The Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SouthernDefenders), the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network (AfricaDefenders), and the undersigned African civil society organizations express profound concern regarding the recent threats issued by the Government of Zimbabwe against civil society organizations and opposition political members. The government has shown paranoia and made baseless threats of organizing protests in anticipation of the 44th session of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit for Heads of State, scheduled for August this year, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to assume leadership of the 16-member SADC.

In the released statement, the country’s Information Minister, Jen fan Muswere, recently alleged that the opposition and civil society organizations are planning to instigate anarchy, despondency, chaos, mayhem, and subversive activities within Zimbabwe. The Minister warned that such activities are intended to undermine the rule of law and that the organizers’ “days are numbered.” Similar remarks were made earlier by President Mnangagwa during a meeting of the ruling Zanu PF party’s politburo and central  committee, where he warned against “rogue elements” bent on inciting civil disorder, particularly before, during, and after regional events.

The State’s aggressive language in warning against organizing protests is deeply concerning and undemocratic, contradicting Zimbabwe’s democratic Constitution. Implied threats that “their days are numbered” directed at opposition members and civil society carry a menacing tone that suppresses free speech, expression, and peaceful protest. These authoritarian undertones are especially troubling given the history of state security agents using violence and excessive force. Over the years, numerous civil society members, opposition activists, and journalists have been abducted, tortured, and killed, including the recent case of the abduction, torture, and killing of prominent cleric and opposition member Tapfumaneyi Masaya, where justice remains elusive.

As civil society, we assert that the people of Zimbabwe have the right to protest peacefully and that the state has a duty to respect, facilitate, and protect this right. This means that the state and its organs must not arbitrarily interfere. Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects peaceful assemblies in various forms, including demonstrations, protests, meetings, processions, rallies, sit-ins, candlelit vigils, and flash mobs. The Covenant imposes an obligation on States parties “to respect and to ensure” all rights enshrined within it. This right is reinforced under Article 11 of the African Charter, which also provides for peaceful assembly.

The Zimbabwean Constitution acknowledges political rights, particularly the right to make political choices freely, to form, join, and participate in political activities of a political party or organization of one’s choice. This includes the right to participate individually or collectively in gatherings or groups, and to influence or challenge government policies. 

Therefore, the ongoing wave of arbitrary arrests and the menacing threats that accompany them constitute severe acts of repression, unmistakably indicating the systematic closure of democratic civic space under the pretext of upholding law and order. We, the undersigned civil society organizations, operating in coordination through SouthernDefenders and AfricaDefenders, hereby urgently call upon the Zimbabwean authorities:

Cease Threats and Intimidation: We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately cease all threats and intimidation directed at civil society organizations and opposition political members. The aggressive language and baseless accusations issued by the Information Minister and President Mnangagwa are undemocratic and contrary to the principles enshrined in Zimbabwe’s democratic Constitution.
Respect Constitutional and International Rights: We urge the government to respect and uphold the rights to free speech, expression, and peaceful protest as guaranteed under the Zimbabwean Constitution and international human rights instruments, including Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter.
Ensure Safety and Security: We demand that the government ensure the safety and security of all civil society members, opposition activists, and journalists. The state must take all necessary measures to prevent abductions, torture, and killings, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

#TogetherWeDefend

Signed By:

Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SouthernDefenders)
Pan Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (AfricanDefenders)
Center for Strategic Litigation
DITSHWANELO  – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights .
Chapter One Foundation  – Zambia
Human Rights Institute of South Africa – South Africa 
Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre – South Africa
Protection International Africa – Kenya
South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN)- South Sudan
Lawyers for Human Rights  LHR –  South Africa
Africa Unite
Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) – South Africa

The post JOINT STATEMENT AGAINST THREATS MADE TO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AND DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AHEAD OF THE 44TH SADC SUMMIT appeared first on SouthernDefenders.