In 2023, Zimbabwe’s human rights landscape took a harrowing turn for the worse. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has laid bare the grim realities of a nation under siege from within, as electoral integrity, civil liberties, gender equality, and land rights plummeted. A chilling increase in the suppression of dissent underscored a year fraught with violations, painting a somber picture of Zimbabwe’s governance and its adherence to democratic values.

The aftermath of the August general elections was a tumultuous period that saw the nation gripped by political uncertainty. The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), a main opposition force, was rocked by controversial recalls of its elected members of parliament by a self-styled secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu. This maneuver left Zimbabwe teetering on the brink of unrest.

The integrity of the elections came under severe scrutiny from international observers. The European Union Observer Mission and the Southern Africa Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) were among those who criticized the polls for not meeting the benchmarks set by Zimbabwe’s own constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Principles. HRW’s 2024 world report echoed these concerns, highlighting a climate rife with threats, intimidation, repression, and violence against political opponents, which severely tainted the electoral process.

The impartiality of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was called into question, while the government’s inaction in prosecuting abuses mainly perpetrated by supporters of the ruling Zanu PF party and state security forces fostered a culture of impunity. This was particularly evident in the lead-up to the elections.

The situation worsened on election night when government security forces stormed the offices of the Election Resource Centre (ERC) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn), detaining nearly 40 staff and volunteers. This raid thwarted an independent verification of the official results, casting further shadows over the electoral integrity.

Despite these glaring issues, President Mnangagwa’s inauguration saw attendance from a handful of regional leaders, signaling a lukewarm regional response to the contentious election results. The clampdown on civil society persisted, with the revocation of registration for 291 non-governmental and civil society organizations under the pretext of non-compliance with the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.

The adoption of repressive laws, including amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act and the introduction of the “Patriotic Bill,” posed dire threats to the freedoms of association and expression. These laws, critiqued for their ambiguity and potential for misuse, significantly undermined the activities of those championing their right to free expression.

The weaponization of the law against critics of the government continued unabated, with arbitrary arrests becoming commonplace. Opposition figures, such as Job Sikhala, languished in pre-trial detention for extended periods, facing charges that appeared more aimed at quelling dissent than administering justice.

The abduction, torture, and sexual assault of opposition MP Joana Mamombe, along with activists Netsai Marova and Cecillia Chimbiri, epitomizes the government’s ruthless crackdown on opposition and criticism. The subsequent charges against them for allegedly staging their own kidnappings add insult to injury.

Zimbabwe’s human rights record in 2023 is a distressing testament to a nation struggling with political instability, the quashing of dissent, and the degradation of democratic freedoms. The international community, alongside domestic advocates for justice and reform, plays a vital role in addressing these critical issues. As Zimbabwe charts its course forward, the imperatives of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights stand out as pillars for rebuilding a society committed to sustainable peace and democracy.