By Munyaradzi Mugomeza| In Zimbabwe, a nation once heralded as the breadbasket of Africa, the hope for true democracy remains under siege. The ruling ZANU-PF party’s persistent harassment of opposition leaders and supporters, coupled with violence and the suppression of constitutional freedoms, paints a bleak picture of a country struggling to uphold democratic principles. These systematic violations not only erode the rights of individuals but also undermine the integrity of institutions meant to safeguard those rights.
The Harassment and Arrest of Opposition Leaders
Prominent opposition figures have frequently been the target of state harassment and arbitrary arrests. Nelson Chamisa, leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has faced relentless intimidation, including the denial of permits for rallies and alleged surveillance by state agents.
In March 2023, several CCC members, including MP Job Sikhala, were arrested on charges widely seen as politically motivated. Sikhala, known for his vocal criticism of ZANU-PF, was detained without trial for months—a clear violation of his constitutional right to a fair and timely hearing.
Such cases reveal the government’s strategy to silence dissent through the misuse of law enforcement. The police, acting as an extension of the ruling party, have been accused of selectively enforcing the law, targeting opposition members while ignoring transgressions by ZANU-PF loyalists.
Violence Against Supporters
State-sponsored violence against opposition supporters is another critical issue. During the 2018 elections, post-election protests in Harare were met with brutal military force, resulting in the death of six civilians.
Reports from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, highlight that these killings were neither investigated nor prosecuted, signaling impunity for state actors involved in such atrocities.
In rural areas, opposition supporters often face intimidation from traditional leaders aligned with ZANU-PF. Stories of villagers being forced to attend ruling party rallies under threat of eviction from their homes are commonplace.
This creates a culture of fear, suppressing political participation and consolidating ZANU-PF’s dominance.
Judicial Complicity and Erosion of Freedoms
The judiciary, an institution meant to be a bulwark against tyranny, has been criticized for its lack of impartiality in Zimbabwe. Judges have frequently ruled in favor of the government in politically charged cases, raising questions about their independence. For instance, during the 2018 presidential election dispute, the Constitutional Court dismissed Chamisa’s petition challenging the election results despite substantial evidence of irregularities. Critics argue that the ruling exemplified a judiciary unwilling to hold the executive accountable.
Furthermore, recent bans on opposition gatherings have been upheld by courts under dubious pretexts, such as public health concerns. These rulings often ignore constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly and speech, effectively granting ZANU-PF unchecked authority to stifle opposition activity.
The Attack on Freedom of Association and Speech
Freedom of expression, enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution, has become a casualty of the state’s authoritarian tactics. Independent journalists and media outlets face constant threats, with some reporters arrested for covering opposition events. The draconian Cyber Security and Data Protection Act has been weaponized to criminalize dissenting voices on social media.
In one alarming instance, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was arrested multiple times for his outspoken criticism of government corruption and human rights abuses. His prolonged detention without trial became a symbol of the regime’s intolerance for dissent.
A Call for Accountability
The international community has not remained silent in the face of these abuses. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have condemned the Zimbabwean government’s actions. However, condemnation alone has proven insufficient to bring about meaningful change.
Zimbabweans themselves, particularly civil society groups, have shown resilience in resisting repression. Movements like #ThisFlag and #ZimbabweanLivesMatter have amplified the plight of ordinary citizens, drawing global attention to the government’s authoritarian tactics.
Conclusion
The continued harassment, violence, and judicial complicity in Zimbabwe signal an urgent need for reform. A nation cannot claim to be democratic when opposition leaders are silenced, supporters live in fear, and fundamental freedoms are attacked with impunity.
ZANU-PF must be held accountable for these violations, both domestically and internationally. Zimbabweans deserve a government that respects their rights, protects their freedoms, and fosters an environment where political participation is not a dangerous act of defiance but a celebrated aspect of citizenship. Until these aspirations are realized, Zimbabwe will remain a democracy in name only, shackled by the chains of authoritarian rule.