By A Correspondent
As Zimbabwe hurtles towards the 2030 presidential election, the government has intensified its surveillance on activists, opposition leaders, and journalists.
The move is seen as a concerted effort to muzzle dissenting voices and maintain a tight grip on power.
The ruling party’s social media activists have been orchestrating a campaign of hate speech and incitement against prominent opposition figures, including former Zengeza MP Job Sikhala, Gift Ostallos Siziba, and Peter Mutasa, the former president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).
These individuals have been vocal in their rejection of the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow President Mnangagwa to seek a third term.
Activists and journalists across the country are being trailed by suspected state security agents, and many have reported incidents of harassment and intimidation. The regime is seeking to silence critics and potential protest leaders, and the blessing of war veterans’ leaders is being sought to legitimize the crackdown.
The recent arrest of prominent journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been in detention for 9 days, has raised concerns about the state’s intentions. Mhlanga’s arrest is seen as a warning shot to the media and civil society, and has sent a chilling message about the consequences of speaking truth to power.
As anticipation for protests rises, the state is monitoring activists, and the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jefferson Muswere, has warned against any attempts to destabilize the country.
The government has accused activists and the opposition of seeking to incite violence and undermine the authority of the state.
However, human rights defenders and opposition leaders argue that the government’s actions are a clear attempt to suppress dissent and maintain a grip on power. They point to the proposed constitutional amendment as a clear indication of the government’s intention to subvert the democratic process and cling to power.
The surge in surveillance has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and assembly, as individuals become wary of being monitored and potentially targeted by the state.
The use of advanced surveillance capabilities, including digital surveillance, has increased the potential for the state to spy on its citizens and further clamp down on free speech.
As Zimbabwe teeters on the brink of a major political crisis, the international community is watching with bated breath.
The situation demands a concerted effort from regional and international actors to press for the respect of human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles.