Zimbabwean police dispersing people at an intersection in Chitungwiza in August 2023, to prevent what they considered an illegal gathering. (Zinyange Auntony / AFP)
Zimbabwean police arrested more than a dozen opposition activists and leaders on Thursday and Friday as the government cracks down ahead of expected protests around the SADC summit in mid-August. Among those rounded up were a student leader, a religious leader, and rural activists. The ongoing arrests are part of a wider effort to suppress dissent and democracy in the country, with critics accusing the ruling ZANU-PF party of stifling opposition voices.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the escalating crackdown on opposition and civil society groups before the regional summit hosted by Zimbabwe. Home Minister Kazembe Kazembe has accused the opposition of provoking demonstrations to attract international attention.
The recent wave of arrests includes opposition figure Jacob Ngarivhume and a religious leader. The hearing of democracy activists seeking the release of opposition leader Jameson Timba was postponed, with the activists alleging torture during their detention.
The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges faced by opposition groups and the broader civil society in Zimbabwe amidst the government’s efforts to suppress dissent.