principles.

The aftermath of the August general elections was particularly chaotic. The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), the main opposition force, was rocked by the controversial recall of its elected Members of Parliament by a so-called secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu. This maneuver plunged Zimbabwe into a quagmire of political uncertainty and unrest, severely testing the resilience of its democratic fabric.

The international community, including the European Union Observer Mission and the Southern Africa Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), voiced serious concerns over the elections. Their observations aligned with HRW’s 2024 world report, which highlighted a climate rife with intimidation, repression, and violence against political adversaries. These actions starkly undermined the electoral environment and deviated from Zimbabwe’s constitutional mandates, the Electoral Act, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

The integrity of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was under scrutiny, and the government’s reluctance to address and prosecute abuses, predominantly perpetrated by supporters of the ruling Zanu PF party and state security forces, fostered a culture of impunity. This was especially pronounced in the lead-up to the elections, undermining the foundational pillars of democracy and justice in Zimbabwe.

Election night witnessed a dramatic escalation when government security forces stormed the offices of the Election Resource Centre (ERC) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn). The arrest of nearly 40 staff and volunteers obstructed an independent verification of the electoral outcomes, casting a long shadow over the legitimacy of the process.

Despite these daunting challenges, President Mnangagwa’s inauguration proceeded with limited regional leadership presence, signaling a lukewarm regional stance towards the electoral aftermath. The government’s crackdown on civil society deepened, with 291 non-governmental and civil society organizations stripped of their registration under the pretext of non-compliance with the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.

The passage of repressive legislation, including the amendment to the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act and the “Patriotic Bill,” posed severe threats to freedoms of association and expression. These laws, marked by their ambiguity and potential for misuse, stand as stark reminders of the threats looming over those exercising their right to free expression.

Arbitrary arrests and the manipulation of legal frameworks against critics of the government continued unabated. Figures like opposition politician Job Sikhala faced prolonged pre-trial detentions, while others were saddled with charges that appeared more aimed at quelling dissent than enforcing the law.

The abduction, torture, and sexual assault of opposition MP Joana Mamombe, along with activists Netsai Marova and Cecillia Chimbiri, and the subsequent bizarre charges for orchestrating their own kidnapping, underscore the government’s brutal crackdown on dissent.

The human rights landscape in Zimbabwe throughout 2023 reveals a grim narrative of a nation grappling with political instability, suppression of opposition, and the erosion of democratic freedoms. The international community, together with local voices advocating for justice and reform, plays a pivotal role in confronting these pressing challenges. As Zimbabwe looks to the future, the imperative for accountability, transparency, and unwavering respect for human rights stands as the cornerstone for achieving lasting peace and democracy.