In a move that is likely to draw international attention to Zimbabwe’s alleged human rights abuses and shrinking democratic space, 44 civil society organisations from across Africa have expressed their collective concern about the country’s deteriorating political situation.
Over 100 political activists are currently being detained in prison over “trumped-up” charges connected with planning to demonstrate against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime during the 44th Southern African Development Community Summit in Harare.
The event will be held on the 17th of August.
Human rights defenders Namatai Kwekeza, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo were arrested last week for allegedly participating in a demonstration.
They joined 74 other political activists, including former cabinet Minister Jameson Timba, who are being detained for allegedly holding an unsanctioned political gathering.
More activists are also detained, including a tourist, Lucas Slavik, a Czech national who is accused of spreading falsehoods through a recorded video in which he narrated Zimbabwe’s bad economic state.
Recently, dozens of student leaders under the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) were beaten before being arrested by the police while holding their annual General Council meeting in Harare.
Against this background, 44 human rights and civil society organisations from across Africa, including DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, Ecumenical Service on Southern Africa KASA, Friends of Angola (FOA), Human Rights Forum, South Africa (HRFSA), Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA) and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) have raised concerns about the political situation in Zimbabwe.
“Human rights and civil society organizations across the African continent are deeply concerned about the severe restriction of civic space and the systematic erosion of fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe,” the organisations said in a joint statement.
“The recent escalation in state-sponsored repression, characterized by abductions, arbitrary arrests and unjust denial of bail, torture, and harassment of human rights activists and opposition political members, represents a profoundly disturbing trend.
“This repressive environment is particularly concerning ahead of the 44 session of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 17 August 2024.
“It constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental rights of Zimbabwean citizens and an egregious violation of democratic principles and international standards.
“The recent brutal crackdown on the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), exemplifies this escalating repression.
“On Wednesday, July 24, in Harare, ZINASU students peacefully convened for their annual General Council meeting when armed police in riot gear stormed the ZESA National Training Centre.
“The police violently disrupted the gathering, subjecting unarmed students to severe beatings and arresting several attendees, resulting in numerous injuries.
“ZINASU, a united front of Zimbabwean tertiary students, is dedicated to protecting students from exploitation and oppression, defending academic freedoms and rights, and promoting democracy.”
“This incident is not isolated but rather part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and victimization of civic groups and the opposition.
“Currently, over 77 democracy activists are languishing in pre-trial detention after the High Court denied them bail following their arrest for holding a peaceful meeting at a private residence in Harare.
“The detained members include children, elderly men, and women, some of whom were severely beaten and tortured while in custody.”
Observers believe that the State is afraid of being embarrassed during the SADC Summit by anti-government protesters. Mnangagwa’s government is accused of human rights abuses, rigging elections and economic mismanagement.
Activists are allegedly planning to voice their concerns to the regional bloc through protests during the summit.
