Zimbabwe is witnessing a decline in civic freedoms, with threats, intimidation, surveillance and restrictions on public gatherings increasingly discouraging citizens from expressing dissenting views or participating in public affairs, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) says.
In its latest monitoring report, ZPP documented 14 violations involving freedom of expression and 15 involving restrictions on freedom of assembly.
The organisation said the violations pointed to a broader pattern of citizens being discouraged from speaking out, organising and participating in political and civic activities.
“Zimbabwe is witnessing a worrying regression in civic freedoms, with the shrinking of space for citizens to speak, assemble and participate in public affairs becoming increasingly normalised,” ZPP said.
On this topic
It said threats, intimidation, surveillance, arrests and interference were being used to discourage citizens from expressing dissent or organising around issues of public concern.
ZPP also reported that people in some communities were allegedly being compelled to attend political meetings and gatherings, with those who refused or could not attend at risk of being labelled opponents or enemies of the ruling party.
The organisation said this risked turning political mobilisation into coercion and undermining citizens’ right to make political choices freely.
It warned that restrictions on civic freedoms could also deepen mistrust and political polarisation.
“When peaceful expression is suppressed, grievances do not disappear, they accumulate,” ZPP said.
The organisation called for reforms to protect civic space, end politically motivated intimidation, safeguard freedom of expression and assembly, and strengthen accountability for alleged human rights violations.
In Matabeleland North, ZPP documented seven human rights violations in July.
In Binga North, the organisation reported that a Zanu PF supporter allegedly confronted and chased away opposition supporters at a funeral after overhearing discussions in which mourners blamed recent deaths on weaknesses in the public healthcare system.
ZPP said there had been no political mobilisation at the funeral but argued that the incident illustrated how political intimidation could restrict freedom of expression and peaceful discussion.
The organisation said the incident raised concerns under Section 61 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, as well as provisions relating to human dignity and personal security.
ZPP warned that continued restrictions on civic participation could leave citizens with fewer peaceful ways to raise grievances.
It urged authorities to protect civic freedoms and ensure that people can express political opinions, organise and participate in elections without intimidation or coercion.
Leave a Reply