The recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit was marred by tensions and crackdowns on civic society organisations (CSOs), leading to concerns about the shrinking space for freedom of assembly and expression. During a human rights, democracy, and governance symposium held in Harare as part of the main summit, CSOs from various southern African countries expressed disappointment at the hostile environment they faced.
Dzikamai Bere, the national director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), highlighted the challenges faced by CSOs, noting that the operating environment continued to deteriorate, especially with the presence of unidentified individuals disrupting their meetings. This intrusion instilled fear among participants and hindered their ability to freely express their grievances.
Bere emphasized that the crackdown on civic society was a deliberate attempt to discourage people from organizing and meeting to address important issues. He criticized the double standard where Heads of State could convene without disturbances while citizens engaging in similar activities were labeled as criminals. This disparity in treatment was seen as a violation of the SADC Treaty, which aims to promote democracy and human rights in the region.
The situation in Zimbabwe was described as a „war zone“ by Bere, with the government intensifying its crackdown on human rights activists and political dissenters. He cited numerous cases of individuals being arrested, denied bail, and even abducted and tortured, highlighting the oppressive tactics employed to silence opposition voices.
Thabo Masuku, the executive director at Eswatin’s Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice, echoed Bere’s sentiments, noting that similar violations were occurring in Swaziland, where political parties are banned, and civic society space is heavily restricted. Masuku emphasized the universal values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which should be upheld across all SADC member states.
As Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed the chairmanship of the regional bloc, concerns were raised about the regime’s intolerance towards dissenting voices. Despite the summit’s focus on regional cooperation and development, the presence of political prisoners and activists languishing in jails underscored the ongoing challenges faced by those advocating for human rights and democracy in the region.
In conclusion, the SADC Summit highlighted the need for greater respect for human rights, democracy, and governance across the region. The crackdown on civic society organizations and the suppression of dissenting voices are clear violations of fundamental rights and undermine the principles of the SADC Treaty. Moving forward, it is essential for member states to uphold these values and create an enabling environment for civil society to thrive and contribute to the region’s development.
