In 2023, Zimbabwe saw a significant decline in human rights, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The year brought about worsening conditions in many areas including election fairness, freedom in daily life, women’s rights, and rights to land. The country also saw a troubling increase in the suppression of those who disagreed with the government. This marked a concerning trend in Zimbabwe’s approach to governance and democratic values.

Following the general elections in August, the nation faced a challenging period. The main opposition party, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), encountered issues when a self-declared leader, Sengezo Tshabangu, controversially removed its elected members of parliament. This action threw Zimbabwe into a state of political confusion and unrest.

International groups that watch elections, like the European Union Observer Mission and the Southern Africa Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), criticized the elections. They stated that the elections did not meet the standards set by Zimbabwe’s constitution, its Electoral Act, or the principles for fair elections outlined by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). HRW’s 2024 world report shared similar concerns, highlighting a climate filled with threats, intimidation, and violence against those opposing the government, which seriously hurt the election environment.

Questions arose about the fairness of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The government did not investigate or punish wrongful actions, mostly done by supporters of the ruling party, Zanu PF, and security forces. This lack of action helped a culture of getting away with wrongdoing, especially noticeable before the elections.

Tensions increased on the night of the election when government security forces entered the offices of the Election Resource Centre (ERC) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn). They arrested nearly 40 workers and volunteers, which stopped an independent check of the official election results and made people doubt the election’s fairness.

Despite these problems, a few regional leaders attended President Mnangagwa’s inauguration, showing a limited response from neighboring countries to how the elections were conducted. The government kept restricting civil society by canceling the registration of 291 non-government and civil society groups for supposedly not following the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.

New restrictive laws, like changes to the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act and the so-called “Patriotic Bill,” posed serious threats to freedom of association and speech. These laws were vague and open to misuse, undermining the rightful actions of those expressing their freedom of speech.

Arbitrary arrests continued, and the law was used as a weapon against critics of the government. Opposition politicians, such as Job Sikhala, faced long periods in jail before their trials, and others were charged with crimes that seemed designed to silence them.

The kidnapping, harming, and mistreatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe and activists Netsai Marova and Cecillia Chimbiri, followed by charges of faking their own abduction, are further examples of the government’s harsh treatment of dissent.

In summary, Zimbabwe’s human rights situation in 2023 shows a country struggling with political instability, suppression of opposing voices, and a weakening of democratic freedoms. The response from the international community, along with local efforts for justice and reform, is essential in addressing these severe issues. As Zimbabwe moves ahead, there is a growing need for accountability, openness, and respect for human rights in the pursuit of lasting peace and democracy.