As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on August 17 in Harare, concerns are mounting over the increasing suppression of civic space and arrests of opposition members. Our letter highlights the alarming situation, where approximately 165 individuals, including opposition members, activists, and human rights defenders, have been arbitrarily detained. Many of these detainees have faced torture and mistreatment, with charges often based on assumptions of planned protests.
The crackdown began on June 16, targeting members of the Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) during a celebration of the International Day of the African Child. The police used excessive force, leading to injuries, and detained 78 people, including CCC interim leader Jameson Timba. Despite constitutional protections, these individuals were held in custody for over 48 hours, violating their legal rights. Subsequent bail applications have been denied, with the High Court citing the potential for “similar offenses” if the detainees were released.
Government officials, including President Mnangagwa, have issued stern warnings against protests, labeling opposition parties and civil society organizations as “rogue elements” and threatening severe consequences for dissent. This rhetoric has been accompanied by further arrests of activists, opposition politicians, and students across the country.
We call on SADC member states to pressure the Zimbabwean government to release all those detained and drop the charges against them. We urge respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as Zimbabwe assumes the role of SADC Chairperson. SouthernDefenders stresses the importance of prioritizing peace and security in Zimbabwe during this critical time.
Click the image below to read the full letter below:
The post OPEN LETTER: CONCERNS OVER SUPPRESSION OF CIVIC SPACE AHEAD OF THE SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT SUMMIT IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE appeared first on SouthernDefenders.
