On a fateful morning in August, four masked men attempted to break into the offices of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), a network of organizations advocating for democratic freedom in a country where dissent often leads to danger. The staff members at CiZC had to hide as the intruders smashed a security camera and tried to force their way in. Only when neighbors assured them that the men had left did the staff come out of hiding, but they now fear for their safety and avoid the office.
The government operatives behind the break-in were suspected due to a government-owned newspaper’s accusations against CiZC, accusing them of planning demonstrations. The incident is part of a wave of crackdowns on pro-democracy activists and opposition members in Zimbabwe, all leading up to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to assume leadership of the SADC.
New government, old policy
Mnangagwa’s promises of political reforms have been overshadowed by brutal crackdowns on peaceful critics, including abductions, torture, and harassment. The tightening of civic space in Zimbabwe has drawn international scrutiny, with the United States imposing sanctions on Mnangagwa for rights abuses and corruption.
SADC’s silence
As the crackdown intensifies, calls for action from the SADC have gone unanswered, raising concerns about regional stability. Despite mounting pressure, major players like South Africa have remained silent, potentially to protect trade relations and avoid exacerbating internal issues like immigration and xenophobia.
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