Harare – As Zimbabwe gears up to host the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit next month, a palpable tension hangs in the air, a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is pulling out all the stops to ensure a successful event, but the backdrop of political unrest and a crackdown on dissent casts a long shadow over the preparations.
The summit, scheduled for August 17th and 18th, is a crucial moment for Mnangagwa, who will assume the rotational chairmanship of the bloc. He is using the event to solidify his position on the regional stage, particularly after last year’s disputed elections, which were widely condemned by international observers.
The government is keen to present a picture of stability and prosperity, throwing money at sprucing up the capital city, Harare, and embarking on ambitious infrastructure projects. However, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. The effects of the El Nino-induced drought have left over half of the population struggling with hunger, and the government’s crackdown on dissent has intensified in recent months.
“The government of President Mnangagwa is accelerating its crackdown against legitimate and peaceful activism ahead of the August summit,” said Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “SADC needs to engage with the authorities to take clear measures to ensure the enjoyment of basic freedoms by all Zimbabweans.”
The government’s response to any hint of dissent has been swift and uncompromising. On June 16th, police raided a private home in Harare, arresting over 70 people, most of them young, at a gathering to commemorate the Day of the African Child. The detainees were charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of the peace, or bigotry, as well as disorderly conduct.
Their lawyers maintain that the gathering was a barbecue (braai) at the home of Jameson Timba, an opposition leader, and that the charges are politically motivated. Despite this, a Harare magistrate denied them bail, ruling that they were likely to commit similar offences if released.
The government’s stance has been further reinforced by pronouncements from high-ranking officials. President Mnangagwa himself has warned of “rogue elements” bent on instigating civil disorder, and has assured the public that security agencies are on high alert to deal with them decisively.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has also issued a chilling warning to anyone planning unrest during the summit. “If there is someone who is planning lawlessness during the SADC summit be warned that the security sector will deal with you accordingly,” he said. “The President said we should be peaceful and welcome our visitors cheerfully.”
The government’s rhetoric, coupled with its actions, has left many fearing a crackdown on dissent during the summit. Opposition groups and political activists, emboldened by the perceived injustice of Mnangagwa’s victory, are poised to use the summit to register their grievances.
“We are tried and tested,” said Farai Marapira, Zanu PF Director of Information, in a thinly veiled threat to opposition parties planning protests. “We are ready to deal with any subversiveness…decidedly. We are waiting for the signal.”
The government’s tightrope walk between hosting a successful summit and maintaining control over dissent is fraught with danger. The international community will be watching closely, and any sign of a crackdown could further damage Zimbabwe’s already tarnished reputation.
President Mnangagwa has appealed to all stakeholders, including the private sector, to partner with the government to ensure a smooth and successful summit. He has also implored local authorities to enhance the “environmental ambience, cleanliness and beauty of our cities” in preparation for the event.
